© UN Photo/Rick Bajornas
On Wednesday 25 September, Georgia will address the 79th session of the UN General Assembly at a time when its own rights record and the situation for human rights defenders working within its borders merit deep scrutiny.
Considering the main theme of the General Debate – ‘Leaving No One Behind: Acting Together for the Advancement of Peace, Sustainable Development, and Human Dignity for Present and Future Generations’ -, it is important to remind Georgia of its human rights obligations and commitments under international human rights law.
UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders Mary Lawlor recently stated that the situation regarding the protection of the rights of human rights defenders in Georgia has ‘drastically deteriorated since the adoption of the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence’.
Recent developments in the country raise serious concerns about the realisation of rights to freedom of speech and assembly enshrined in the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, given the shrinking of civic space and the intimidation of human rights defenders.
The Georgian government and its far-right supporters have a record of publicly accusing human rights defenders. In recent months Georgian human rights defenders have also been physical targets of these groups.
The situation will worsen after the newly adopted law on ‘Family Values and Protection of Minors,’ which contains provisions that pose a risk to the promotion and protection of human rights in the country. This law is fundamentally at odds with international human rights standards, violating a long list of rights enshrined in international human rights treaties, such as ‘the rights to equality, non-discrimination, education, health, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, as well as privacy, liberty, and security.’
The bill also introduces censorship of activism and creative activities and promotes homophobia and transphobia. It restricts freedom of expression by censoring awareness-raising activities related to the dissemination of information about LGBTIQ+ rights and initiatives. Consequently, the law has serious adverse impacts on individual LGBTIQ+ activists and NGOs working on the protection of the rights of LGBTIQ+ people.
Meanwhile, at the General Debate, Georgia is expected to focus on the idea that no one is left behind. To do so, the country must translate its words and commitments into meaningful actions. The introduction of laws that violate the rights of individuals and restrict the functioning of human rights organisations undermines Georgia’s obligations as a signatory to international human rights instruments. It must urgently reverse decisions that impede its ability to fulfil its core human rights obligations.
Download as PDF
At the 55th Human Rights Council session, civil society organisations share reflections on key outcomes and highlight gaps in addressing crucial issues and situations. Full written version below.
In compliance with Article 62 of the African Charter, States have the obligation to report every two years on the legislative, administrative and political measures taken with a view to give effect to human rights guaranteed by the Charter. The Islamic Republic of Mauritania, which ratified the Charter in 1986, submitted its 15th-16th and 17th Periodic Reports for its review.
This week in an online event, 10 candidate States publicly spoke to an audience of around 200 people on their pledges as incoming Human Rights Council members for 2022 – 2024. They also faced questions on pressing human rights issues from both States and civil society organisations.
