CoE Human Rights Commissioner Michael O'Flaherty Meets Georgian Dream Officials
By Messenger Staff
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Michael O'Flaherty, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, is currently visiting Georgia "to engage with government, authorities, and civil society on a range of important human rights concerns," as he stated on April 13. The visit has involved high-level discussions regarding legislative reforms and direct observations of the humanitarian situation near the occupation line.
Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met with Commissioner O'Flaherty to discuss close cooperation between Georgia and the Council of Europe, with a focus on implementing the 2024-2026 Human Rights Action Plan. During the meeting, the Prime Minister "reaffirmed the strong commitment of the Government of Georgia to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms." Government officials noted that "media pluralism, freedom of speech and freedom of expression are ensured in the country and guaranteed by the Constitution and legislation of Georgia." The leaders also discussed peace initiatives and the humanitarian challenges within the occupied territories.
Georgian Dream Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili also held talks with the Commissioner regarding ongoing steps taken to protect human rights. According to the Foreign Ministry, "Maka Botchorishvili briefed the Commissioner for Human Rights on the grave security, humanitarian and human rights situation in the Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali." The Minister emphasized the "need to keep the Russia-Georgia conflict high on the agenda of the international community," and highlighted the importance of the Secretary General's consolidated reports.
The Commissioner's itinerary included a visit to the village of Odzisi, located near the occupation line, as well as the IDP settlement in the village of Tserovani. These field visits were attended by Minister Botchorishvili and the Head of Government Administration, Levan Zhorzholiani, to provide the Commissioner with a direct perspective on the conditions faced by displaced persons and those living near the conflict zones.
