Diplomacy
UN human rights chief Volker Türk condemns violence at protests in Albania, calls for independent investigation
The UN High Commissioner called on all sides to de-escalate, describing inclusive dialogue as the only way forward.
By ANN Newsroom · Newsroom
October 20, 2026, 21:05 · Updated 12:23 · 1 min read
In brief
- Volker Türk condemned acts of violence during protests in Albania, Italy, France, Belgium and Portugal.
- He said allegations of unlawful use of force must be investigated promptly and independently.
- The commissioner stressed people's right to protest peacefully.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has responded to the violent protests taking place in Albania and in several European Union countries, including Italy, France, Belgium and Portugal. In a statement released Tuesday evening, he expressed concern about the situation from a human rights perspective.
“I condemn all acts of violence and call on all those involved to de-escalate tensions,” Türk said. According to him, the best and only way forward is an inclusive and safe dialogue.
Call for an independent investigation
The UN human rights chief stressed that people have the right to protest peacefully and to have their voices heard. He added that allegations of unlawful use of force must be investigated promptly, effectively and independently.
The statement comes on the eighth day of protests in Tirana, where clashes between protesters and police have recurred almost every evening. During the week, the Tirana Prosecutor's Office has opened proceedings over actions by police officers, while the Ombudsman and human rights organizations have reported allegations of violence against detainees, including minors.
International pressure to de-escalate
Türk's reaction adds to other international calls for calm and for dialogue between the sides. The Albanian government has offered students a dialogue table several times, but they have refused, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama.
Meanwhile, the university lecturers' union has also demanded an independent and transparent investigation into the use of force by police since Oct. 13, when the protests began.
