Statement by the Head of Delegation of the European Union to Georgia Ambassador Philip Dimitrov on behalf of the Heads of Missions of the European Union Member States to Georgia

Tbilisi, 19 June, 2012
The next round of the EU-Georgia Human Rights Dialogue will take place in Tbilisi on 26 June. The EU-Georgia Human Rights Dialogue is a two-way process and provides an opportunity to both recognise progress made and raise issues of concern, including individual cases.

Since last session in June 2011, justice reforms, progress regarding freedom of religion, support to internally displaced persons, and independent monitoring by the Public Defender's Office have continued. The orderly conduct of most demonstrations since May 2011 has also been noted.

In light of upcoming parliamentary elections, the EU looks forward to hearing about further progress in establishing a tolerant and pluralistic political culture, and towards the prompt handling of allegations of intimidation or dismissals.

Discussions will also cover a broad range of topics, including large prison population, accountability of law enforcement officers, minorities, functioning of civil society, and the human rights situation in the breakaway regions.

The EU will continue raising the issue of labour rights and promotion of social dialogue, particularly in connection with the current Generalised System of Preferences (GSP+) and negotiations on Deep and Comprehensive Free and Trade Agreement.

The EU is pleased to organise a Civil Society Seminar on 21-22 June focused on justice and labour issues in advance of this round of Dialogue.