Georgia: Ombudsman attends Conference on Human Rights in Turkey

Tbilisi: On January 11-12, Tamar Gvaramadze, Acting Ombudsman of Georgia, took part in the International Conference – “The Future 21st Century of Human Rights” held in Ankara, the capital of the Republic of Turkey.

 At the conference, various challenges in the protection of human rights were discussed and the role of ombudsman institutions were discussed. The conference also discussed human rights in the context of war, conflict, migration and pandemic, and discussed the impact of digitalisation on human rights.

 While delivering a report at the event, Tamar Gvaramadze discussed the issues of protection of the elderly during the pandemic and shared the experience of the Georgian Ombudsman apparatus with the conference participants. It was noted that a broad mandate gives the Ombudsman of Georgia the right to protect and promote the rights of the elderly from different perspectives.

 Tamar Gvaramadze spoke about growing barriers that threaten the dignity and safety of the elderly; and further expose them to poverty, discrimination and social isolation. It is underlined that the pandemic has further exacerbated the social disparity of the elderly and highlighted the problems in their access to digital technology.

 The participants of the conference also got acquainted with the recommendations of the Georgian Public Ombudsman apparatus in terms of the protection of the rights of the elderly.

 At the end of his speech, the acting Ombudsman of Georgia thanked the Turkish Ombudsmen for organizing the conference at a high level and cordial hospitality.

 The conference was dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the  Ombudsman’s Office of Turkey and was held with the support of the EU project “Technical Assistance for Strengthening the Role of the Ombudsmen in the Protection of Human Rights”.