Civil Rights Defenders has interviewed three bearers to see how things are going
Protection To Go
The
Natalia Project
Alarm System
In less than a year since the initiation of the Natalia Project, more than a dozen bearers from three
continents have been equipped with the security alarm system. Approximately 30 of their close
colleagues have completed extensive security training. Some work in such repressive societies
that they have no choice but to remain anonymous. Civil Rights Defenders has interviewed
three bearers to see how things are going for them.
< Kristi Pinderi - Albania is one of the first human rights defenders from the
estern Balkans to be included in the Natalia Project security system.
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Kristi is Executive Director of the organisation LGBT PRO ALBANIA, which has
been instrumental in raising the visibility of the LGBT movement in Albania.
What were the main developments in Albania during 2013?
Kristi Pinderi: 2013 was a milestone year for us. Last year we had our annual Gay P(Ride)
March on bicycles. It was a beautiful sunny day and the turn out and atmosphere was
great. LGBT issues have been brought right into the mainstream political debate. We
defiantly went to visit the leaders of our country at their party offices and refused to leave
until they met with us to address our concerns regarding discrimination and our fight for
equal rights. We wrote down what they promised and immediately sent press releases out
to the world to ensure that government authorities keep those promises.
How does the Natalia Project enhance the safety aspect of your
daily work and quality of life?
Kristi Pinderi: It makes me think about my personal safety not so much in a paranoid
way, but more in a common sense approach to security. I feel the bracelet offers me support in both a psychological and physical way. I feel protected in the knowledge that
millions of people are watching and supporting me and can react if I am assaulted or
abducted while carrying out my work.
What are people’s reactions when you show them the Natalia
Bracelet?
How was 2013 for you in Albania?
Kristi Pinderi: They are curious. They start to think of the very real need for security of
Kristi Pinderi: Intensive, beautiful, difficult, satisfying, realistic, but above all “challenging”. In a nutshell, a year of ups and downs.
human rights activists and the dangers that many face on a daily basis. When we explain
the project to those we meet many feel just how important the Natalia Project is for human
rights defenders.
What were the major challenges faced by you in 2013 and what do
you foresee as being the challenges in 2014?
Have you seen any real improvements in the human rights
situation in Albania, and if so what were the most outstanding
developments in your opinion?
Kristi Pinderi: As you can imagine, many of the challenges in 2013 have transferred
into 2014 and revolve around political engagements to fight for improved legislation to
protect the LGBT community in Albania. One of these issues relates to the Family Code
and more specifically to include amendments to the code, so that LGBT couples have the
same rights and responsibilities as heterosexual couples. While the implementation to
amend the Family Code has been agreed in principle with the Albanian Government it is
still our job to lobby and ensure that the process is completed.
Kristi Pinderi: People have started to think more seriously about human rights in Albania.
Human rights issues have now bubbled to the surface within media, government and the
psyche of Albanian citizens. I am happy in the knowledge that the LGBT movement is at
the front line of the battle to improve the human rights situation in our country.
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