2019-04-23
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"Progress achieved in the recent years towards protection of human rights in Georgia is vivid, tangible and reflected in many international ratings. Nevertheless, we see challenges and this very format should work towards overcoming them in the most effective and efficient manner" stated Mamuka Bakhtadze, Prime Minister of Georgia at the Human Rights Council Meeting held today at the Government Administration.
As noted by the Head of Government of Georgia, authorities stand ready to consider every and any problem or challenge that society is concerned with and make effective measures towards overcoming problems towards protection of human rights in the country.
"International experts commissioned within the Joint Project of the European Union (EU) and United Nations Development Program (UNDP) titled as the Human Rights for All have scrutinized the performance and operation of the existing mechanism. They gave us very interesting recommendations. I wish to particularly thank the EU and UNDP for supporting this project and express hopes that it will be continued in future to support the introduction and implementation of these recommendations in real life" added the Prime Minister of Georgia.
According to the Head of Government of Georgia, experts suggested the Council to be transformed into a National Mechanism for Reporting and Planning of Further Steps, key function of which would be a constant dialogue of the Government of Georgia and other organizations working on the protection of human rights, facilitated engagement and coordination.
Prime Minister of Georgia singled out the role of Secretariat within the operation of the Human Rights Council, which has been successfully coordinating the drafting process of the Action Plan.
"I wish to thank each person engaged in the process and say honestly that we are the political team that is results-oriented and goal-driven to make Georgia further more successful. I have noted it many times and will repeat it now that easy reforms and readily available outcomes are over. We are embarking a very complex and difficult process of reforms. Hence, active engagement - inter alia of the civil society - is perceived to be a very important support mechanism to make sure that reforms that we will carry out be most successful and tailored to the best interests of our citizens, most compatible with best international practice and therefore I am confident that very interesting work is ahead of us" noted the Prime Minister of Georgia.
Meeting of the Human Rights Council, chaired by the Prime Minister of Georgia at the Government Administration was attended by officials of the executive, legislative and judicial authorities of the country, as well as Public Defender (Ombudsman), NGOs and international organizations.
Representatives of non-government organizations (NGOs) engaged in the work of the Human Rights Council reported on their performance, justice system, reform of the law enforcement bodies, socio-economic rights, rights of women, etc.
UN system institutions praised the progress achieved towards human rights as a result of the joint project implemented with support of EU and UNDP. Public Defender (Ombudsman) of Georgia made a general overview of the situation by stressing the significance of the format offered by the Human Rights Council and noted that there is no other platform of high political representation that will give floor to the civil society organizations and individuals working on human rights to have an open and coordinated discussion on challenges faced towards human rights.
Carl Hartzell, EU Ambassador to Georgia thanked the Prime Minister for reviving the format of Human Rights Council Meetings and noted that it has all the chances to support the Government in improving the operation and coordination of actions towards protection of human rights in Georgia.
It was agreed to hold quarterly meetings of the Human Rights Council. Significance of the efficient operation of Inter-Agency Commissions on the Rights of the Child and Gender Equality was emphasized within the scope of the Human Rights Council.
Also, decision was made to develop a National Strategy on the Protection of Human Rights of Georgia for 2020-2030, which will be drafted with an inclusive effort.
Human Rights Council was originally established in 2014 and its key aim and goal is to develop a common state policy on the protection of human right and to coordinate the implementation process. In addition, one of the key role of the Human Rights Council is to coordinate and monitor the execution of the Government Action Plan.
Prime Minister's Press Office