Statement by the Interreligious Council of Albania: An appeal for peace, justice, responsibility and national dialogue

Peace is a shared responsibility. Justice is an obligation. Respect for human beings is the foundation that unites us. Albania’s future is in the hands of the generations we are raising today, and therefore we have a duty to leave them a country where justice inspires hope and coexistence becomes a cherished legacy. The concerns of citizens and students deserve to be heard seriously, while institutions have a responsibility to provide concrete, transparent responses in accordance with the law.

As representatives of Albania’s official religious communities, we believe that peace does not mean remaining silent in the face of injustice, justice cannot be built through violence, and authority cannot be exercised without responsibility. Our religious traditions unite us in protecting life, human dignity, compassion, justice and respect for others, regardless of the beliefs or positions we represent.

The Interreligious Council recalls that the right to protest peacefully is a fundamental democratic value, while violence, property destruction and violations of the rights of others cannot be justified by any grievance or objective.D amage to a family business directly affects a family’s livelihood; damage to an educational institution affects the right to knowledge and security; while disrespect toward a diplomatic mission and its symbols undermines the principles of mutual respect and international coexistence.

We believe that at this moment the country needs fewer accusations and more listening, fewer confrontations and more responsibility, fewer divisions and more dialogue. No side should view the other as an enemy, but as part of the same society, with shared rights, duties and responsibilities.

Our appeal is directed to everyone: citizens must be heard, institutions must respond, justice must be guaranteed, the law must be respected and peace must be protected. Albania’s future will not be built on fear, destruction and division, but on dignity, mutual trust and the willingness to find peaceful solutions.

With humility, we call on all sides to choose dialogue over conflict and responsibility over escalation, placing the common good, the safety of citizens and social peace above every narrow interest.

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