Abstract
This article examines the Albanian legal framework regarding the killing of women on gender-based motives, with the aim of assessing its compliance with international standards binding upon the Republic of Albania. Specifically, the analysis focuses on obligations arising from the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights. Comparative legal analysis reveals significant shortcomings in Albanian criminal legislation with respect to femicide. Notably, the Albanian Criminal Code does not contain a specific provision criminalizing the killing of women as a gender-motivated offense. Furthermore, the criminal provisions fail to explicitly incorporate the aggravating circumstances required by the Istanbul Convention. Even the draft of the new Criminal Code does not fully address the obligations imposed by the Convention. Drawing on comparative examples from Italy, Croatia, Belgium, Malta, and Cyprus, the article argues that Albania must undertake legislative reforms to implement the recommendations made by international organizations concerning femicide. The article concludes that only through further alignment of domestic legislation with international standards, combined with effective practical implementation, can Albania ensure the effective protection of women’s lives and dignity.