Commitment to Ethical Publishing
The Albanian Journal of Roma Studies is committed to maintaining the highest standards of publication ethics and takes all possible measures against any publication malpractices. This policy is based on COPE's (Committee on Publication Ethics) Core Practices.
Integrity
We uphold the highest standards of integrity in all our publishing activities.
Fairness
We treat all authors, reviewers, and editors fairly and without bias.
Transparency
We maintain transparency in our editorial processes and decisions.
Accountability
We take responsibility for our editorial decisions and actions.
Author Responsibilities
Originality and Plagiarism
- Authors must ensure that their work is entirely original
- Proper attribution must be given to the works and ideas of others
- Plagiarism in all its forms constitutes unethical publishing behavior
- All submissions are screened for plagiarism using appropriate software
Data Access and Retention
- Authors may be asked to provide raw data related to their manuscript
- Authors should be prepared to retain such data for a reasonable time after publication
- Data should be made available to other qualified researchers when possible
Multiple, Redundant, or Concurrent Publication
- Authors should not submit the same manuscript to more than one journal simultaneously
- Submitting previously published work is generally not acceptable
- Proper disclosure of related work is required
Authorship of the Paper
- Authorship should be limited to those who have made significant contributions
- All contributors should be listed as co-authors
- Corresponding author must ensure all co-authors have approved the final version
Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest
- All authors must disclose any financial or other substantive conflicts of interest
- All sources of financial support should be disclosed
- Conflicts of interest should be disclosed at the earliest possible stage
Reviewer Responsibilities
Confidentiality
- Reviewers must treat received manuscripts as confidential documents
- Manuscripts must not be shown to or discussed with others without editor authorization
- Reviewers must not use information obtained during peer review for personal advantage
Objectivity
- Reviews should be conducted objectively
- Personal criticism of the author is inappropriate
- Reviewers should express their views clearly with supporting arguments
Timeliness
- Reviewers should respond promptly to review invitations
- Reviewers who feel unqualified or cannot meet the deadline should notify the editor immediately
- Reviews should be submitted within the agreed timeframe
Editorial Responsibilities
Decision Making
- Editors evaluate manuscripts based on intellectual content without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief, ethnic origin, or political philosophy
- Editorial decisions are based primarily on the paper's importance, originality, and relevance to the journal's scope
- Editors ensure a fair and appropriate peer review process
Confidentiality
- Editors and editorial staff must not disclose information about submitted manuscripts
- Information is only shared with corresponding authors, reviewers, and other editorial advisers
- Editors must protect reviewers' identities
Conflict of Interest
- Editors recuse themselves from considering manuscripts in which they have conflicts of interest
- Editors require all contributors to disclose relevant competing interests
- Published corrections, clarifications, retractions, and apologies when needed
Research Ethics
Human and Animal Subjects
- Research involving human subjects must have proper ethical approval
- Informed consent must be obtained from human participants
- Research involving animals must follow appropriate ethical guidelines
- Authors must include statements regarding ethical approval in their manuscripts
Cultural Sensitivity
- Research involving Roma communities must demonstrate cultural sensitivity
- Authors should engage with communities respectfully and ethically
- Research should aim to benefit the communities being studied
- Proper protocols for community engagement should be followed
Violations and Sanctions
Handling Ethical Violations
When ethical violations are identified, the Albanian Journal of Roma Studies will take appropriate action, which may include:
- Rejection of the manuscript
- Prohibition against future submissions
- Retraction of published articles
- Notification of the author's institution
- Publication of a notice of ethical violation
Reporting Ethical Concerns
To report suspected ethical violations, please follow this procedure:
- Gather evidence supporting your concern
- Contact the Editor-in-Chief with a detailed description of the issue
- Include any supporting documentation
- Maintain confidentiality throughout the process
All concerns will be treated seriously and investigated promptly and confidentially.
Ethics Committee Contact
For questions about research ethics or to report ethical concerns:
Email: ethics@ajrs.al
All communications will be handled confidentially by the journal's Ethics Committee.