OSCE/ODIHR Criticizes Georgia's Abolition of Gender Quotas, Calls Move Incompatible with International Standards
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
The Office of the Public Defender has reported that the OSCE/ODIHR has prepared a legal report, at the request of the Public Defender, criticizing the recent abolition of gender quotas in Georgia. The report deems the legislative changes incompatible with international human rights standards aimed at eliminating discrimination against women in political and public life.
According to the OSCE/ODIHR report, the Georgian Parliament hastily discussed the draft laws over four days, culminating in their final passage on April 4, and subsequently overcoming a presidential veto on May 15.
"The quota system aims to achieve de facto equality and contributes to the gradual increase of women's representation in the country," the report states. It argues that there was no constitutional, international, or efficiency-based necessity for abolishing the gender quotas. Despite gradual improvements in gender balance within the Georgian Parliament due to mandatory quotas and financial incentives, the report notes that representation remains low compared to other OSCE countries and fails to meet international standards.
The OSCE/ODIHR report highlights the lack of specific evidence, data, or in-depth analysis in the explanatory notes accompanying the draft laws, failing to justify the need for abolishing the electoral gender quotas and financial incentives for parties.
Additionally, the report criticizes procedural flaws, such as the hasty adoption process, inadequate participation, lack of consultations with stakeholders, and the negative implications of altering essential electoral elements close to elections. It emphasizes the importance of stability in electoral legislation.
The OSCE/ODIHR report reviews international obligations to promote gender equality in political and public life and provides specific recommendations for Georgia moving forward. The Public Defender's Office underscores the importance of these findings in guiding future legislative actions to uphold gender equality standards.
