Covid 19 - 117 CSOs ask the Albanian Government not to leave the sector out of the Financial Plan
Tirana, 24 March 2020
Directed:
SH.T.Z. Edi Rama, Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania,
Zj. Ogerta Manastirliu, Minister of Health and Social Protection and Chair of the NSCC – National Council of Civil Society.
For the knowledge of:
SH.T.Z. Ilir Meta, President of the Republic of Albania
Gramoz Ruçi, Speaker of the Assembly of the Republic of Albania, Arben Ahmetaj, Minister Responsible for Controlling and Managing the Economic Situation
during the COVID-19 Period in our Country.
Zj. Anila Denaj, Minister of Finance and Economy,
Lulzim Basha, Chairman of the Democratic Party
Zj. Monika Kryemadhi, Chairman of the Party “Socialist Movement for Integration”
Luigi Soreca, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Albania
Zj. Yuri Kim, Ambassador of the United States of America to Albania
Peter Zingraf, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Albania Duncan Norman, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Albania Adrian Maître, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Switzerland to Albania
Zj. Elsa Håstad, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Albania
Zj. Guusje Korthals Altes, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Albania
Blendi Dibra, Vice President of KKSHC – National Council of Civil Society
From: Civil Society Organizations Listed at the End of this Letter
Subject:
Request for Financial Support from the Albanian Government for Civil Society Organizations in Albania, to cope with the situation created by COVID -19.
Dear,
On behalf of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) listed below, we express our gratitude and support in dealing with the crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic, a great tragedy for our country and for the fact that a lot is happening close to the tragedy of the November 26 earthquake. We are aware of the heavy costs that these two disasters have brought and we are hopeful that we will overcome this critical situation.
Based on the experience of other countries / governments, which have involved non-governmental organizations in their financial support, as well as based on the fact that in the “Financial Support Plan for COVID-19” that the government presented on 19 March 2020 CSOs not included; Given the fact that in this sector are employed about 9,546 people as well as the positive contribution of CSOs in the social challenges of our country, we very much hope in considering our request, to include in the plan and CSOs. / h3>
CSOs are a long-term investment of the Albanian Government and Donors and have profiled and well-qualified staff. Since 1992, CSOs have conceived and implemented thousands of projects that have alleviated the challenges of Albanian Governments, especially related to the most exposed social strata to unemployment, poverty, challenges in education, difficulties in accessing health and other services. such as those for people with disabilities, etc.
CSOs around the world are considered a profitable growing investment. For this reason, their inclusion in the anti-crisis support plans of the Albanian Government, would serve a long-term vision and was considered a service to the country.
In addition to the natural difficulties, as you are aware of the fiscal legislation of CSOs, we, in terms of tax liabilities are treated as big business even though we have no profit and do not share dividends.
We, as much as businesses but perhaps even more than them, need financial support as a result of the situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic. CSOs in Albania are not supported financially or in a sustainable way by the government and local government. CSOs in Albania operate through projects through donors.
Some of us are helped by the business sector, support which has dropped significantly or been canceled since the earthquake situation. As a result of the COVID-19 situation, CSOs find it impossible to ensure the existence of their activity in the pandemic situation, because donors delay the implementation of projects or cancel them, and this results in inability to make payments for salaries of CSO employees and other basic costs for exercising our institutional activity.
Many of us are service providers to the most needy social groups in Albania, and we have to continue to pay staff salaries and insurance, and other costs such as rent, various taxes such as municipal taxes, taxes property (those CSOs that own buildings), table taxes, etc.
As leaders of these organizations, at a time when it is not known for how many days, weeks or months the situation will continue, we are concerned about the obligations we have to pay to the staff, landlords and the Albanian state.
The most efficient way we propose is the direct involvement of CSOs in concrete projects, in concrete areas and for the social strata for which we are profiled. We ask for your financial support for our sector in this time of crisis: (i) by treating us with the monthly salary of our employees and (ii) with grants for fixed costs as well as (iii) fiscal facilities for our institutions as for all sectors of others in Albania !!
Thanking you in advance for the care you will show for our sector, as an essential sector in having an open and democratic society in Albania, we look forward to your decision reflected in the normative acts of the “Financial Support Plan for COVID-19 ”.
Sincerely,
1. Emanuela Zaimi – Down Syndrome Albania Foundation, PRO PAK Service Center (e.zaimi@dsalbania.org, +355674885864 and info@dsalbania.org, +355693443345) 2. Aferdita Seiti – Association “Help Life” (info@helpthelife.org.al, 0682084945) 3. Anisa Dizdari – “Tiss” Center, Center for Services and PsychoSocial Treatment (anidizdari@hotmail.com, 0692080488) 4. Zela Koka – MEDPAK, Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (info@medpak.org 0693577247) 5. Altin Hazizaj – CRCA / ECPAT Albania (crca@crca.al, + 355672075330) 6. Suela Koçibellinj – Vizion OJF (info@vizionojf.org 0672055072) 7. Lindita Senia – Center “Future for you” (linditasenia@gmail.com, 0696689806) 8. Fatma Spahiu – Albanian Center for the Integration of People with Special Needs (info@qendrashinjnv.org, 0675276592) 9. Mimoza Deliu – Alternative Association (mimodeliu@yahoo.fr, 0697695328) 10. Oreada Kita – Jonathan Center – (Info@downsyndromealbania.com, 0682019727) 11. Franceska Muço – Network of Young Professionals (mucofranceska@gmail.com, +355698388683) 12. Ervin Shehaj – Green Line Albania (info@greenlinealbania.org, 0692545900) 13. Sevim Arbana – Association “For the Benefit of Albanian Women” (uaw@icc-al.org, +35542223001) 14. Eglantina Bajrami – Autism Speaks – National Club of Parents with Children with Autism Spectrum and People with Disabilities (klubiprinderve.CSA@gmail.com, 0697225910) 15. Suela Lala – “Together” Foundation (fondacionisebashku@gmail.com, 0692694515) 16. Adelina Pjetra – “Mental Health Albania” (mentalhealth.albania@gmail.com, 0697482338) 17. Nancy Dragoti – Albanian Educational Foundation, (info@fash.al) 18. Klodiana Kadeli – Power of Education (powerofeducation.ngo@gmail.com) 19. Ergyz Gezka – LIBURNETIK Association (info@liburnetik.org) 20. Egla Bardhi – Together for life (ebardhi@togetherforlife.org.al, 0692066522) 21. Armela Pengili – ACT Center for SOCIETY (actfsociety@mail.com 0698304533) 22. Mimoza Ikonomi – Youth for Social Changes (mimoza.ikonomi@gmail.com) 23. Angjelos Shkurti – ABC Health Foundation (a.shkurti@abchealth.org, 0699626784) 24. Lusiana Mailaj – The First People (lusiana.mailaj@gmail.com) 25. Blerina Gjoka – “Kujto” Foundation (al.kujto@gmail.com) 26. Arbër Kodra – Open Mind Spectrum Albania (OMSA) (omsa.albania@gmail.com) 27. Danjel Bica – Association “Young Environmental Experts” (SHERM Albania) (danjel.bica@gmail.com, 0672531269) 28. Luis Bekteshi.- Youth Center “Perspektiva” (youth4perspektiva@gmail.com) 29. Mirgit Vataj – National Helpline for Children – ALO 116111 (alo116@alo116.al) 30. Ana Mullanji – Organization “Beyond Barriers” (office@beyondbarriers.org) 31. Elvis Çela – Environmental Center for Protection, Education and Rehabilitation (ecela@epercenter.org, 0672054788) 32. Ermelinda Mahmutaj – EDEN Environmental Center (ermelinda.mahmutaj@eden-al.org) 33. Mirela Koçi – Auleda, Local Economic Development Agency (auledavlore@gmail.com) 34. Ali Coka – Organic Horticulture Association-Bioplant Albania (ali-coka@hotmail.com) 35. Ana Majko – Initiative for Social Change, ARSIS (initiative.arsis@gmail.com) 36. Arjel Trajani – SHKEJ, National Association “Education for Life” (arjeltrajani@shkej.org and erionprendi@gmail.com) 37. Mihallaq Qirjo – Environmental Resource Center in Albania (info@recshqiperi.org) 38. Lavdosh Ferruni – Organic Agriculture Association (lavdoshferruni@gmail.com) 39. Genti Kromidha – Institute for Nature Conservation in Albania (info@inca-al.org and gkromidha@yahoo.it) 40. Aleksandër Trajce – Center “For the Preservation and Protection of the Natural Environment in Albania” (a.trajce@ppnea.org) 41. Ahmet Mehmeti – Elbasan Ecological Club (ahmeteccel@hotmail.com) 42. Alminda Mema – Aarhus Shkodra Information Center (aicshkodra@gmail.com) 43. Ines Leskaj– AWEN, Albanian Women Empowerment Network (ines.leskaj@awenetwork.org) 44. Tefta Mala – NSGK, Association “Social Assistance to Women Heads of Household” (teftansgk@yahoo.com) 45. Mirela Arqimandriti – Center “Gender Alliance for Development” (gadc@gadc.org.al) 46. Ylldise Brahimi – Fund. “ARZHV” (vlorerda@gmail.com) 47. Qamile Gishti – Berat Regional Development Agency (info@rdaberat.com) 48. Gentiana Decolli – For Social Welfare dh 49. Genc Laci, Association for the Protection of Life and Ecosystem, Fushë Krujë (l.genc@yahoo.com) 50. Valbona Mazreku – Milieukontakt Albania, (office@milieukontakt.org) 51. Elona Prroj – Foundation “No Blood feud-Yes Life” (nobloodfeud@gmail.com) 52. Iris Luarasi – Counseling Line for Women and Girls and Counseling Line for Men and Boys (luarasi@gmail.com) 53. Edlira Çepani – Equality in Decision Making (equity in decision making@gmail.com) 54. Laureta Roshi – National Platform for Women (lauretaroshi@hotmail.com) 55. Malvina Krena – Center “Together for the Future”, Durrës (krenamalvina@gmail.com) 56. Jonida Naska – Center for Bridging Communities (bcommunities.center@gmail.com) 57. Rami Hadroj – Wear My Shoes – (vishkepucetemia@gmail.com) 58. Alma Prendi – Association “Ray of Hope” (ray of hope2013@gmail.com) 59. Mirjam Reçi – Civil Society Development Center, Durrës (info@csdcdurres.org) 60. Florjan Rojba – ANAD, Albanian National Association of Deaf People (anad.coordinator@gmail.com) 61. Besarda Taçi, Emdr Albania (emdralbania@gmail.com) 62. Blerta Balilaj Brovina – Women Democracy Network Albania (blertabalili@gmail.com) 63. Saimir Beqiraga – “Young Intellectuals, Hope” (irish-centre@yahoo.com) 64. Sashen Rexhepaj – Albanian Speech Therapists Association (sashen_141@yahoo.it) 65. Donika Godaj – Christian Association of Albanian Women (director@ywca-albania.al) 66. Naureda Bajraktari – Center for Integrated Legal Services and Practices (nauredabajraktari@gmail.com) 67. Brikena Puka – VATRA Social Psycho Center (info@qendravatra.org.al) 68. National Coalition of Anti-Trafficking Shelters (kksat.al@gmail.com) 69. Zhuljeta Veizaj – Association “Rreze Jete” (rrezejete@gmaill.com) 70. Jerola Ziaj – Agency for Local Democracy in Albania, LDA Albania (ldaalbania@aldaintranet.org) 71. Elma Tershana – Observatory for the Rights of the Child and Youth (info@observator.org.al 72. Ersida Teliti – Albanian Consumer Center (Albanian Consumer Center@gmail.com) 73. Brisilda Taco – Rromano Kham (rromanokham@gmail.com) 74. Erida Gjermeni – Center for Media and Social Affairs (mediaqendra@gmail.com) 75. Carolina Rista – Infinit + (infinitplusi@gmail.com) 76. Bruna Hylviu – Center for Population and Development (ACPD) – (brunahylviu@gmail.com) 77. Edvin Lamce – Gjirokastra GCDO Foundation (info@gjirokastra.org) 78. Aurora Zylaj – Well Point-Care for all (aurorazylaj@yahoo.it) 79. Manjola Veizi – Center for Roma Women’s Rights (romawomanrights@gmail.com) 80. Rezarta Sheshaj – Organization “In the family, for the family” (nfpf_org@yahoo.com) 81. Bashkim Rodoni Shteg Multimedia Center (info@shteg.al) 82. Arjan Cala – “Tjetër Vizion Elbasan” (aricala@gmail.com) 83. Mariana Meshi – “Different & amp; Equal (different & amp; equal@icc-al.org; mmeshi@yahoo.co.uk) 84. Marsela Lekli – Organization “Center for Social Development-Psychology” (marselalekli@hotmail.com; qendrazhvillimit@gmail.com) 85. Silva Pasha – Association “Bulqiza Development Center” (pashasilva@yahoo.com) 86. Fabiola Laço Egro – “Today for the Future” Community Development Center Network (fabiolaegro@gmail.com) 87. Women to Women Organization 88. Office for Boys and Men 89. Embassy Pink Albania (pink@pinkembassy.al) 90. Gerta Hagen – Maternal and Child Hospital Foundation (gertahagen@fsnf.org) 91. Linda Pino – Coalition for Education (acce@acce.al) 92. Willem Carel Fred Westerink Shkbsh- PFA ‘Christian Society of Prisoners of Albania’ (a.shehu@shkbsh.com; f.westerink@shkbsh.com) 93. Orges Hysenaj “Teen Challenge Albania” (orgeshysenaj@yahoo.com) 94. Gentjan Dervishaj – ICEJ ALBANIA (albania@icej.org) 95. Dana Molla – Betesda House of Grace (danahouseofgrace@yahoo.com) 96. Artur Shehu – Baptist Foundation of Tirana (arturshehu@yahoo.it) 97. Blerta Cani – Albanian Foundation for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (bcani009@gmail.com) 98. – 113. Andi Tepelena – Independent Cultural Scene (SPK) composed of 15 most active cultural organizations in the country (info@spk.al; anditepelena@gmail.com) 114. Blerta Cela Kamberi – CHE ALBANIA (celablerta@gmail.com) 115. Vera Minga Neziri Albanian Hemophilia Association (ahavera@yahoo.com) 116. Oltion Shena – FOOD BANK ALBANIA (toni.shena@foodbank) 117. Haxhi Balliu – AKS Librazhd Association (aks.shoqata@gmail.com)
