AAPSK and UNICEF Albania sign cooperation agreement to transform confiscated assets into social spaces for children and the community
August 26, 2025
The Agency for the Administration of Sequestered and Confiscated Assets (AAPSK) and UNICEF Albania signed today a Cooperation Agreement with the aim of transforming assets confiscated from organized crime into useful spaces for children, youth and the community. This agreement aims to transform confiscated assets into centers and social environments that promote children’s rights, provide […]
The Agency for the Administration of Sequestered and Confiscated Assets (AAPSK) and UNICEF Albania signed today a Cooperation Agreement with the aim of transforming assets confiscated from organized crime into useful spaces for children, youth and the community.
This agreement aims to transform confiscated assets into centers and social environments that promote children’s rights, provide services and opportunities for youth, as well as empower the community in the fight for a more just, equal and inclusive society.
The cooperation foresees the identification and making available of confiscated assets by AAPSK, while UNICEF Albania will provide international expertise, best practices and technical support to transform these assets into functional models that serve social development.
The Chief Administrator of AAPSK, Ms. Risena Xhaja, emphasized the importance of this collaboration:
“Today we take a big step forward in returning confiscated assets of tangible value to children, youth and the entire society. Through this partnership with UNICEF Albania, we not only give a new destination to these assets, but we build spaces where children and youth feel protected, included and empowered. This process is a concrete example of how justice can be transformed into opportunity for the community.”
For his part, UNICEF Albania Representative, Mr. Murat Sahin, noted that this agreement is in line with UNICEF’s commitment to supporting children’s rights in Albania:
“Transforming confiscated properties into spaces for children and the community is one of the most powerful ways to make social justice a reality. UNICEF is committed to collaborating with AAPSK on this initiative, bringing international expertise and experience to create environments that give children new opportunities to learn, develop and engage in social life. This is a direct investment in the future of the country.”
The signed agreement will serve as the basis for a series of joint initiatives, including the creation of community centers on confiscated properties; dedicated programs for children and youth in areas such as education, mental health and social inclusion; empowering local organizations to manage and maintain these spaces; and establishing sustainable models of social reuse that can serve as an example in the region.
This collaboration is an important step in turning confiscated assets from crime into a shared asset for Albanian society. It reinforces the message that illicitly acquired assets can and should be returned as a source of development and hope for the younger generations.