SOLIDARITY STATEMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS

Civil society and human rights organizations express support for Mirela Arqimandriti, activist and Executive Director of the Gender Alliance for Development Center, with 30 years of experience in defending women’s rights.

We express our full solidarity with one of the earliest and most vocal activists for women’s rights.

The recent events on the “Off Record” show on A2 CNN, on October 28, where Mirela was verbally and publicly attacked, clearly reflect the patriarchal mindset and misogyny faced by every woman or person who dares to defend their rights.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3KixujrXto

The offensive comments and attacks made by some of the guests in the studio, including sexist and discriminatory language, do not represent public opinion or healthy debate, but are a clear expression of verbal and public violence.
The use of hate speech and offensive labeling of activists constitutes a blatant violation of legal norms, standards of justice, and respect for human dignity.

This is a call to reflect on how our society treats women and marginalized groups and to demand accountability from media platforms that give space to hate speech.
As human rights and women’s rights organizations, we will not remain silent in the face of misogyny and verbal violence.

Such discourse violates not only moral and ethical norms but also Albanian legislation and international instruments protecting against discrimination.
We emphasize that silence in the face of such attacks legitimizes them.

We strongly support Mirela Arqimandriti and every woman who dares to speak up, as well as every person who seeks equality, justice, and dignity.
Gender equality and respect for human rights are not a threat, but a prerequisite for a fair, safe, and democratic society.

We call for:

Public accountability for individuals who use discriminatory language and verbal violence in public media.
Strict enforcement of the law on protection from discrimination, as well as a review of editorial policies that normalize hate speech and misogyny.
We will not remain silent in the face of misogyny and any form of discrimination.
Solidarity and the protection of women’s rights and marginalized communities are both a duty of civil society and a civic responsibility for a fair society.