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The Sustainable Development Goals in Georgia
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth's environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Georgia:
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01 April 2021
Human capabilities and social equality top new Cooperation Framework
An inclusive economy and human capital development, effective, transparent and accountable institutions, equal and inclusive access to quality services, human security and resilience, as well as the environment and climate change are the five priority areas outlined in the new UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework signed by the Government of Georgia and the United Nations today.
The new Cooperation Framework is firmly anchored in Georgia’s national development objectives and has one overarching priority for the coming years – enhancing human wellbeing, capabilities and social equality to make a real difference in the lives of people in Georgia.
The five-year document (2021-2025) is intended to ensure that the support by all the UN agencies is aligned to Georgia’s national priorities, to the country’s aspirations and development goals.
The Prime Minister of Georgia thanked the UN Resident Coordinator for the Organization’s steadfast partnership and commended the continued commitment of the United Nations to support national development priorities.
Speaking on behalf of the UN Country Team the UN Resident Coordinator Sabine Machl thanked the Government of Georgia for its continued support to the UN’s work in Georgia.
Under this Cooperation Framework, the UN agencies will continue supporting Georgia in its efforts to “Build Forward Better” in the wake of the global Covid-19 crisis and to set more ambitious goals and make further steps to a greener, inclusive and more sustainable development.
The UN will also support the Government in strengthening its regional cooperation in key strategic areas.
Particular attention will be paid to building partnerships with civil society and the private sector, whose innovative potential will be useful to achieve the objectives of the Cooperation Framework.
This Cooperation Framework for 2021-2025 guides the entire programme cycle of collective UN support to Georgia to achieve the 2030 Agenda.
Guided by several overarching principles - leave no one behind; a human rights-based approach; gender equality and women’s empowerment; decentralisation; resilience; sustainability; and accountability, environmental protection and innovation - the Cooperation Framework seeks to give new impetus to Georgia-UN cooperation for the next five years.
The Cooperation Framework priorities have been defined and formulated in the process of multi-stakeholder consultations with representatives of UN agencies, state institutions, civil society and academia.
The Cooperation Framework will be governed by the Joint National-UN Steering Committee - co-chaired by the Prime Minister and the UN Resident Coordinator.
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16 June 2020
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Press Release
25 January 2022
High-profile meeting held on improved access to justice for victims of sexual violence
Sexual violence is one of the most hidden offences in Georgia. According to the 2017 National Survey on Violence against Women, 9 per cent of women experienced sexual violence in childhood, although the rate of reporting is low. For instance, in 2020, investigations were started for only 31 cases of rape, while the courts have heard only 22 of the cases.
One of the reasons behind such a grim reality is that the legislation of Georgia requires amendments, and access to justice requires improvement. In addition, women’s silence about rape is provoked by existing erroneous views and societal attitudes, which often blame victims for what happened to them.
Due to this challenge, the focus of the 2021 campaign for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is on combating sexual violence. The improvement of access to justice was a topic of the high-profile meeting held on 2 December 2021.
Representatives of the legislative and executive branches of the Georgian Government, the diplomatic corps and international and local non-governmental organizations attended the meeting, organized by UN Women and the UN Gender Theme Group.
H.E. Sabine Machl, UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia, opened the event, stating: “We join an effort aimed at the elimination of violence against women and girls, and we support the Georgian Government in implementing international commitments in the area of human rights, including the obligations supporting gender equality and combating violence against women and girls.”
Ambassador of Sweden to Georgia Ulrich Tideström stressed the importance of the topic: “We need to speak about sexual violence. And we need to act. We owe it to the victims. And we owe it to all women and girls who shouldn’t have to become victims of sexual violence. A key part must be to improve the access to justice. This also contributes to prevention by sending crystal clear signals that sexual violence is unacceptable and that perpetrators will be brought to justice. This is a global fight. We are in it together. The time to act is now! Count on Sweden’s continued support.”
Participants noted that distinct political will and relevant regulations are required to improve access to justice. They discussed such issues as making the elimination of sexual violence a priority, harmonizing the national legislation with the Istanbul Convention and other international standards, and applying best practices for the prevention of sexual violence against women, among other important topics.
On behalf of the Parliament of Georgia, Chair of the Gender Equality Council Nino Tsilosani expressed support in the fight aimed at the elimination of violence against women and noted that provisions of the criminal law on rape require harmonization with the Istanbul Convention. “This, as well as other proposals against violence, will definitely be initiated by the Parliament,” she stated. “In cooperation with the non-governmental sector and with strong donor support, Georgia will continue progressing to combat this global challenge.”
The high-profile meeting was held within the framework of the UN Joint Programme for Gender Equality, implemented with the support of the Swedish Government.
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Press Release
14 January 2022
United Nations concerned over the decision of Georgian authorities to abolish the State Inspector’s Service
The United Nations Country Team in Georgia expresses its regret over the decision of Georgian authorities to abolish the State Inspector’s Service. On 13 January 2022 the President has signed a new law abolishing the State Inspector’s Service and creating two separate institutions: Special Investigative Service and Personal Data Protection Service.
We are particularly concerned about the expedited manner and lack of inclusive and transparent discussions about the abolition of one of the most credible, independent and authoritative institutions in Georgia that is mandated to investigate alleged human rights violations committed by law enforcement officials and is entrusted with the oversight of personal data protection. The lack of convincing justification for abolishing the State Inspector’s Service and the absence of compelling rationale for stripping the State Inspector of her six-year mandate sends a chilling message to independent institutions of human rights protection.
We are concerned that the substantial broadening of the list of crimes falling within the mandate of a newly created Special Investigation Service entails a serious risk of overburdening the agency and distracting its team from fulfilling its primary mandate to combat impunity. We recall the recommendation by UN Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment on his mission to Georgia (2015) stating concerns ‘at the risk that unduly broad jurisdiction, whether exclusive or discretionary, may make the task of the [State Inspector] overly burdensome [if] ... offences committed by law enforcement agents that are not part of the core group of torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment… [fall within its mandate]’.
We call on the authorities to request the opinion of relevant international institutions on the compliance of these decisions with the international standards.
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Press Release
25 January 2022
Georgian women push for inclusive and gender-equal policies
Women’s representation in municipal councils grew almost two-fold as a result of the 2021 local elections in Georgia, reaching a historical 24 percent. In the aftermath of elections, the Women Councillors Forum uniting over 490 women members of municipal councils gathered at an annual conference to discuss the new opportunities brought on by the increased number of women in elective self-government bodies and specific steps to be taken to bring women’s perspective to the local and national agenda.
The event brought together women members of local councils from all regions of Georgia, and representatives from the Georgian Government, Parliament, political parties, civil society and international organizations. It discussed women’s role in advancing local politics as well as cooperation between the Parliament’s Gender Equality Council and the municipal Gender Equality Councils.
The forum was organised by the Municipal Service Providers’ Association (MSPA) of Georgia and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It was supported by the Government of Sweden and the International Republican Institute.
“Women politicians are bringing a range of experiences and perspectives to the table – be it on social services, poverty reduction, employment or protection of the environment. We hope that newly elected women will lead on those issues to deliver great results for the Georgian society,“ said UNDP Deputy Head Anna Chernyshova.
“The 2021 elections were a significant step towards more women in local politics. I hope this trend continues in future elections at all levels. It is equally important that the voices and perspectives of women politicians are heard in the public debate and impact the political decision-making on the same terms as for male politicians. Sweden has for over two decades been supporting women’s rights and empowerment in Georgia, including in politics, and will continue to do so. Gender-equal and inclusive participation in politics means a stronger democracy and better policies in all areas and is something that the Georgian voters are increasingly calling for. It also contributes to Georgia’s European integration,” noted Ambassador of Sweden to Georgia Ulrik Tideström.,” noted Ambassador of Sweden to Georgia Ulrik Tideström.
The other speakers at the Forum included Nino Tsilosani, Chair of the Parliamentary Gender Equality Council; Niko Tatulashvili, Advisor to the Prime Minister of Georgia on Human Rights Issues; Mzia Giorgobiani, Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia; and John DiPirro, IRI Resident Program Director.
The Women Councillors’ Forum was established in 2013, with support from UNDP and Sweden. It serves as a cooperation platform encouraging Georgian women to become more active in public life and local decision-making. The work of the Forum responds to the aspirations of almost two-thirds of Georgia’s population that, according to the UNDP’s survey, think that greater involvement of women in politics would benefit the country.
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Story
27 April 2022
From War to Successful Farming
Marina Rukhaia, 57, is an IDP from the village Dranda, Abkhazia. In 1993, after the war in Abkhazia, together with her husband and two children she fled to St. Petersburg, Russia. After 2 years, the family decided to return to Georgia for their children not to forget their language and culture.
The family started a new life in the village of Etseri, Tsalenjikha Municipality where their relative offered them an old, small wooden house. Marina started working as a teacher of physics in the local school and in parallel engaged in farming.
“It was really difficult to move for the third time, to start everything from scratch, to get used to new people and environment. I remember well, we did not even have basic household items. I remember the family had to eat by turns because we did not have enough dishes. Slowly we managed to get back on feet. When you are a woman, you have to carry a great part of the burden of a difficult village life. “
Initially Marina’s family purchased one dairy cow and started producing cheese mainly for home consumption. She soon noticed the market demand for dairy products and the family started buying more cattle. Nowadays, Marina owns ten cows. The family was gifted a bee colony from their relative, and after identifying local demands for honey they decided to start a beekeeping business as well. Currently they own 26 bee colonies.
Marina applied to the government-funded programme Produce in Georgia and received a grant for planting one hectare of blueberries.
“I think women should fight their fear and stand for themselves, make the most of all opportunities. It is such a special feeling of satisfaction when you can prove to yourself and to others that you are able to make life better. If I looked at myself in 2022 from my early 30’s, before resettlement, I would not believe being so strong and able to do that much.”
Marina now already has 2 grandchildren. Her daughter emigrated to Greece but she still considers the unity of her family the key to its success.
“Unity in family means a lot, we all know our duties and responsibilities are divided and scheduled equally. This really leads to success. For my husband and me, there is no such household chores of man or woman, we know that mutual understanding and delegating is essential if you want to achieve something in life”.
Marina took the responsibility to become Lead Farmer of a dairy Farmer Field School (FFS) implemented by FAO. She is interested in new production techniques, and in business opportunities offered to her under the project.
Through participation in FFS Marina builds her production skills and acquires knowledge of best hygiene practices and innovative technologies. She receives information about the market needs, Georgian legislation for Food Safety Standards and its implication at farm production level.
The knowledge and information obtained under the project helps her access the market successfully; FAO team is in the process of identifying local buyers to help her with market linkages.
Marina exchanges her knowledge and experience with other women members of the FFS, as well as with the full network of 20 FFSs in Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, uniting over 250 women. Through this platform, women can discuss challenges and build foundations for future collaboration.
From the FAO project, she also received animal welfare and diversification equipment for her production, to replicate best practices demonstrated at the trainings. As a complement of FAO technical support, UN Women provides Marina and other women farmers with trainings in business and entrepreneurship skills. This knowledge will enable her and other women to create and upscale their own production systems.
With the practice obtained from the project Marina plans to start producing aged cheese and offer an innovative local product to her region.
“I would like to encourage women, especially IDPs and those living in rural areas. They should first appreciate themselves and not be ashamed of being engaged in agriculture, whether they are educated or not,” Marina says.
“Fostering economic empowerment of women farmers by supporting homemade dairy production through the Farmer Field Schools (FFS) approach” is a project implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of United Nations (FAO), the UN agency for gender equality and women's empowerment UN Women, funded by The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The project started in October 2020 and will be operational until 30th September 2024.
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05 May 2022
Standing up to climate change
Almost 65 percent of Georgians believe that individuals can stand against climate change; 36 percent are not convinced that personal actions matter. Courageous and determined women activists, like Shorena Chapurishvili from the small Georgian town of Akhmeta, show by example that every person can contribute to climate-proofing our world.
Photo: Anka Gujabidze/UNDP
The hidden threat
It is hard to picture a devastating flood along the Zemo Khodashnis Khevi’s dry riverbed. The landscape looks so peaceful and arid; there are no signs of a roaring deluge washing away bridges and houses. Yet, this small river, which does not even exist for most of the year, turns deadly every spring, flooding nearby villages and destroying livelihoods.
Chapurishvili, a local climate activist, tells us that floods have become more frequent and severe over the years. “This river used to be much smaller only 10 years ago. You can see the remains of walls that would restrain it before. Now, they are almost in the centre of the riverbed.”
According to Chapurishvili, pastures and farming plots are at the highest risk when the river floods; residential houses and roads in three villages are under threat too. In this area, recurrent floods affect the livelihoods of more than 2,100 people. But the damage extends beyond agricultural, infrastructure and personal loss. One of the river branches flows near the Alaverdi Cathedral, a majestic 11th-century monument that has been nominated for UNESCO’s World Heritage List. “When the main river floods, its branch overflows too. If it reaches Alaverdi, it will damage the Cathedral’s ancient walls and courtyard,” Chapurishvili says.
Photo: Anka Gujabidze/UNDP
Photo: Anka Gujabidze/UNDP
When water turns into a flood
Most of Georgia’s 26,060 rivers are mountain streams, full of life and beauty. They feed lush forests and fertile plains, support unique ecosystems and biodiversity and supply people with water, energy and a livelihood. Yet once in a while, this beauty and power turn against people.
River flooding, rockslides, landslides and mudslides are the chief source of natural disasters in Georgia. Extreme flood events cost the country over US$190 million per year. Scientists estimate that climate-driven disasters could cost Georgia as much as $12 billion over the next decade, almost 80 percent of Georgia’s current annual GDP.
In 2019, Georgia launched a nationwide programme to enact policies and make the investments needed to adapt to climate change and protect people and the economy from climate-driven disasters. The seven-year initiative, a joint venture between the government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), draws on $74 million provided by the Green Climate Fund and the governments of Georgia, Sweden and Switzerland.
The programme is set to introduce climate adaptation solutions, including hydrometeorological observation networks, early warning systems and protective infrastructure, in the basins of 11 Georgian rivers where the disaster risk is especially high. This will provide direct protection to 1.7 million people — 46 percent of the population.
The programme also improves climate change awareness and education and assists local communities to develop and introduce climate-savvy solutions to better protect themselves from floods and other extreme weather events.
Villages alongside Zemo Khodashnis Khevi and many other locations across the country are at the centre of this work.
Photo: Anka Gujabidze/UNDP
The power of people
“Reinforcing riverbanks and establishing hydrometeorological monitoring is extremely important, as is letting people know what to expect and how to act during floods. This will help reduce losses and better protect communities,” said Chapurishvili.
This year, UNDP provided her with a support grant to establish a community-based rapid response squad that will serve three villages alongside Zemo Khodashnis Khevi, informing people what to do to stay safe before, during and after a flood.
“We are working with local councils and schools and engaging teachers and community organizations. Women and youth can play a game-changing role. They form a public opinion, influence their families and are very effective in spreading the message,” said Chapurishvili.
She has a point here; women drive most of the local climate education projects supported by UNDP and Georgia’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture.
Chapurishvili’s work has sparked the interest of surrounding villages. Self-governance representatives, schools and citizens are ready to join or support the emergency response squad when it becomes fully operational this spring. Her work — and the efforts of many other climate activists across Georgia — holds the promise that local solutions and initiatives will help prepare people for climate change impacts and inspire them to work together to build a stronger and more resilient society.
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28 March 2022
Information for Refugees from Ukraine
The escalation of conflict has triggered an immediate and steep rise in humanitarian needs as essential supplies and services are disrupted and civilians flee the fighting. The UN estimates that 12 million people inside Ukraine will need relief and protection, while more than 4 million Ukrainian refugees may need protection and assistance in neighbouring countries in the coming months.
On 1 March 2022, the UN and humanitarian partners launched coordinated Flash Appeals for a combined $1.7 billion to urgently deliver humanitarian support to people in Ukraine and refugees in neighbouring countries.
Within Ukraine, the plan requires $1.1 billion to meet the escalating humanitarian needs of more than six million people affected and displaced by military operations over the next three months. Outside the country, the UN requested $551 million to help Ukrainians who have fled across borders, principally to Poland, Hungary, Romania and Moldova.
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If you come from Ukraine and need help or information, please do not hesitate to contact UNHCR Georgia.
If you want to contribute to Ukraine Crisis Response, help refugees and migrants, or support food delivery, you can do that by donating to the United Nations or its agencies that are dedicated to these causes. Find out how and where you can contribute here
Information about the UN Country Team in Ukraine can be found here.
See the latest UN news on Ukraine (in English)
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08 February 2022
International Women’s Day 2022
The theme for International Women’s Day, 8 March, 2022 (IWD 2022) is, “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”, recognizing the contribution of women and girls around the world, who are leading the charge on climate change adaptation, mitigation, and response, to build a more sustainable future for all.
Advancing gender equality in the context of the climate crisis and disaster risk reduction is one of the greatest global challenges of the 21st century. The issues of climate change and sustainability have had and will continue to have, severe and lasting impacts on our environment, economic and social development. Those who are amongst the most vulnerable and marginalized experience the deepest impacts. Women are increasingly being recognized as more vulnerable to climate change impacts than men, as they constitute the majority of the world’s poor and are more dependent on the natural resources which climate change threatens the most.
At the same time, women and girls are effective and powerful leaders and change-makers for climate adaptation and mitigation. They are involved in sustainability initiatives around the world, and their participation and leadership results in more effective climate action. Continuing to examine the opportunities, as well as the constraints, to empower women and girls to have a voice and be equal players in decision-making related to climate change and sustainability is essential for sustainable development and greater gender equality. Without gender equality today, a sustainable future, and an equal future, remains beyond our reach.
The United Nations Observance of International Women’s Day under the theme, “Equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”, will be marked by a high-level virtual (TBC) event on Tuesday, 8 March 2022, 10am–11.30pm EST. The Secretary-General of the United Nations, the President of the General Assembly, the Chair of the Commission on the Status of Women, the Executive Director of UN Women as well as gender equality and climate change activists and celebrities will participate. The event will be followed by a high-level panel discussion and musical performances.
The theme for International Women’s Day is aligned with the priority theme for the upcoming 66th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW66): “Achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls in the context of climate change, environmental and disaster risk reduction policies and programmes”.
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27 April 2022
Keti Tsilosani: Agent of Change
Keti Tsilosani’s social cafe “Ketostan” (“At Keto’s”) in Lanchkhuti, the western region of Guria has thrived throughout the coronavirus pandemic, like many other businesses in the region.
“It was very difficult times. But we managed to stay afloat,” Tsilosani said.
Tsilosani, 31, lives in Lanchkhuti with her two children. She got married at the age of 15.
“In my opinion, early marriage was not the right decision,” she said. “It so happened that my life stood still for eight years. I had to spend all my time sitting at home, dreaming of my self-realization.”
She was 25 years old when she returned to Lanchkhuti.
“I started a new life from zero. I was trying to find my place in the community, but it was very hard without any experience or diploma.”
This was the time when she learned about the UN Women in Georgia and the social mobilization organization Taso Foundation project “A Joint Action for Women’s Economic Empowerment in Georgia”. It turned her life around.
“It was the biggest miracle in my life. At that time I was making the decision on whether or not to leave the country. And then I got this chance,” she said. “Besides a non-formal education, they also gave me a lot of faith and self-confidence and gave me the opportunity to be with my children.”
Now she is a community worker with the social mobilization organization Taso Foundation and is an active participant of the UN Women project “A Joint Action for Women’s Empowerment in Georgia”.
With the project’s help, she attended a course in social media marketing and web programming and was hired by the company Lingwing, a signatory to the Women’s Empowerment Principles. Keti leads three self-help groups, is a member of the municipal gender equality council and, owing to her enthusiasm, has become an example to all Lanchkhuti women.
With the help of a grant from UN Women and the Taso Foundation, she also started her own business - Lanchkhuti’s very first café, “Ketostan” (“At Keto’s”), where she employs five local women.
“They helped me a lot. I learned how to write proposals and studied social entrepreneurship,” she said. “They also gave me a grant to create this social cafe.
When she was thinking about opening a social café, she knew for sure that it should be in Gurian Oda house. The majority of her customers are young people and she organizes various types of activities – film screenings, poetry evenings, as well as trainings, meetings and even electronic music evenings.
“I started small, but the most important thing was just to start, and after that you can expand and develop further,” Tsilosani said. “Now I want to help other women-owned businesses. I have already started buying raspberries and other products produced by women for my café. By all means, we women can empower one another through such cooperation.”
Women-run businesses and activities have become increasingly visible in recent years in Georgia. However, visualizing the pathway to it is difficult without someone to emulate. Many of them seek the example of a different life.
“I was always told, ‘Without a diploma, you can’t achieve anything in life.’ This conviction was deeply rooted,” she said. “Someone had told me that the Taso Foundation fund helped women, so I thought they might finance my education. Soon I became a community worker and discovered that there are a lot of opportunities for community workers even if you have no diploma. Now, my life has changed.”
Keti Tsilosani gives local women, who dare not dream and feel disengaged from their community, a real example how to see their own potential and a pathway to a different future. She encourages them to get involved in social mobilization and change their lives.
“Nothing is impossible, the main thing is diligence and life can be full of positive changes and surprises,” she said.
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Press Release
18 May 2022
Road Safet Week Encourages to Build Streets for Life
Despite the sobering statistics of Georgia’s road death and serious injury rates, the message of road safety doesn't appear to be sinking in for all.
According to National Statistics Office, in 2021 449 people were killed and 7705 injured in crashes across Georgia. The number of injured increased by 17 % compared to 2020.
Illegal maneuvering and other traffic movement violations, speed, alcohol, pedestrian-related dangerous behaviour and poor condition of vehicles contributed to road fatalities every year.
To counter these preventable deaths and injuries, the Georgia Alliance for Safe Roads and the United Nations Office in Georgia in partnership with Tegeta Holding and Volvo Car Caucasus are running an annual Road Safety Week campaign from 16 to 22 May, 2022.
This year's theme is #CommittoACT and build #streetsforlife that will help achieve the SDGs.
To help Georgia move forward on sustainability and road safety path, the conference on road safety issues was organized on May 18. The agenda focused on the legislative and policy aspects of road safety.
Opening the conference on May 18, UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia Sabine Machl noted that challenges are indeed severe not only in Georgia, but in the whole world. “Estimates by the World Health Organization suggest that road crashes kill nearly 1.3 million people every year and leave between 20 and 50 million injured or permanently disabled worldwide,” she said. “In line with our promise under the Sustainable Development Goals to halve global traffic deaths and injuries by 2030, we need a joint commitment by central and local government, Parliament, civil society and the private sector to renew pledge for road safety”.
This strong resolve to improve road safety was echoed in welcome remarks made by Georgia Alliance for Safe Roads Chair Eka Laliashvili, Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia Guram Guramishvili, Chair of the Parliamentary Legal Committee Anri Okhanashvili, Head of the National Center for Disease Control Amiran Gamkrelidze and Director of Volvo Car Caucasus Gaga Kokhreidze.
Chair of the Legal Issues Committee of the Parliament of Georgia Anri Okhanashvili pointed out that the Georgian parliament amended the Law on Roads to bring it into line with best practice on one or more key risk factors for road traffic injuries. He noted that the work on strengthening and harmonizing the supportive legal framework would continue.
Head of the National Center for Disease Control Amiran Gamkrelidze focused on road traffic crashes as a public health problem noting that road trauma continues to be a major issue. “With over a million people killed each year on the world’s roads, and tens of millions more injured, road traffic crashes are a leading cause of death across all age groups globally,” he said. He noted that bold steps forward in addressing road traffic injuries as a preventable health problem are needed.
Deputy Economy Minister, Guram Guramishvili highlighted the importance of a twinning project on road safety that has come into effect in Georgia under the European Union (EU) assistance. He noted that the successful implementation of the project would have a positive impact on the process of overcoming the challenges in terms of road safety in Georgia.
One conference theme was in-car technologies that help feel safer on roads. "Innovative approaches, including the 3-point safety belt invented by Volvo has saved hundreds of thousands of lives,” said Gaga Kokhreidze, Director of Volvo Car Caucasus.
Earlier, on May 16 the Georgia Alliance for Safe Roads has visited a St. George’s International School to spread an important message when it comes to being safe on the roads.
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Press Release
16 May 2022
Decisive action needed to protect LGBTQI+ rights in Georgia
Today, on the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), we reiterate our solidarity with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) community in Georgia. LGBTQI+ persons remain among the least protected and most marginalized in Georgia. They face discrimination and violence, which often are underreported, while the protection and realization of their rights remain a challenge.
We regret that as in previous years, considerations of safety and security prevent people from openly showing their solidarity with the LGBTQI+ community and raising their voices against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia in Georgia.
We wish to stress that the Government of Georgia is responsible for safeguarding the right to peaceful assembly, preventing discrimination and violence, and ensuring that everyone in Georgia can commemorate IDAHOBIT openly and publicly in full confidence that their rights and safety are duly protected.
We take note that several individuals were sentenced to prison terms for their involvement in the shameful events of 5 July 2021 that led to the disruption of the March for Dignity and resulted in violence against LGBTQI+ persons and the media. We urge the authorities to bring all instigators and perpetrators of violence to justice.
At the same time, we welcome that a growing number of Georgian citizens support diversity and believe that protection of human rights of LGBTQI+ persons is important. A recent survey points towards a continued increase in the percentage of Georgians who consider restrictions of the right to assembly and expression for LGBTQI+ communities unacceptable and believe that the State does not respond adequately to acts of violence and discrimination against the LGBTQI+ persons.[1]
State policy and practice must align with Georgia’s international commitments and respond to these social changes by duly ensuring that LGBTQI+ rights are effectively protected, including through the forthcoming National Human Rights Strategy and Action Plan. Enhanced social protection measures are needed to support vulnerable LGBTQI+ persons struggling with food and housing insecurity, an elevated risk of homelessness and barriers in accessing healthcare.
We urge Georgian state, political, civic and religious leaders to spare no effort to fight discrimination, stigma and violence within their respective areas of responsibility, including by embracing respectful and compassionate public discourse and engaging in constructive dialogue with LGBTQI+ communities in seeking solutions to the most pressing challenges.
We stand united for the right of all people to live free and equal in safety and dignity and remain committed to supporting the people of Georgia in building an inclusive society that empowers and protects all its members.
[1] Women’s Initiatives Support Group (WISG)/SIDA/UNW/UNDP/UNFPA, (2022), ‘From Prejudice to Equality: Study on Public Knowledge, Awareness and Attitudes towards LGBT(Q)I Community and Legal Equality’, retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3yDd9XG
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Press Release
11 May 2022
Rights of Persons with Disabilities - Training of Trainers with Lawyers of the Legal Aid Service
The training was held with the support from the South Caucasus Field Presence of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), with the funds from the UN Sustainable Development Fund (SDG Fund) and the United Nations Partnership for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD).
After this training on these attorneys are eligible to build capacity of their fellow lawyers using the curriculum developed by OHCHR with the financial support from the UN SDG Fund.
Welcoming the training participants, OHCHR Program Manager Sophio Benashvili emphasized the importance of legal aid for PWDs for full realization of their rights. According to her, there is a need to focus on the continuing education of lawyers and human rights defenders in international and local standards of communication with PWDs.
"There is still a big need of raising public awareness on the need and rights of PWDs, as there are still discriminatory attitudes and stigma towards PWDs in the society. State institutions should take the term 'inclusiveness' in a broad sense, as a means by which any citizen can function in a society." – said the training participant, a lawyer of the LAS, Teona Kvernadze.
Ledi Kordzadze, a lawyer of the LAS believes that “PWDs are full-fledged members of society and they do not need morality from society and the state. Their right to full realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms is guaranteed. Therefore, it is our role as lawyers to protect PWDs’ rights by establishing proper communication with them."
"As a practicing lawyer, it was very important for me to get acquainted with the theoretical material and practice of international and national legislation on the rights of PWDs. This will help me to set a strategy on how to restore PWDs rights of labor, independent living and other basic rights. At the same time, my role as a future trainer is particularly responsible, to help my colleagues increase their knowledge about the rights of PWDs.” – LAS consultant Lela Euashvili pointed out.
"The right of access to justice gives any person the opportunity to protect another person and his/her rights. Consequently, the right to access to justice is a vital right for PWDs. We, the lawyers, have a special role to play in helping PWDs realize these important rights, without compromising their other rights, and it is important to constantly deepen our knowledge and pass it on to our colleagues.” Stated Tea Kaulashvili, a lawyer of the LAS.
The topics covered at the training included: Standards for the Relationship with Persons with Disabilities; the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; Practice of the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in relation to specific rights; the National Legislative Framework for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities; techniques and methods of conducting the training. Among the trainers were experts: Ekaterine Tavartkiladze, Sopho Chachava, Giorgi Chkheidze, Ana Abashidze and Ana Arganashvili.
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Press Release
06 May 2022
Public attitudes toward LGBTQI people in Georgia are changing, yet the protection and realization of their rights remain a challenge
The LGBTQI people remain one of the least protected and most marginalized social groups in Georgia. They face discrimination and violence, while the protection and realization of their rights remain a challenge. Yet, recent research reveals that negative public attitudes toward the LGBTQI community have been decreasing in the last five years.
A series of studies were conducted by Georgia’s Public Defender’s Office and the non-governmental organization ‘Women’s Initiatives Support Group’ (WISG) with assistance from the Government of Sweden and the United Nations through its three agencies – UN Women, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The research reviews international standards in protecting LGBTQI rights and Georgia’s commitments in this area. It analyses the legal environment and widespread practices and examines public attitudes toward LGBTQI people in Georgia. The research also includes recommendations for specific state agencies.
The research findings point out positive changes in public attitudes in the last five years. Since 2016, the number of respondents who think that the LGBTQI community is interested in propaganda, and not in achieving equality, has decreased by 20.6 percent (55.9 percent in 2021 compared to almost 78 percent in 2016). The number of people with an extremely negative attitude toward the LGBTQI community and its human rights defenders dropped by around 20 percent and now hovers around 56 percent.
However, the research also captures the negative perception of the LGBTQI community in Georgia’s society. 48.2 percent of the respondents believe that LGBTQI people are fighting for privileges. 39.5 percent are convinced that the rights of the LGBTQI community are fully protected. At the same time, 38.6 percent note inadequate state response to the acts of violence and discrimination faced by the LGBTQI people.
The research was conducted under the UN Joint Programme for Gender Equality, a Sweden-funded initiative implemented by UN Women, UNDP and UNFPA.
The reports are available on the UN, UNDP, UNFPA and UN Women websites.
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Press Release
05 May 2022
Joint statement on the Safety of Journalists on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day 2022
Punta del Este, Uruguay - 3 May 2022 – Today, on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, we wish to recall the paramount importance of ensuring journalists and media workers can work freely, independently and safely, without hindrances, threats, or violent reprisals. Each and every day, we are reminded of how vital the information they provide is for democracy, the promotion and protection of human rights, fighting corruption, sustainable development and preserving international peace and security.
Multiple resolutions, declarations, and commitments on the safety of journalists have been adopted by our respective bodies, including the 2021 UN General Assembly resolution on the safety of journalists and the issue of impunity (A/RES/76/173), the 2020 Human Rights Council resolution on the safety of journalists (A/HRC/RES/45/18), and the 2021 Windhoek+30 Declaration on information as a public good (UNESCO General Conference Resolution 41C.41). In addition, the wider UN system developed a multistakeholder coordination framework known as the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, adopted by the UN principals in 2012.
As we mark the 10th anniversary of the UN Plan of Action this year, we welcome the considerable progress made over the past decade in the implementation of the Plan. We applaud those governments which have made the safety of journalists a priority, within their borders and beyond, and highlight the significant contribution of civil society organizations that are committed to advancing media freedom and safety. Still, too many challenges prevail, including high levels of impunity for crimes against journalists, a rise in the number of journalists detained and an increased legal harassment against them, online violence, the use of surveillance tools to hinder the journalist’s work, increased attacks on women journalists, and the rise of killings in non-conflict environments.
As we embark on the last decade to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda, it is important to remember the contribution of freedom of expression, press freedom and access to information to all other rights, such as quality education, the eradication of poverty, and access to justice and healthcare.
This is why, as we look forward to 10 more years of progress in defending the safety of journalists, freedom of expression, and access to information for all, we call on Member States, the UN system, regional bodies, civil society, the judiciary and all concerned actors to join forces in furthering the objectives of the UN Plan of Action. By working together to strengthen its implementation and to reach SDG Target 16.10, we can continue to build a safer and more enabling environment for journalists and media workers, and protect the right of every citizen to reliable, and, often, lifesaving information.
H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid
President of the United Nations General Assembly
H.E. Mr. Santiago Irazabal Mourão
President of the General Conference of UNESCO
H.E. Mr. Federico Villegas
President of the Human Rights Council
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