Albania, Missing Persons from the Communist Era: A Needs Assessment
It is estimated that around 6,000 persons went missing under the communist regime in Albania in the period between 1944 and 1991. According to official data 5,501 persons convicted for political reasons were executed during this period. Their bodies were never returned to their families. Official data also indicates that an additional 987 political prisoners died from various causes in prisons and detention centers in Albania. The whereabouts of their mortal remains is unknown to surviving relatives.
This report aims to benchmark current efforts in Albania to account for persons missing from the communist era against generally recognized principles underpinning effective inquiries or
investigations. Further, the report provides recommendations on potential steps to enhance these efforts by closing gaps in upholding the rights of the families of persons missing from the communist era to truth, justice and reparations.
