Rights Georgia hosts EU Monitoring Mission at Human Rights House

Tbilisi, Georgia: Rights Georgia, a non-governmental organization dedicated to protecting and promoting human rights and freedom in Georgia, hosted a meeting with representatives of the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) at the Tbilisi Human Rights House on January 12, 2024.

The meeting aimed to enhance the cooperation and exchange of information between the two organizations and raise awareness about the human rights situation in the regions near the occupation line, where the EUMM monitors the implementation of the 2008 ceasefire agreement that ended the Russo-Georgian War.

The Executive Director of Rights Georgia, Vladimir Mkervalishvili, welcomed the guests and introduced them to the organization’s ongoing projects and plans, which include providing free legal aid to vulnerable groups, strategic litigation at national and international levels, educational activities, analysis of legislation and policy, and advocacy campaigns.

The employees of Rights Georgia also spoke about the needs and challenges of the citizens living in the areas adjacent to Abkhazia and South Ossetia, who face various human rights violations, such as restrictions on freedom of movement, access to education, health care, and property rights. 

They also informed the EUMM representatives about the claims and strategic lawsuits filed by Rights Georgia against the Russian Federation in the European Court of Human Rights and the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, seeking justice and compensation for the victims of the conflict.

The representatives of EUMM, in their turn, introduced the organization to the mission objectives and priorities, which are to ensure that there is no return to hostilities, to facilitate the resumption of a safe and everyday life for the local communities, to build confidence among the parties, and to inform EU policy in Georgia and the wider region. 

They also expressed their appreciation for the work of Rights Georgia and their readiness to cooperate and support the organization in its efforts to protect and promote human rights and freedom in Georgia.

The meeting concluded with a discussion of the opportunities for future cooperation, such as joint monitoring visits, information sharing, capacity building, and awareness-raising activities.