Italy's Offshore Detention Agreement with Albania Raises Human Rights Concerns

The Italy-Albania Agreement has been widely criticized by human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, for its treatment of migrants and asylum seekers. According to Amnesty International, the agreement has led to the forcible transfer of hundreds of people to detention centers in Albania, where they face poor conditions and limited access to legal help.

## Human Rights Violations The conditions in the detention centers in Albania have been described as harsh, with reports of self-harm and attempted suicide. Amnesty International has also raised concerns about the lack of access to legal help and the limited ability of detainees to challenge their detention. The organization believes that the agreement is ultimately aimed at deterrence, rather than providing a safe and humane way to process asylum claims.

## Impact on Asylum Seekers The agreement has had a devastating impact on asylum seekers, who are being forcibly transferred to Albania without access to proper legal procedures. Many of these individuals have already experienced trauma and hardship, and the detention conditions in Albania are exacerbating their suffering. According to Eve Geddie, Director of Amnesty International's European Institutions Office, the treatment of asylum seekers in Albania is an "intolerable and unnecessary cruelty".

## Call to Action Amnesty International is calling on the Italian government to immediately end the agreement with Albania and implement alternatives to migration detention. The organization is also urging the EU to reconsider its migration policies, which prioritize exclusion and containment over safe and regular pathways. The Italian government has been criticized for its handling of the agreement, including its attempts to limit parliamentary oversight and bypass ordinary legislative processes.

The following table summarizes the key events and figures related to the Italy-Albania Agreement: | Event | Date | Number of People | | --- | --- | --- | | Maritime operations and transfers to Albania | October 2024 - January 2025 | 74 | | Critical incidents in Gjadër detention center | 11 April - 16 May 2025 | 42 | | Forcible transfers to Albania | March 2025 - present | over 500 | | Italian government funding for agreement | 2024-2028 | €670 million |

The Italy-Albania Agreement has been in force since 23 February 2024 and is set to remain in force for five years. Amnesty International's research is based on correspondence with the Italian Ministry of Interior, court documents, and interviews with lawyers and UN agencies. The organization is urging the Italian government to take immediate action to address the human rights concerns raised by the agreement.