OSCE Raises Concerns Over Georgia’s New Law
The OSCE Office for Human Rights (ODIHR) has released a statement about the new law in Georgia that requires foreign agents to register. The office is worried that this law could harm civil society.
According to ODIHR, the law “On the Foreign Agents Registration Act” creates problems for groups that get funding from abroad. It also imposes penalties on those who don‘t comply. This raises concerns about other laws passed recently and how they affect civil society.
ODIHR Director Maria Telalian said that this law hurts the work of human rights defenders and civil society. “Civil society is very important to democracies,” she said. “New requirements should help their work, not limit it.”
The new law was made to replace a previous one, which raised concerns about restrictions on freedom of association, assembly, and expression. ODIHR thinks that the new law could make it harder for civil society groups to operate.
ODIHR looked at how the US Foreign Agents Registration Act works and found that it has safeguards to prevent civil society from being labeled as a tool of foreign influence just because they get funding from abroad. Instead, it makes sure private companies or non-profits register with authorities if they’re working on behalf of a foreign power.
The office is asking Georgian authorities to reconsider implementing this law. ODIHR wants to help Georgia improve its legislative framework in this area and is ready to assist with legal reviews and advice based on its expertise.
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