PACE: Protection of Human Rights Defenders in Georgia Deteriorating

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) adopted a document stating the situation, in terms of protecting human rights defenders in Georgia, seems to be worsening, referring to human rights protectors and organizations operating in the country.

“The Assembly notes that in the majority of the Council of Europe member States, human rights defenders are free to work in an environment conducive to the development of their activities. However, it is deeply concerned about increased reprisals against human rights defenders in certain member States, including Azerbaijan, the Russian Federation and Turkey.” The report reads.

According to the report, there have also been alarming signs of deterioration in certain member states, including Georgia, namely public attacks, threats to release material allegedly compromising to prominent human rights defenders, physical attacks, and pressure and intimidation against lawyers, including lawyers working on politically sensitive cases.

According to the PACE report, the Assembly condemns these practices and supports the work of human rights defenders, who put at risk their security and personal life for the promotion and protection of the rights of others, including those from the most vulnerable and oppressed groups (migrants and members of national, religious or sexual minorities) or to combat impunity of state officials, corruption and poverty.

The report was published yesterday and the major parliamentary opposition, United National Movement demands from the government to bear it in mind and follow the recommendations of Georgia’s strategic partners, such as the European Union.