The University of Tirana has awarded its Doctor Honoris Causa — the institution’s highest distinction — to Spanish jurist Javier Cremades, President of the World Jurist Association and the World Law Foundation, in a solemn ceremony presided over by Rector Artan Hoxha and attended by Prime Minister Edi Rama, the presidents of Albania’s courts, senior government officials, academics, students, and representatives of the media and civil society.

The distinction recognizes his outstanding contribution to strengthening the Rule of Law, promoting human rights, and advancing international legal cooperation. The institution also honored his dedication to consolidating democratic values, building sustainable institutions, strengthening international dialogue, and his valuable contribution to supporting Albania’s institutional development.

The rector of the University of Tirana, Professor Artan Hoxha, presented the institution’s highest distinction, awarded to outstanding personalities who have contributed to the development of the Albanian state.

The Laudatio was delivered by Ricardo Gil Lavedra, former President of the Argentine Federal Criminal Court of Cassation and distinguished international jurist, who highlighted Cremades’ career, including his defence of Venezuelan political prisoners, victims of international financial frauds, and his fight for the preservation of the Rule of Law. “Without law there is no freedom, no rights, no democracy, no economic development. Javier Cremades has dedicated his life to the defence of the Rule of Law, whose full validity can only be guaranteed by an independent judiciary,” said Gil Lavedra.

Prime Minister Edi Rama: “a defender of the rule of law on a global scale”

Prime Minister Edi Rama, who participated in the ceremony, described Cremades as “a defender of the rule of law on a global scale”.  .

The distinction adds to Cremades’ previous honorary recognitions, which include a Doctor Honoris Causa from the International University of Valencia and an Honorary Postdoctoral Degree from the University of Bologna, as well as doctorates in law from the University of Regensburg (Germany) and UNED (Spain).

Opening Session of the World Law Congress Albania 2027

The presentation of this distinction forms part of the events leading up to the Opening Session of the World Law Congress Albania 2027, taking place on Thursday, May 7, at the National Opera House in Tirana. This high-level event officially marks the beginning of what will become the world’s leading forum on the Rule of Law in 2027, gathering senior Albanian officials, international judges, and academic representatives.

Founded in 1963, the WJA convenes the World Law Congress every two years. The selection of Tirana as host city for the 2027 edition recognizes Albania’s decade-long judicial reform process and its progress toward European integration.