The social phenomenon of self-confinement due to self-justice, continues to cause deep wounds in the Albanian society. This phenomenon ist the bitter parenthesis of many critical issues, directly related to the non-functioning of the rule of law in the country, the absence of trust towards those and the paralysis of ist institutions. Than, a sad caravan of serious troubles follows: a life in extreme poverty, acceptance of a pact with the death, and absence of the right to live. Such phenomena hurt deeply when children, innocent persons, have to pay. Children self-confinement, as one of the most rare phenomena of nowadays worldwide, represents a vicious, complex, and delicate circle where tradition with ist myths, culture and inheritance darkens the hope. There is a lot to be done in a society that suffers and that does not know where to search for hope.

As an institution aspiring towards the realization of children’s rights and their participation in the construction of a sustainable and joyful future, „Children Today“ Center applied the project „I am entitled to live with rights“. Inevitably, we decided to share with anyone a few frozen moments from the isolated life of many children, girls and boys, and their family members who still hope. Photos speak more than words.

In implementing this project, we cooperated closely with the education structures of the Shkodra Region, which supported our visits and meetings with the self-confined children and their families in the areas of Velipoja, Bardhaj, Bushat, Dajc and Shllak. During these visits we came to know many human dolorous and dramatical stories. Many houses and neighborhoods of these areas, with their heavy burden and grey bleakness seem to have concurred our civic conciousness. From all these families we met, we started to understand that even we are „self-confined“ under a wall of no-trust to react with civil conciousness against the violations of fundamental rights.

The first wish of a self-confined child, - I want to play with my friends too, - is a call to guarantee security, freedom and joy for all the children. The lost look of the little boy over the fence does not let us forget it. It does not let us leave and pushes all the society to vigorously kick the isolation fence.

Eralda (Met-Hasani) Cani, Executive Director, June 2008