Georgian Delegation Presents Report on Implemented Reforms to UN Human Rights Committee
By Khatia Bzhalava
Friday, July 8, 2022
Georgian delegation has presented the latest report on the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in Georgia to the United Nations Human Rights Committee. The report was prepared in 2020 by the Ministry of Justice along with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other state agencies.
On July 5-6, Deputy Justice Minister Beka Dzamashvili delivered the Government’s fifth periodic report to the UN body, touching upon legislative and institutional reforms implemented since 2014 for ensuring effective provision of human rights and timely fulfillment of international obligations.
The Georgian delegation also focused on human rights-related challenges in the Russian-occupied Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) regions. As the official statement reads, members of the Committee were provided with detailed information on historical decisions made by the European Court of Human Rights and the International Criminal Court in the Hague, which legally confirmed the Russian occupation of Georgian territories and responsibility for the violations committed during the 2008 war”, the Ministry noted.
The report also covered reforms in the judicial system, steps taken to strengthen the penitentiary system and law enforcement agencies, as well as anti-corruption measures, ensuring freedom of expression and assembly, electoral reform, enforcement of anti-discrimination legislation, and reforms carried out by Georgia to eliminate violence against women and ensure the protection of the rights of children and persons with disabilities. The Georgian delegation also answered questions of the members of the Committee on current issues in the country.
According to the Ministry, the Committee “positively assessed” the mechanisms to ensure the implementation of the recommendations of UN monitoring bodies. The Committee’s recommendations are expected to be sent to the Georgian delegation in writing, with the latter to report on their implementation in 2024.
