On October 17, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe adopted a statement “The Situation in Georgia” with 75 votes in favor, 10 voting against and 6 abstentions.
The declaration expresses its deep concern over Georgia’s democratic backsliding, and the deterioration of human rights. It mentions the anti-democratic Foreign Agents Law, and anti-LGBTTI legislation.
The Congress calls on the Georgian Government to repeal this “antihuman rights legislation”, and to refrain further from polarizing society or threatening political plurality, violating human rights, or undermining democratic principles. The declaration states that “Georgia must return to the path towards democratic consolidation and recommit itself to democratic principles and the respect for human rights.”
The Congress also reiterates that it is essential to protect human rights and fundamental liberties, including non-discrimination, freedom of assembly, and other freedoms.
The declaration highlights the danger of Georgia’s deviations from democratic norms, which are exacerbated by the attacks and intimidation of opponents. It also takes into consideration the upcoming October parliamentary elections as well as local elections scheduled for the year 2025.
It also emphasizes its commitment to a productive political dialogue with the Georgian Authorities, notably within the framework of a visit by a high-level official to Georgia after the formation of a government following the parliamentary election.
The declaration states that “the Congress will continue to support critical efforts by Georgian authorities, at all levels of the government, in collaboration and cooperation with civil society to safeguard human rights to promote democracy at the closest level to the citizens.”
The statement concludes that the Georgian Government must fulfill its obligations and commitments that it reaffirmed in Reykjavik Declaration of the Council of Europe, and that if it does not meet these commitments it will be held accountable by CoE statutory bodies.
MFRR and Partners of the CoE Platform for Journalists’ Safety Issue Critical Interim Results
Partners of CoE Platform for Journalists’ Safety and MFRR Complete Tbilisi Mission
The Daily Beat: Tuesday, 10 September
CoE Human Rights Commissar Urges Georgia to Reject Anti-LGBT Law and Refrain From Stigmatizing Rhetoric
The Daily Beat: Monday, 8 September
Read More @ civil.ge