Situation of children in Albania

Albania is one of the poorest countries in Europe with 12.4% of the population living in poverty. Poverty combined with lack of basic services and increased urbanization has led to large numbers of children living under increased “risk” and denied their rights, especially to basic health care, education, and security.

Poor children are highly likely to live in large households, with higher rates of poverty in rural than in urban areas. Poverty is weakening familiar bonds, causing the increase in the number of children living with one parent and of those placed temporarily under the care of relatives or social welfare structures.

The infant mortality and under-five mortality rate remains the highest in the region 15/1000 births . Mortality rates in infancy and early childhood are higher in rural areas than in urban areas. In Albania infant mortality in rural areas (24 deaths per 1000 births) is twice as high as in urban areas (12 deaths per 1000 births). Level of parent education and family health status, mother’s age, birth order in family and birth intervals, are found to have correlation with the rate of infant and early childhood mortality. (pg117)

Roma/Egyptian children in Albania continue to suffer exclusion and segregation in kindergarten and school. Only 13.5% of the Roma children aged 3-5 are attending pre-school in Albania. 54% of school age Roma children have never attended school while 43% of Roma children aged 15-16 are illiterate. One out of two Roma children aged 6–16 drops out from school. 54% of Roma/Egyptian children of compulsory school age (6-16) have not yet completed school.

Violence against children in Albania is an issue of concern. The overwhelming majority of adults maintain that physical and psychological violence has positive effects on a child’s education, even though they are also aware that there are negative consequences. Children have absorbed the idea that physical and psychological violence are needed, both at home and in schools.

One out of every two children at home, and one out of nearly three children in schools, acknowledges that the violence exercised against them is necessary .