Latest
Press Release
21 May 2023
Reducing Salt Intake will save ten thousand lives in Georgia
Learn more
Video
20 May 2023
UN Global Road Safety Week 🚸Through the eyes of a road accident survivor
Learn more
Press Release
16 May 2023
Take a stand for human rights for all: stop discrimination and violence against LGBTQI+ persons in Georgia
Learn more
Latest
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:
Story
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.
1 of 5

Take Action
16 June 2020
Coronavirus global outbreak
Everyone is talking about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Take part in getting your facts from reliable sources.
1 of 5

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.
1 of 5
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.
1 of 5
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.
1 of 5
Story
13 April 2023
Smartphones are boosting gender equality in Georgia and beyond
Nestled in the vast plains of Georgia, in the shadows of the snow-covered Caucasus mountains, Malika Machalikashvili’s farm in Pankisi Gorge was once pretty traditional. She and her family shared the day-to-day work of caring for the livestock and poultry, gardening the vegetables and taking care of the hazelnut orchard, along with a few fruit trees and berry bushes. She used to bring the produce to the local market or sometimes even the one in the country’s capital, Tbilisi. Today, on top of the farm’s new additions, such as a greenhouse and modern irrigation, perhaps the most novel change is that she now sells her produce using a smartphone.
For the last three years, Malika has been attending FAO trainings, which are financially supported by the European Union. These practical trainings, provided through Farmer Field Schools, teach smallholder farmers about better agricultural practices. Farmers learn by doing with practical work in demonstration plots and farms. These platforms have also proved very useful for teaching rural men and women about gender equality, gender-based violence and women’s economic empowerment.
In addition, partnering with other organisations, such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), FAO is also offering gender-sensitive training to communities. These trainings help smallholder women farmers feel empowered to stand up for their rights, grow their businesses and implement successful economic initiatives.
Increased yields, increased opportunity
Using the good agricultural practices she learned, Malika managed to improve soil fertility while also increasing the yields of her fruits and vegetables. With the increased yield, she recognised an opportunity to explore new channels for commerce.
Malika remembers that a Farmer Field School lead farmer from Pankisi, Nino Khakhichashvili, “always used to tell me to post about my produce on social media.”
Inspired by her colleague, Malika followed the advice during the first outbreak of COVID-19. With the help of her 14-year-old grandchild, she got accustomed to taking pictures, recording voice messages, as well as posting on social media and group messaging applications. She gradually attracted the interest of buyers. As a result, digital channels on her smartphone became new platforms for earning income.
Also during the COVID-19 pandemic, Malika joined a Pankisi women’s messaging group, where they share images of many different items for sale: cakes, vegetables, fruits, dairy products and even household items.
“I was worried that I would lose income,” Malika says. “So I started putting pictures [in the messaging group].”
During the harvest season, she still sends out updates about vegetables and fruits from her garden, and throughout the year, she shares images of her dairy products. As an active member in this digital space, Malika is a role model for other women in Pankisi.
Smartphones for economic independence and empowerment
The use of social media is transforming people’s lives everywhere, including in small villages like Malika’s. Before, neighbours would physically visit each other to sell produce. Now, the internet and smartphones have become essential for communication within and between local communities. They are also proving to be excellent tools for smallholder farmers to market their products.
Just by scrolling in an app on their mobile phones, consumers can now find images of cottage cheese from Malika or other farmers and find out when it can be delivered. More importantly, they can read about what makes Malika’s dairy product so special, realizing the care and love that she is putting into her products.
Smartphones and other digital technologies are also making a positive impact for women farmers in rural communities. By communicating through social media and messaging applications, many women are already creating new market linkages and partnerships, making steps forward to close the gender gap and achieve economic independence.
Malika, for example, has proven that her smartphone has helped her generate more revenue for her livelihood. Her increased income covers more of her family’s expenses as well as allows her to reinvest in her farm.
In her community, Malika is an example of a woman that has leveraged these opportunities and gained economic independence through her hard work. FAO and the European Union are proud supporters of such initiatives that bolster rural communities in Georgia, reduce rural poverty and close the gender gap.
Through the support of the European Union, under its European Neighbourhood Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development (ENPARD), FAO continues to hold trainings for women farmers in Georgia. FAO has already shared knowledge with more than 2 500 farmers in several regions of the country. Additionally, more than 60 Farmer Field Schools have been established for women farmers who produce dairy products, vegetables and honey.
1 of 5

Story
03 March 2023
How Ukrainian Teen Refugee Girls Live in Georgia
Masha, Dasha and Jenya walk around Kutaisi, Georgia, where they live as refugees since the war in Ukraine started. The teenagers attend the public school #13 in Kutaisi, where they met and became friends. They come from different cities of Ukraine.
The girls share their stories of living in a new town, going to a new school, finding new friends and new life in Kutaisi – a small town in the Western Georgia.
Dasha Mostovaya, 13, from Mariupol, Ukraine lives in Kutaisi, Georgia with her mom.
UNICEF/Geo-2022/Turabelidze
“We came here because it was not safe to stay at home. The war has marked everyone’s lives and everyone had to change all their plans. When I went to a new school here, I liked it right away. The classmates are so friendly! I really miss my old school, but I have more friends here, I have more fun, I go out more frequently and I like my life here. I like many subjects at school but my favourite is sports. I would really like to go back home, but only when everything is over, when everything is back to normal. I want to see my friends, my grandmother who stayed back. I really want to give her a hug” - says Dasha. Jenya Sorokina, 15, is from Kherson, Ukraine. Jenya also lives in Kutaisi, Georgia and is enrolled in a public school in Kutaisi, where she met Masha and Dasha. “I came here with my mom and my little dog. That’s it – that’s my whole family. When the war started, it was really scary. I was worried about my loved ones, my friends, my mom. I was worried about my dog, because I am responsible for him. War is such an immoral thing.” UNICEF/Geo-2022/Turabelidze “The new school is really nice, it’s a place where you want to come every day. All my life, I had trouble understanding math. However, here I started to like math – even though I am still not that good at it. My teacher is so kind to me that I started to understand and solve some problems. If I make a mistake, I am not told that I am stupid and I don’t know anything. Here the attitude from teachers is different: “You are not good at math? It’s ok - you are good at something else! Maybe Algebra is not your thing, but in Geometry you are doing better!” It is really cool that teachers find individual approaches to each student" - says Jenya. "I want to say to everyone who is in a similar situation as me – I want to ask you not to give up. Everything will be great in the end; we will all return home" - she added. Masha Khalupka, 14, from Kyiv, Ukraine. Masha, her mother and her sister left Kyiv on 24 February, 2022 to flee the war. Since then they live in Kutaisi. UNICEF/Geo-2022/Turabelidze We left because mom and dad were scared for my life, for my sister’s life. My dad is still in Kyiv, I am here with my mom and my sister. I feel like I became a grown up overnight. We - children have seen what we were never supposed to see. I was really worried when I first went to the new school, because I had never changed schools before. I had gone to one school since the beginning. Here everyone and everything was new to me. But I am really happy, because I got to meet with Jenya, Dasha and our other classmates. I really like our class, we are very friendly. All summer I set at home, with no one to talk to. Now I have fun and spend time with my new friends. I really like it” - Says Masha More than 180,000 citizens of Ukraine have entered the territory of Georgia since 24 February 2022 (UNHCR data). As of November 2022, around 25,000 remain in Georgia. Around 25% of Ukrainians staying in Georgia are minors. UNICEF Georgia has been involved in response to the crisis caused by the war in Ukraine. With UNICEF’s support, the Government of Georgia provides one-time financial aid to vulnerable Ukrainian families with children. In total, more than 3,000 Ukrainian children will receive financial aid in the first quarter of 2023 to help them cope with the challenges related to winter.
“We came here because it was not safe to stay at home. The war has marked everyone’s lives and everyone had to change all their plans. When I went to a new school here, I liked it right away. The classmates are so friendly! I really miss my old school, but I have more friends here, I have more fun, I go out more frequently and I like my life here. I like many subjects at school but my favourite is sports. I would really like to go back home, but only when everything is over, when everything is back to normal. I want to see my friends, my grandmother who stayed back. I really want to give her a hug” - says Dasha. Jenya Sorokina, 15, is from Kherson, Ukraine. Jenya also lives in Kutaisi, Georgia and is enrolled in a public school in Kutaisi, where she met Masha and Dasha. “I came here with my mom and my little dog. That’s it – that’s my whole family. When the war started, it was really scary. I was worried about my loved ones, my friends, my mom. I was worried about my dog, because I am responsible for him. War is such an immoral thing.” UNICEF/Geo-2022/Turabelidze “The new school is really nice, it’s a place where you want to come every day. All my life, I had trouble understanding math. However, here I started to like math – even though I am still not that good at it. My teacher is so kind to me that I started to understand and solve some problems. If I make a mistake, I am not told that I am stupid and I don’t know anything. Here the attitude from teachers is different: “You are not good at math? It’s ok - you are good at something else! Maybe Algebra is not your thing, but in Geometry you are doing better!” It is really cool that teachers find individual approaches to each student" - says Jenya. "I want to say to everyone who is in a similar situation as me – I want to ask you not to give up. Everything will be great in the end; we will all return home" - she added. Masha Khalupka, 14, from Kyiv, Ukraine. Masha, her mother and her sister left Kyiv on 24 February, 2022 to flee the war. Since then they live in Kutaisi. UNICEF/Geo-2022/Turabelidze We left because mom and dad were scared for my life, for my sister’s life. My dad is still in Kyiv, I am here with my mom and my sister. I feel like I became a grown up overnight. We - children have seen what we were never supposed to see. I was really worried when I first went to the new school, because I had never changed schools before. I had gone to one school since the beginning. Here everyone and everything was new to me. But I am really happy, because I got to meet with Jenya, Dasha and our other classmates. I really like our class, we are very friendly. All summer I set at home, with no one to talk to. Now I have fun and spend time with my new friends. I really like it” - Says Masha More than 180,000 citizens of Ukraine have entered the territory of Georgia since 24 February 2022 (UNHCR data). As of November 2022, around 25,000 remain in Georgia. Around 25% of Ukrainians staying in Georgia are minors. UNICEF Georgia has been involved in response to the crisis caused by the war in Ukraine. With UNICEF’s support, the Government of Georgia provides one-time financial aid to vulnerable Ukrainian families with children. In total, more than 3,000 Ukrainian children will receive financial aid in the first quarter of 2023 to help them cope with the challenges related to winter.
1 of 5

Story
20 February 2023
WHO supports an inclusive response to refugees with disabilities in Georgia
The ongoing war in Ukraine has disproportionately affected persons with disabilities and the new joint programme aims to address the challenges and needs of Ukrainian refugees with disabilities in Georgia. The project is being undertaken with the European Disability Forum, 4 United Nations agencies, Georgian organizations of persons with disabilities, and key government ministries.
Since the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, over 197 000 Ukrainians have entered Georgia, as calculated by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Georgia serves both as a transit and destination point, mainly due to its simplified entry and migration policies and lower cost of living compared to most European Union (EU) countries. The project, Mainstreaming a disability-inclusive humanitarian response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis, aims to review coordination systems between central and regional institutions, UN organizations and other humanitarian actors, and gather reliable data on Ukrainians living with disabilities in the country.
“Maybe some people need wheelchairs, maybe someone has a family member who is deaf and requires a hearing aid, but we don’t know about them, and they don’t know that help is available,” said Giorgi Dzneladze, Chairman of the Coalition for Independent Living in Georgia. “I hope this project can bridge that gap and connect people with the help they need.”
Bridging the gap between people and services
As of January 2023, UNHCR estimates that approximately 25 000 Ukrainian refugees remain in Georgia, with 62% being female. Male refugees account for 38%, and this number is significant because, under the current Ukrainian Martial Law, only older men, men with disabilities, and men who have a dependent with a disability can leave Ukraine. People over 60 years-old and minors account for 8% and 26%, respectively. Many of these arrivals are expected to stay at least until June, which is the end of the school year in Georgia, but it’s likely that they will also stay beyond then. Having fled from many parts of Ukraine, but predominantly from eastern areas, many families no longer have a home to return to.
The challenges of fleeing to a foreign country can be overwhelming for anyone, especially persons with disabilities. Moreover, people with complex health needs must navigate unfamiliar health systems to access essential services and assistive products while dealing with language barriers, financial hardships and psychological trauma, among others.
The Government of Georgia has ensured that Ukrainians who fled the war are granted access to health care. To help refugee children alleviate stress and trauma, psychosocial centres are working in Batumi at full capacity. However, it’s been reported that some essential services, such as primary health care, frequently remain inaccessible. Bureaucratic processes and the lack of information on how to access services have resulted in many refugees being unable to receive the help they need.
Partners gather in Tbilisi to launch the programme
The kick-off workshop took place in Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, on 2–3 February. It gathered project partners from WHO/Europe, WHO Country Office in Georgia, UNHCR, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Members of organizations of persons with disabilities, such as the European Disability Forum and Coalition for Independent Living, also took part, sharing their experience and raising questions and concerns regarding the issues of refugees with disabilities in Georgia, such as a shortage of interpreters in shelters or the lack of specialized schools. In turn, representatives from the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, and local municipalities reported on new government decrees and initiatives designed to help this population group, such as adjustments to the process of disability determination.
“I believe that projects like this can really help people with disabilities, including refugees from Ukraine. I'm happy to use my personal and professional experience to make this kind of difference,” said Mariya Yasenovska, who fled from Kharkiv after the war broke out and now supports the European Disability Forum as its Human Rights Officer.
Background
Funded by the United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD), the programme takes place in Georgia and Moldova. Other goals include improving services dealing with sexual and gender-based violence for refugee women and girls; strengthening the legislative framework; promoting access to employment, education and social protection for persons with disabilities; and eradicating stigma and discrimination. The programme will conclude on 31 October 2023.
1 of 5

Story
08 February 2023
UN agencies launch emergency response after devastating Türkiye and Syria quakes
My heart goes out to the people of Türkiye and Syria in this hour of tragedy" said the UN Secretary-General António Guterres in a statement. "The United Nations is fully committed to supporting the response. Our teams are on the ground assessing the needs and providing assistance."
In a situation overview published shortly after 4pm GMT, UN aid coordination office OCHA, said that there had been "close to 2,000 death reported" in the two countries impacted, with at least 78 aftershocks reported, ahead of the second earthquake.
The Turkish Government has issued a Level 4 alarm, calling for international assistance. The earthquake also heavily impacted northwest Syria, which is home to around 4.1 million people who rely on humanitarian assistance, the majority being women and children.
Caption: A victim of the February 6 earthquake is treated in Samada, Syria.
Photo: © UNOCHA/ Ali Haji Suleiman
Syrian communities have been hit by an on-going cholera outbreak together with harsh winter weather. So far there is a 48 per cent funding gap for the last quarter of 2022, with $371 million pledged, out of a required total of just over $800 million.
Mr. Guterres said that the UN was counting on the international community to help the many thousands caught up in the disaster, "many of whom were already in dire need of humanitarian aid in areas where access is a challenge."
Emergency medical teams from the World Health Organization, WHO, have been given the green light to provide essential care for the injured and most vulnerable, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a tweet.
Specialist UN surge teams from the Office of UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) also tweeted that they were “ready to deploy”, amid multiple horrifying social media posts showing huge buildings collapsing in heavily built-up areas.
In a statement issued via Twitter, the UN in Türkiye expressed deep sadness at the loss of life and the destruction of property. The team expressed its condolences to the families of victims "as well as to the people and Government", wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
"United Nations Türkiye expresses its solidarity with Türkiye and is ready to assist."
Syria aid lifeline hit
UN humanitarian coordinating office OCHA underscored that the initial 7.8 magnitude quake hit at the height of winter. The epicentre was in southern Türkiye, where nearby Gaziantep – an important UN aid hub for northern Syria - was among the cities affected.
“Deeply saddened by the loss of life caused by this morning’s #earthquake,” the UN refugee agency in Syria (UNHCR) tweeted, adding that it was “actively coordinating a response with #UN Agencies and other humanitarian actors to deliver assistance and support to those in need in Syria”.
The UN along with humanitarian partners, assists some 2.7 million people every month in northwest Syria, via cross-border air deliveries.
The UN reported that 224 buildings were completely destroyed and at least 325 partially destroyed by the quakes, in 17 different subdistricts there, according to initial information from local authorities.
Idlib, Aleppo shock
Although the earthquake was felt as far away as Lebanon, closer to home, northern Syria’s Aleppo and Idlib also reportedly saw thousands of building collapse, including two hospitals.
Humanitarian needs in northern Syria are already huge, as the region is home to millions of people displaced by the country’s long-running war.
Snow and rain have hampered the work of rescue teams, whose families are also among those believed to buried under collapsed buildings.
Photo: © UN Geneva
UN-wide support
After an official request for international assistance from Ankara, the UN Children’s Fund, UNICEF, confirmed that it was ready to support the emergency response.
“The images we’re seeing out of Syria and Türkiye are heart-wrenching,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “That the initial earthquake happened so early in the morning, when many children were fast asleep, made it even more dangerous, and the aftershocks bring continuing risks.
"Our hearts and thoughts are with the children and families affected, especially those who have lost loved ones or who have been injured. Our immediate priority is to ensure children and families affected receive the support they so desperately need."
In an update late on Monday, UNICEF said that official figures from the two nations affected indicated that more than 2,300 have died and "these numbers are only likely to increase." Heavy snowstorms have hit parts of Syria and Türkiye in recent days, with further sub-zero temperatures forecasted. It is likely that schools, hospitals and other medical and educational facilities will have been damaged or destroyed by the earthquakes, further impacting children, said UNICEF. Potential damage to roads and critical infrastructure will also complicate search and rescue efforts and the wider humanitarian response.
Echoing that message of support, UN migration agency, IOM, said that is warehouse in Gaziantep had prepared non-food items and essential relief ready to be deployed. “IOM teams are also doing on-the-ground assessments to inform the response”, said spokesperson Safa Msehli.
Director-General Antonio Vitorino tweeted his solidarity “with people in Türkiye, Syria, Lebanon, the Palestinian Territories, Jordan and all those affected following the deadly earthquake. We will be working closely with governments in the region to support those affected and help alleviate their suffering.”
WHO on the ground
The World Health Organization's classified emergency medical teams initiative has been activated to provide essential healthcare for the injured and most vulnerable affected by the disaster, in response to a request for international assistance, the agency said.
National authorities are focusing on search and rescue in the immediate aftermath of the earthquakes, while anticipating increased need for trauma care to treat the injured.
“The immediate priority is to support the response locally,” said Dr. Catherine Smallwood, Senior Emergency Manager coordinating the Türkiye earthquake response at WHO/Europe. “Türkiye has very strong capacity to respond to earthquakes, but such is the level of the destruction, they have put out an alert for international medical assistance. And we are coordinating potential deployment with the Turkish authorities.”
There are more than 700 UN staff members in total based in the earthquake-hit areas. In the Turkish city of Hatay there are two international staff and 52 national staffers, said the UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, briefing correspondents in New York, where a headcount is underway to ensure that everyone is accounted for. In Gaziantep, there are some 154 international and 376 national staff members, all of whom have been accounted for.
"In Syria, all staff are safe and accounted for", Mr. Dujarric added.
A version of this article first appeared in UN News here. Printed from here.
1 of 5

Story
13 February 2023
Women Join Hands for Peace
Mako Chkadua and Malo Kotua, originally from Abkhazia, Georgia, and now based in the Samegrelo region, turned their passion for handicrafts into an opportunity for disadvantaged women. With the support of the European Union and UNDP, they train conflict-affected women in handicrafts to support their livelihoods and build social cohesion among internally displaced people and host communities.
Mako and Malo used their hands-on experience in handicraft entrepreneurship and community activism to successfully bid for a grant under the EU4Dialogue programme. It’s the first major initiative for both Mako and Malo and their ‘Hands for Peace’ non-governmental organization to support conflict-affected women.
The tailoring class students at the 'Hands for Peace' premises.
Photo: UNDP Georgia/Nino Zedginidze
The Power of Personal Experience
Under the EU and UNDP project, Mako and Malo train 42 women in one of four handicraft areas: knitting, embroidery, tailoring, and macramé. They say the initiative helps women professionally grow, earn a living, improve their livelihoods, and increase their self-reliance. In addition, considering their lived experience as internally displaced people, the two women aspire to contribute to social cohesion and community resilience.
"As Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, we always had the problem of integrating into host communities. Our children's generation is different, but in our childhood, people would make clear distinctions between IDPs and locals. We would be called 'the thrown out, the homeless”, Mako recalls. She explains that by training women in handicrafts, ‘Hands for Peace’ contributes to social cohesion and helps the displaced and host communities find a common ground.
Mako Chkadua at the tailoring class premises.
Photo: UNDP Georgia/Nino Zedginidze
‘Hands for Peace’ selected a mixed group of participants – people displaced by conflict and people from host communities in Zugdidi, Tsalenjikha and Khobi municipalities. Their students include particularly disadvantaged women – mothers of many children, single mothers, or women in early marriages who could not continue their education.
"As Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, we always had the problem of integrating into host communities. Our children's generation is different, but in our childhood, people would make clear distinctions between IDPs and locals”.
33-year-old Mako and 31-year-old Malo are both originally from the Gali district in Abkhazia. Mako spent half of her life in collective IDP housing in Zugdidi, while Malo frequently moved in between her native Saberio village in Gali and the city of Zugdidi in Samegrelo. They first met in Zugdidi in 2017, where they returned after years of studies in Tbilisi.
Their paths crossed again in 2018 at the Charity Humanitarian Center Abkhazeti (CHCA), where Malo taught polymer clay handcrafts, while Mako and her two colleagues, Monika Abralava and Salome Kardava, attended training in soutache for IDP women. As exceptional students, Mako, Monika, and Salome soon joined the ranks of handicraft teachers at the CHCA. In 2019, the four women came up with the idea of the non-profit ‘Hands for Peace’, to help other IDP women in handicraft learning.
The embroidering class at the IDP Settlement in Zugdidi.
Photo: UNDP Georgia/Nino Zedginidze
Challenges and Opportunities – A Way Ahead
Mako and Malo note high interest among women across the region to attend their handicraft classes. Last year, they received over 150 online and hardcopy applications. To assist those women who could not apply online, Mako and Malo toured villages with hardcopy application forms.
Despite their interest, a lot of women could not join the training because of their domestic chores and care work. Some had young children who could not yet be enrolled in kindergartens, making prospective handicraft students miss out on the classes.
Several participants of the ‘Hands for Peace’ project faced a similar issue, but the training course organizers found a solution. They invited mothers to come to the classes with their children and set up a small space in the office where youngsters could play while their mothers mastered needlework.
The embroidering class at the IDP Settlement in Zugdidi.
Photo: UNDP Georgia/Nino Zedginidze
Malo notes that it takes more than just learning handicrafts to start earning a living. "A training or two is far from enough. We are doing our best to ensure that our involvement does not end up with sewing classes alone. The project includes further training for these women to continue their work independently, to learn how to sell their products and how to use funding opportunities, such as grant programmes," she says.
Both Mako and Malo are optimistic about the future. They see that their work for empowering women yields results. Two of their students already found employment at the enterprises run by their trainers. And the tailoring class participants got an order from a local kindergarten to make 25 dresses for a New Year celebration.
According to Mako, "these women are making so much progress. Now they are independently looking for funding. They have grown professionally right before our eyes."
###
Disclaimer: This story was produced with the financial support of the European Union and UNDP under the EU4Dialogue project. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union and UNDP.
1 of 5

Press Release
21 May 2023
Reducing Salt Intake will save ten thousand lives in Georgia
WHO and National Center for Disease Control and Public Health launched a national salt reduction campaign, “Less salt, better health for Georgia" as part of the National Action plan to reduce the incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the population. The joint campaign, informed by behavioral insights, aims at raising awareness of the population and decision-makers about risks related to high salt intake and the available policies and techniques for decreasing salt consumption.
High salt consumption is a main risk-factor for arterial hypertension, which is a major cause of Cardio-Vascular Diseases (CVDs), constituting the leading cause of morbidity, disability, and mortality globally and in Georgia, and hindering also socio-economic development. Moreover, more evidence is emerging documenting links between high sodium intake and increased risk of other health conditions such as gastric cancer, obesity, osteoporosis and kidney disease. According to the 2016 STEPS survey, the adult population of Georgia consumes 8.5 g of salt/day and which is significantly higher than the WHO recommended dosage (5 g/day). Salt consumption is even higher - almost 2x than the recommended dosage in men - who are at higher risk for heart disease.
WHO Regional Director for Europe has recently initiated the Signature Initiative to reduce inequalities in cardiovascular disease burden and high blood pressure prevalence through improving hypertension control at primary health care level and implementing salt-reduction strategies. Georgia is one of the first countries in the European region to respond to this initiative.
“According to the latest evidence, reducing salt consumption can result in the highest return on investment. It can save up to 10,000 lives in Georgia over the period of the next 15 years, and the economic gain is equivalent to 19.6 GEL on every 1 GEL spent ” - said Silviu Domente, the WHO Representative and the Head of the WHO Country Office in Georgia.
For more information:
Check the campaign here.
Talking with patients about salt can save their lives: doctors fight hypertension in Georgia
1 of 5
Press Release
16 May 2023
Take a stand for human rights for all: stop discrimination and violence against LGBTQI+ persons in Georgia
On the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), we celebrate diversity and call for solidarity with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) community in Georgia. LGBTQI+ persons continue to experience prejudice, discrimination, stigma, hostility and violence on a daily basis and are prevented from living their lives in dignity as free and equal members of Georgian society.
We welcome the increase in public support for the protection of minority rights in Georgia, as the number of Georgians stating that LGBTQI+ rights must be protected has doubled since 2015.[1] We also welcome the protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression that Georgia’s landmark Law on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination continues to provide since 2014. We acknowledge the efforts of various state institutions and civil society organizations in ensuring full protection of human rights and freedoms.
We are concerned that despite these efforts, progress has stalled. Newly adopted national policy documents, such as the National Human Rights Strategy 2022-2030, the State Concept of Georgia on Gender Equality and the national development strategy Vision 2030 do not include measures to strengthen protection and inclusion of LGBTQI+ persons. Stigmatization, discriminatory language and hate speech by some public officials, politicians, media and religious figures incite further harassment against LGBTQI+ persons and threaten their lives. Instigators and many perpetrators of open acts of violence against LGBTQI+ individuals in recent years, including during Pride Week in July 2021, have not been brought to justice, thus further limiting the opportunity for LGBTQI+ persons to exercise their right to peaceful assembly.
Exclusion of any member of society perpetuates social, economic and political inequality and injustice for everyone, thus hampering further development of Georgia’s democracy. We call upon Georgian state, political, civic and religious leaders to stand up and speak out against hate, discrimination and violence and to work together with the LGBTQI+ communities to ensure full enjoyment of everyone’s rights. We call on the Government of Georgia to align state policy and practice with Georgia’s international commitments to safeguard the rights of LGBTQI+ persons and to promote an inclusive society where everyone is safe and free to make decisions about their bodies and their lives. As Georgia’s international supporters, we stand ready to continue working alongside Georgian partners towards these goals.
[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/3KN7hh3
1 of 5
Press Release
12 May 2023
UN Country Team in Georgia Releases 2022 Annual Results Report
The report details efforts of UN entities, contributing to Georgia advancing national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals for the benefit of all people in Georgia – particularly vulnerable and marginalized groups including persons with disabilities.
The report highlights the progress made in the five priority areas identified in the UNSDCF, which include rights-based and accountable governance and justice, inclusive economy and human capital development, equal and inclusive access to quality services, human security and resilience, sustainable environment and climate change.
Human rights remained core to the UN work in Georgia. Among the achievements of the United Nations is the development of the National Human Rights Strategy 2022-2030, the State Concept on Gender Equality and the National Action Plan on Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence for 2022–2024 as well as municipal social programmes and gender equality action plans, which are central to promoting human rights and gender equality.
The UN supported the Government in fulfilling the obligations under the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Good progress was made in developing more inclusive legislation including the National Rehabilitation Strategy and Action Plan, introducing the biopsychosocial assessment of persons with disabilities, and integrating rights and needs of persons with disabilities in health and social services.
Another key focus was fostering competitiveness of Georgian businesses, improving Georgia’s food resilience, tackling climate change, and strengthening institutions and other key areas.The report also provides an overview of UN’s support to conflict affected communities to enable them to enjoy human rights, enhanced human security and resilience.
“The past few years have been especially difficult as the world and this region navigated extreme uncertainty and the complex impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis. In 2022, the UN supported Georgia in tackling these ongoing and new challenges, strengthening resilience and prioritizing progress towards sustainable development with a total of 56 million USD worth of programming,” says Dr. Sabine Machl, UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia, in her foreword to the report.
Find out more about the UN’s achievements in 2022 by downloading the report, accessible here
1 of 5
Press Release
08 May 2023
Young Talent Pipeline: UNEP calls on young professionals with a passion for the environment
UNEP is actively seeking young, passionate, and skilled talent from less represented regions of the world to join the organization and become the environmental leaders of tomorrow. This online recruitment drive will last until 15 May 2023.
This is your chance to help us all work together to protect our Earth; your chance to help us shape your own future. --Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP, speaking to potential applicants in a video message
The pipeline targets professionals below the age of 33 in the early stages of their careers with a relevant postgraduate degree, a minimum of three years of relevant work experience, and a passion to work for people and planet.
More than 50 years since the founding of UNEP and UNV, a new generation of environmental leaders are emerging. UNEP and UNV are coming together to provide them an important platform on the global stage. --Toily Kurbanov, UNV Executive Coordinator
The first cohort of the initiative will comprise 12 young professionals, recruited through the UN Volunteers international specialist modality for specific programmatic work. They are expected to start work with UNEP in September 2023.
The appointments will initially be for one year, based at UNEP’s headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. Colleagues recruited through the Young Talent Pipeline will have access to learning and professional development opportunities, including a suite of online learning programmes.
Qualified candidates should apply to assignments listed on the dedicated page below between 1 April and 15 May 2023.
UNEP-UNV Young Talent Pipeline
1 of 5
Press Release
05 May 2023
Georgia: Enhancing Efforts for Better International Cooperation and Global Inclusion
Georgia has demonstrated that positive change is possible to break a cycle of conflict, UN Independent Expert on the Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order, Livingstone Sewanyana, said today following a 10-day visit to the country.
Mr. Sewanyana noted that Georgia has undertaken notable efforts to respect the principles of the 2008 cease-fire agreement to maintain peace and security and avoid a return to hostilities.
“I acknowledge that in spite of the challenges related to the status of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia region, the Georgian Government has formulated reconciliation and engagement policies towards these regions to build trust among communities on both side of the Administrative Boundary Line that separates the regions from the rest of the country,” the expert said.
The Independent Expert also encouraged the continuation of the Geneva International Discussions that seek to address the consequences of the 2008 conflict.
The expert encouraged the Government to address concerns raised by civil society concerning restrictions on the civic space, underlining that the human rights to freedom of assembly, association and expression must be guaranteed.
In ending his statement, the expert reaffirmed his encouragement to the Government of Georgia to strengthen its efforts to enhance democracy, respect for human rights and rule of law in the country.
During his visit, the expert met with high-level officials of the Government, representatives of the civil society, and academias.
The Independent Expert will present a report on his visit, including key recommendations, to the
Find the end of mission end of mission statement of the UN Independent Expert on the Promotion of a Democratic and Equitable International Order, Dr. Livingstone Sewanyana bellow.
1 of 5
Latest Resources
1 / 11
Resources
18 May 2022
Resources
06 December 2021
1 / 11