We must rely on the key role of the media to provide important information to the public and fight hate speech, fake news, while supporting fact-checking initiatives. In addition, Albania is cooperating with all countries in the region for the protection of the rights of minorities, as we believe that this is an essential factor in advancing reconciliation in terms of stability and good neighborhood relations in South-Eastern Europe and beyond. In this context we welcome progress in North Macedonia and Montenegro, including the adoption of the law on the use of languages in Macedonia, or an improvement in the protection of the rights of national minorities in Montenegro. We encourage the authorities of these two countries to continue their efforts to improve the protection of minority rights. Recognizing the progress made, we encourage the Serbian government to promote and respect the rights of the Albanian population in the Presheva Valley and to implement the 7 point package, agreed years ago between the representatives of the Albanian community of southern Serbia and the Serbian authorities. Finally, within the framework of this Forum and with the aim of empowering minorities to deal with hate speech, Albania recommends: 1. States should, with the participation of minorities, develop national legal frameworks to combat hate speech online, while ensuring respect for the right to freedom of opinion and expression 2. Legally strengthen and financially support national human rights and civil society institutions for an effective fight against the dissemination of hate speech online Thank you. Page 2 /2