Around 800 minors in Albania become involved in crimes each year, ranging from theft and drug distribution to violent assaults and the use of weapons, according to police data.
Despite reforms aimed at protecting children in conflict with the law, recent incidents highlight ongoing challenges. Within the past year, three extreme cases involving minors have shocked the nation, including the fatal stabbing of a 15-year-old boy in Gramsh during a schoolyard dispute.
Another 18-year-old was killed in March following a fight between two groups in Tirana’s Shkozë area, while this week, a 14-year-old was fatally stabbed outside the “Fan Noli” school after an argument escalated.
Albania adopted a Juvenile Criminal Justice Code seven years ago, designed to uphold minors’ rights and support their reintegration into society. However, these measures have struggled to curb violence among youth.
The Ministry of Education reported a decline in school conflicts, with 700 fewer incidents recorded during the 2023–2024 school year compared to the previous year. Yet experts suggest that broader community engagement and targeted interventions are needed to address the root causes of youth violence.
Albanian authorities continue to call for coordinated efforts between schools, families, and law enforcement to create safer environments for the nation’s youth.
