UN in Georgia Calls on Authorities to Prevent Measures that Threaten Georgian Democracy
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
The United Nations Organization in Georgia expressed deep concern regarding the draft law on "Transparency of Foreign Influence" in the issued statement. The UN wrote that the adoption of the said draft threatens the activities of civil society and the media and their essential contribution to the construction of Georgia's democracy.
According to the UN, in Georgia, civil society organizations provide essential support to the most vulnerable and vulnerable groups of society and protect their rights.
"The stigmatization of civil society activities may leave vulnerable and vulnerable groups without proper assistance, including persons with disabilities, displaced persons, representatives of minorities, the elderly, women, youth, children, victims of domestic violence and other people who need effective support and assistance.
The bill threatens the respect and protection of such rights as freedom of association and expression, the right to participate in public activities, the right to privacy and personal data protection, and the prohibition of discrimination," United Nations said in a statement.
Considering Georgia's current membership in the UN Human Rights Council, the UN calls on the Parliament of Georgia to seek legal opinions on the said draft law from competent regional and international bodies, to take into account the existing opinions on similar legislation and to conduct broad, inclusive and meaningful consultations with all interested parties that the adoption of this draft law may affect.
"The adoption of such a law may hinder the activities of the United Nations Organization within the framework of the Sustainable Development Cooperation Agreement, the country's strategy, which we have signed together with the Government of Georgia. For more than thirty years, the United Nations has been a reliable partner and ally of Georgia, supporting the development of Georgia in accordance with the country's national priorities and providing assistance to the Georgian people together with our local partners, including civil society and the media," read the statement.
The United Nations called on the Georgian authorities to take all necessary steps to prevent measures that would threaten Georgian democracy and hinder or slow down development support for Georgia.
