UN Human Rights Point Man to Look Into Plight of Georgia’s IDPs

TBILISI – The United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Chaloka Beyani arrived in Georgia on Sunday to review the small South Caucasus country’s ongoing crisis regarding thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

During his four-day visit, Beyani will meet with Georgian government officials, civil society organizations and several IDPs.

“I will review any progress made in regards to the protection and assistance provided to IDPs and look at current challenges and opportunities for durable solutions in Georgia, particularly the integration of IDP needs into broader development plans and initiatives,” said the Zambia-born Beyani.

 “I have continued to pay attention to the protracted situation of IDPs in Georgia and their inability to voluntarily return to their places of origin. Some of those who did return to Abkhazia continue to face difficulties regarding their basic civil rights and freedom of movement.”

Georgian government forces fought three wars against Russian-backed separatist forces in Abkhazia and South Ossetia between 1991-2008.

The wars left thousands dead and led to the ethnic cleansing of a quarter of a million Georgians.

Abkhazia and South Ossetia were recognized as independent states by Moscow following the 2008 war.

According to the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Accommodation and Refugees of Georgia's latest statistics, currently there are 263598 registered IDps in Georgia

International law and the United Nations continue to state that the regions remain parts of Georgia.

Beyani will later present his findings to the UN in a report compiled after his departure from Georgia.

By Natia Liparteliani

Edited by Nicholas Waller