ALBANIA

INTERSOS was present in Albania from 1997 to 2004.

INTERSOS began its activities in Albania in 1997, responding to the economic breakdown and the strong social tensions that followed. Initially, INTERSOS' activities focused on emergency assistance and support for the reconstruction of institutions and civil society, specifically trying to reach out to the most remote areas of the country.

In 1999, INTERSOS was in a position to immediately react to the influx of refugees due to the Kosovo emergency, relying on a strong well-established relationship with local institutions and non governmental organisations. In this phase, INTERSOS provided refugee assistance for Kosovo's displaced, as well as managed refugee camps. When refugees returned to Kosovo, the process of support to the local institutions continued and evolved into direct contact between Albanian institutions and Italian local administrations. INTERSOS has therefore played an important bridging role between institutions in Albania.