In fulfillment of the constitutional mission to protect human rights, the Ombudsman participated in a meeting of the National Council for the Rights and Protection of Children.

During his remarks, the Ombudsman raised serious concerns regarding the fact that the Police have failed to guarantee the procedural rights of detained minors.

"In some instances, minors were not held in separate rooms, were interviewed without the presence of parents or psychologists, and were questioned outside of legally permitted hours. Furthermore, minors bearing signs of violence—which had not been examined—were discovered in police stations," stated Mr. Shabani.

The Ombudsman acknowledged the Police's response to reports issued by his institution; however, he emphasized that these violations must be addressed by holding those responsible accountable and implementing measures to prevent any recurrence.

Mr. Shabani added that the Police must uphold their integrity and public credibility, ensuring they are perceived not as a force to be feared, but as a guarantor of public safety. "In the short term, this battle between street violence and state power might be won through force; however, in the long term, it can only be won through legitimacy—which requires that the use of force be both necessary and proportionate," said Endrit Shabani, among other things.