Georgian PM: Protecting Human Rights Is Our Top Priority
Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili stated that protecting human rights and freedoms is the greatest achievement and the top priority of Georgia.
The PM made the statement while delivering speech at the reception celebrating Human Rights Day.
He added that next year marks the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. “Adopted in 1948, this crucially important document, and its spirit and principles, remains just as pivotal today as 70 years ago,” he added.
Kvirikashvili said the main goal of the Georgian government is constantly striving to better the protection of human rights.
“Today, we can state boldly that our progress in the past few years has created a qualitatively different reality in our country, which is a result of our Government's robust political will and can be seen by our citizens across all areas on a daily basis,” he said, adding this achievement has also been repeatedly recognized by Georgia’s international partners, who perceive Georgia as a “modern, democratic, and developed state.”
However, the PM said not every Georgian citizen can equally enjoy this progress and it remains an issue of special concern.
“Growing ethnicity-based discriminatory attitude towards the Georgians in the occupied Regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali, especially in the Gali District is really concerning. Banning native language from schools, restricted movement, and property and other fundamental rights, illegal detention and households torn apart by barbed wires are only a few examples of the numerous consequences brought about by the policy of occupation,” he stressed, adding the government is doing its best to ensure the protection of the populations in the Russian-occupied regions, regardless of their ethnic affiliation, and to improve the humanitarian situation on the ground.
Kvirikashvili thanked international and donor organizations for continuously assisting the Government in implementing human rights reforms. He also expressed gratitude to the UN Human Rights Office in Georgia and everyone contributing to the protection of human rights in Georgia.
By Thea Morrison