Following a case published on social media of two minors working in construction in a private entity, the Ombudsman has requested the State Labor Inspectorate and the State Agency for Child Rights and Protection to inspect the entity and take measures to protect the children involved.

The employment of minors is strictly regulated by labor legislation and by Albania’s obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The institutions responsible for implementing the law must act with the urgency required by this issue and the Ombudsman expects them to do so.

The Ombudsman will monitor whether the responsible authorities have fulfilled their legal obligations and will inform the public about his conclusions.

This issue brings to attention the need for the Assembly to adopt the new law on the Ombudsman, allowing him to investigate the private sector as well, where citizens’ rights are violated.