Conclusion 41. While the legal framework in Albania is largely non-discriminatory, pervasive negative stereotypes of Roma continue to undermine social and official attitudes towards Roma. Consequently, there is a pattern of institutional racism against Roma, which is reflected both in the way the inclusion of Roma is perceived and pursued by state authorities and by the lack of urgency to address some of the most critical challenges that are disproportionately faced by this community. Furthermore, the legal framework itself is not equipped to address multiple discrimination, a key shortcoming given the various grounds on which Roma are likely to experience harassment, prejudice and disadvantage. 42. Another challenge relates to the gap between Albania’s legal framework (including its international obligations which have the force of law) and the bureaucracy that is mandated to implement the law and guarantee rights. Albania’s international and national law obligations related to non-discrimination, birth registration, the right to nationality, the prevention of statelessness and the identification and protection of stateless persons are all undermined by an inadequate policy framework and a burdensome bureaucracy. Indeed, it is fair to say that statelessness is not recognised as a significant issue by authorities and stakeholders in Albania. It is significant that there is no one state entity with the mandate to address statelessness. Although the Directorate for Nationality and Directorate of Civil Status are the relevant authorities dealing with granting of nationality, little attention is given to the prevention and reduction of statelessness and the protection of the rights of stateless Roma persons. Recommendations 43. Based on the above information, the co-submitting organisations urge reviewing States to make the following recommendations to Albania: I. Ensure that all international and regional obligations related to the right to nationality, prevention and reduction of statelessness, protection of stateless persons, non- discrimination, and birth registration are fully incorporated into domestic law and implemented in practice. In particular, Albania should introduce a procedure in law to identify and protect stateless persons in line with the 1954 Convention and UNHCR’s Handbook on Protection of Stateless Persons. II. Take steps to guarantee access (in law and practice) to fundamental rights for all Romani people on their territory, irrespective of documentation or citizenship status, including to education, healthcare (including reproductive rights and maternity care for women), shelter, work, freedom of movement, liberty and security of the person, equal participation in social and political life, and freedom from violations of rights such as child and early marriage. III. Take steps to reform law and practice that impedes the enjoyment of Albanian nationality by those entitled to it. In particular, Albania must safeguard every child’s right to a nationality, irrespective of the status, documentation, or actions 10