PHR Newletter #1 March-August

8/9/2019 PHR Newletter #1 March-August

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Greetings to all!

It is a great honor for me to greet you on behalf of PHRand give you the possibility to assess our work

performed in the last six months. In the sphere of Human Rights the human is the expert. The lawyers canonly articulate the violated right. There are no successfuland unsuccessful cases for people working in the field of human rights. We all serve the idea of human rightswhich was born alongside the human race. As societydevelops the methods of struggle change, but the aimremains the same. Nowadays as well as in the age of antiquity or medieval era, human rights activistscontributed to the formation of civil culture in societythrough their own work which is based on the

supremacy of the idea of human rights equallyprotecting everyone.

With Kind Regards,Ana AbashidzeThe Head of the Organization

‘Partnership for Human Rights’ – PHR was founded in

2012 and since then, in accordance with the

organization’s mission, performs the following

activities:

1. Raising the legal awareness of disabled persons,

women, children, elder people and other

vulnerable groups, consulting and providing legal

assistance in order for them to exercise their own

rights,

2. Organizing the events which promote the social

integration of disabled persons, women, children,

elderly people and other vulnerable groups

3. Collecting and processing information about the

situation regarding protection of rights of

vulnerable groups of people throughout the

country. Creating statistics and analyzing the data.Submitting respective recommendations to the

responsible stakeholders.

Our Mission

Protecting the rights of various

social groups such as: children

people with disabilities elderly

people and others enhancement

of gender equality and support

women’s civil and political

participation.

M a r c h -

A u g u s t . 2 0 1 4

PHR.HumanRights PHRgeorgia.wordpress.com

http://phrgeorgia.wordpress.com/http://phrgeorgia.wordpress.com/http://phrgeorgia.wordpress.com/http://phr.ge/https://www.facebook.com/PHR.HumanRightshttps://www.facebook.com/PHR.HumanRights


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For the past 10 years, he has worked in the field of the protection of rights of disabled

persons and has fought against discrimination. He has conducted a number of

monitoring, as well as educational, courses in the field of human rights in terms of equal

opportunities, increasing accessibility and supporting UN Convention on Rights of

Disabled Persons (2006).

Koba Nadiradze

Since 2003 she has worked in the Neuro-rehabilitation and day centers for disabled

children, UN Children’s Fund, Office of Public Defender of Georgia, the ‘Coalition for

Independent Living’ granted a certificate of honor for contribution to well-being of

disabled persons. She is an author of several studies and monitoring reports concerning

situations of rights of disabled persons, children and elderly people in Georgia.

Anna Arganashvili

For seven years she has worked in human rights protection NGOs, international

organization (UN Women), Office of Public Defender of Georgia, she is a trainer of trainers,

in the frame of European Union and Council of Europe joint initiative ‘Empowerment of

Lawyers Capacity for Use of European Convention on Human Rights and Amended European

Charter on National Level’. She is an author of several monitoring reports and publications

regarding human rights.

At the moment she represents the head of the organization ‘Partnership for Human Rights’

– PHR.

Ana Abashidze

Since 2009 she has worked in the human rights protection NGOs, state agencies and Office

of Public Defender of Georgia. She is a researcher; she participated in the preparation of

state policy documents in the field of children’s rights (among them disabled children).

Nowadays she supervises PHR’s project called ‘Supporting Rights and Capacities of Disabled

Persons to provide their Participation in the Work of Local Self-Government’.

Nana Gochiashvili

Nana Abashidze

Since 2013 she has worked at the NGO ‘Partnership for Human Rights’. She is involved in the

field of human rights and democratic citizenship education. She participates in the project

‘Empowerment of Women against Labor Discrimination and Gender based Violence’.She takes part in various international projects, such as: EU project ‘Democracy at School’ and

the project about voluntarism implemented by UN Association of Georgia.


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In 2012-2013 she was an intern at the Office of Public Defender of Georgia. Since

December 2013 she is an Office Manager, she is involved in the project ‘Empowerment

of Women against Labor Discrimination and Gender based Violence’.

Tatia Janelidze

Lela is a graduate of GIPA, Journalism and Media Management Caucasian School, PR

Master’s Program. Since April 2014 she works for the organization ‘Partnership for Human

Rights’ on the position of PR specialist.

Katie Bakhtadze

Since 2011 she has worked in human rights protection NGOs. She used to participate in the

projects of protection of disabled children. At the moment she is involved in the PHR project

‘Mainstreaming of Issues of Disabled Persons in the State Action Plan against Gender based

Violence’ and ‘Protection of Women with Psycho-Social Needs Placed in Psychiatric Institutionsfrom Violence’.

Sophiko is a student. Since January 2014 she is an intern at the organization

‘Partnership for Human Rights’.

Sofiko Zirakashvili

Lela Berishvili

Nino Iakobidze

After graduation from the Law faculty Nino completed an internship program at the

Department of Gender Equality, Public Defender’s Office. She was involved in the activities

of a number of international organizations in the field of youth empowerment during

various periods of time. Nowadays she is involved in the project ‘Elimination of

Discrimination towards Internally Displaced, Elderly and Disabled Women in Georgia’.


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On 6 March 2014, the EU delegation in Georgia conducted the presentation / exhibition of 34 new

projects for civil society members working on human rights protection at Hall of ‘Qarvasla’.

The organization ‘Partnership for Human Rights – PHR’ presented in total three new projects with

EU funding and which is implemented in partnership with Georgian Young Lawyers Association,

Article 42 of the Constitution and Anti-Violence Network of Georgia, Youth Centre of Independent

Living and Organization ‘ and ‘Accessible Environment for Everyone’.

The project aims to protect rights of disabled persons, women with psycho-social needs and

women subjected to oppression at work place and discrimination and conduct advocacy.

On 6 March 2013, the workshop with the representatives of Media and

Political Parties was conducted at the Sheraton Metekhi Palace which

covered the topics related to preparation of package of legislative

amendments in the field of protection of rights of disabled persons. The

project implementation is supported by the Ministry of Labor, Health and

Social Affairs of Georgia. The technical support is provided by the

organization ‘Coalition for Independent Living’, with the support of the

USAID and in the frame of the project ‘Advocacy for Disabled Capacities’.For drafting the package of legislative amendments the main group of

experts has already been formed which includes the following people: the

judges of the Supreme Court of Georgia, national and foreign specialists

working on disabled people’s issues. The working group is coordinated and

supervised by Ana Abashidze, the Head of the organization ‘Partnership for

Human Rights’.

On 8 March 2014, the PHR representatives visited

Tserovani and met the children in BookMobile of the

American Embassy where they talked about Rosa Parks –

the Leader of the Civil Rights Movement in America, they

watched the movie ‘Untold Herstories’, the children got

information about lives of Barbare Jorjadze and Ekaterine

Gabashvili, as well as the information about the Feminist

Movement in Georgia and they read Kato Mikeladze’s

letters. PHR expresses its gratitude towards the South

Caucasus Office of the Heinrich Boell Foundation for the

books which were given to the children and the AmericanEmbassy for BookMobile, where the meeting was held.

Presentation of PHR Projects

Package of Legislative Amendments

In Tserovani with the BookMobile

Early Marriage in Georgia

The figures of early marriage still remain high in Georgia. According to the official data starting

from October 2011 up to 14 January 2013, more than 7,367 girls interrupted their studies

before completing the basic level of education at Georgian public and private schools (7th-9th

grades). One of the major reasons for that is an early marriage which quite often is forced by

the family of origin. Two days ago the information was spread by Media sources, a 16 year old

girl committed a suicide for that particular reason, in the village of Karajala. The investigation is

ongoing and the final details regarding this case are not known yet. But for the human rights

activists and the organizations working in the field of gender based violence this fact

demonstrated that the early marriages are an unsolved problem in Georgia. The Radio

‘Tavisupleba’ (Radio Liberty) discussed that particular topic with Ana Abashidze, the head of the

organization ‘Partnership for Human Rights’.

The author of the program and the anchor – Eka Qevanishvili

http://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/content/%E1%83%9C%E1%83%90%E1%83%90%E1%83%93%E1%83%A0%E1%83%94%E1%83%95%E1%83%98-%E1%83%A5%E1%83%9D%E1%83%A0%E1%83%AC%E1%83%98%E1%83%9C%E1%83%94%E1%83%91%E1%83%90-%E1%83%A1%E1%83%90%E1%83%A5%E1%83%90%E1%83%A0%E1%83%97%E1%83%95%E1%83%94%E1%83%9A%E1%83%9D%E1%83%A8%E1%83%98/25303542.htmlhttp://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/content/%E1%83%9C%E1%83%90%E1%83%90%E1%83%93%E1%83%A0%E1%83%94%E1%83%95%E1%83%98-%E1%83%A5%E1%83%9D%E1%83%A0%E1%83%AC%E1%83%98%E1%83%9C%E1%83%94%E1%83%91%E1%83%90-%E1%83%A1%E1%83%90%E1%83%A5%E1%83%90%E1%83%A0%E1%83%97%E1%83%95%E1%83%94%E1%83%9A%E1%83%9D%E1%83%A8%E1%83%98/25303542.html


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On 17 March 2014, the meeting with the judges of the Supreme Court of Georgia, the

representative of the organization ‘Disability Rights International’ and the judge of the US Federal

Court was conducted at the association ‘Anika’, which was organized by the organization

‘Coalition for Independent Living’. The main topic of the meeting was the experience of United

States of America in the field of advocacy of rights of disabled persons. The conversation touched

on current challenges, such as: the rehabilitation of disabled persons, social integration,

restoration of violated rights through the court and other important issues. The participants

shared their experience in the field of protection of disabled persons’ rights.

On 19 March 2014, the joint meeting between the international organization ‘Disability

Rights International’ and non-governmental organization ‘Partnership for Human

Rights’ was conducted which covered the protection of disabled persons’ and children’s

rights and defining the 2014 Advocacy Strategy and capacities in Georgia.

Mr. Richard Norland, the US Ambassador to Georgia, the representatives of national

NGOs working in the field of children’s and disabled persons’ rights attended the

meeting. The major challenges concerning the protection of rights of disabled personswere discussed in the meeting and later a discussion followed. The representatives of

the international organization shared American experiences and strategies for problem

solution with the civil society representatives.

Advocacy of the Rights of People with Disabilities

On 29-30 March, the PHR representatives conducted the

training for women with disabilities who are leaders of the

movement and their supporters.

Training for Women with Disabilities


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On 14 March 2014, the public discussion on the topic ‘Why is a woman

not equal to a man in Georgia’ was organized by the South Caucasus

Regional Office of Heinrich Boll Foundation in the South Caucasus in

Kutaisi.

The main speakers in the meeting were: Ana Arghanashvili – from the

organization ‘Partnership for Human Rights’, Mirian Ebanoidze – Kutaisi

Akaki Tsereteli State University, Professor, Philosopher and Nato

Qatamadze – the Assistant to the Chair of Georgian Parliament.

The meeting was moderated by Qetevan Berdzenishvili, radio ‘Dzveli

Qalaqi.’

The participants of the meeting discussed the reasons causing the genderinequality, necessity for the empowerment and support of women, the

role of state and society for the progress of this direction.

On 21 March 2014, the public discussion on the topic: ‘Why

is a woman not equal to a man in Georgia’ was conducted in

Batumi, with the support of the South Caucasus Regional

Office of Heinrich Boll in the South Caucasus.

The main presenters in the meeting were: Ana Arghanashvili

– from the organization ‘Partnership for Human Rights’,

Medea Vasadze, the member of the Supreme Council of

Adjara Autonomous Republic and Emzar Kakhidze, the

professor and historian of the Batumi Shota Rustaveli State

University. Nata Imedashvili moderated the meeting (Radio

‘Tavisupleba’).

The participants discussed the reasons causing gender

inequality, the necessity of empowerment and support of

women, the role of state and society for achieving the

progress in this field.

On 25 March 2014, the organization ‘Partnership for Human

Rights’ (PHR) along with the ‘Georgia’s Reforms Association’

(GRASS) organized a work meeting.

The meeting was attended by the NGOs working on women’s

rights and gender equality.The main aim of the meeting was defining the role of NGOs

working on women’s rights for submission of shadow reports

within the framework of international treaties. The topics

related to gender violence and domestic violence were also

discussed during the meeting.

‘Why is a Woman not Equal to a Man in Georgia?’

Gender-based Violence and Domestic

Violence

The organization ‘Partnership for Human Rights’

participated in the meeting organized by the non-governmental organization ‘Coalition for IndependentLiving’ which was attended by Mr. John Vodac, theexpert on rights of disabled persons (one of the authorsof the draft law regarding rehabilitation of disabledpersons and anti-discrimination act (ADA) of disabledpersons operating in the USA), the representatives of the Georgian Ministry of Health and Ministry of Justiceand the judges of the Supreme Court.

Advocacy of Rights of Persons with Disabilities


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‘Panorama Tbilisi’ - Public Discussion

On 7 April, a public discussion of the major concept of ‘Panorama Tbilisi’ project was

conducted in the hotel ‘Holiday Inn’ by the initiative of Tbilisi City Hall. PHR

representatives attended the discussion managed to inform the disabled persons and

their supporters several days before the meeting, through social media.

As a result, the beneficiaries of Martkopi residential institution for disabled persons

along with the other disabled persons attended the public discussion.

In order to ensure the enjoyment of civil and political rights by people with

disabilities within the local self-government, PHR along with ‘Article 42 of the

Constitution’ and the ‘Movement – Accessible Environment for Everyone’ runs the

project ‘Realization of Electoral Right of Disabled Persons and Capacities for

Participation in the Work of Local Self-Government’, funded by the EU.

Violence Towards Children at Public School

On 12 April, a march regarding the International Day of Children

Living and Working in the Streets was conducted from the metro

station ‘Rustaveli’ to metro station ‘Freedom Square’.

The campaign was organized by the NGOs such as: ‘Institute for

Non-Violent Communication’, ‘GCRT’, ‘Partnership for Human

Rights’, ‘Sapari’, ‘Kamara’ and the volunteers interested in this

field.

The campaign aimed to remind society and the state about the

duties which we have towards the ‘children living and working inthe street’.

At the time the campaign was being held, participants were

delivering the information about the ‘children living and working

in the street’ to the Ministry of Healthcare which was received

during the movement through the hotline (1505).

The above mentioned organizations and volunteers will also, in

future, remind the state and society about their duties and

actively work for protection of children’s rights in future.

Campaign for Supporting the Children Living and Working in the Streets

Ana Abashidze, the Headof PHR, talks at Radio

‘Utsnobi’

Please see the records ofthe program over here:

The discussion at the officeof ‘Front Line Georgia’ with

the initiative of four NGOs

Please see the records of theprogram over here:

http://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/content/%E1%83%A1%E1%83%99%E1%83%9D%E1%83%9A%E1%83%90%E1%83%A8%E1%83%98-%E1%83%AB%E1%83%90%E1%83%9A%E1%83%90%E1%83%93%E1%83%9D%E1%83%91%E1%83%98%E1%83%A1-%E1%83%A8%E1%83%94%E1%83%9B%E1%83%97%E1%83%AE%E1%83%95%E1%83%94%E1%83%95%E1%83%94%E1%83%91%E1%83%98%E1%83%A1-%E1%83%9B%E1%83%98%E1%83%9B%E1%83%9D%E1%83%AE%E1%83%98%E1%83%9A%E1%83%95%E1%83%90/25322814.htmlhttp://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/content/%E1%83%A1%E1%83%99%E1%83%9D%E1%83%9A%E1%83%90%E1%83%A8%E1%83%98-%E1%83%AB%E1%83%90%E1%83%9A%E1%83%90%E1%83%93%E1%83%9D%E1%83%91%E1%83%98%E1%83%A1-%E1%83%A8%E1%83%94%E1%83%9B%E1%83%97%E1%83%AE%E1%83%95%E1%83%94%E1%83%95%E1%83%94%E1%83%91%E1%83%98%E1%83%A1-%E1%83%9B%E1%83%98%E1%83%9B%E1%83%9D%E1%83%AE%E1%83%98%E1%83%9A%E1%83%95%E1%83%90/25322814.htmlhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK9yuO1IkaIhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK9yuO1IkaI


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The signing organizations express our concern and criticize the draft law on elimination of all forms of discrimination

presented to the Georgian Parliament by the Georgian Government, we consider that current version represents a step back

from the model and standards of fighting against discrimination which was drafted by the Ministry of Justice along with the

active participation of civil society and was positively assessed by the international organizations. The effective repressive

and preventive tools for elimination of discrimination is missing in the draft law initiated by the government which foresaw

the fines for the offender and control tools of obligatory activities for the elimination of discrimination. Also, the

competence of the Public Defender and procedural guaranties during discussion of discrimination facts and their

enforcement are weak and ineffective.

The argument of the government was that the state agencies and society are not ready for the repressive and effective tools

for implementation could not be foreseen as the tools for the fight against discrimination also covers the educational,

preliminary preventive activities and fines which can be applied as extreme legal measures.

The paragraphs 2 and 3 of the article 5 are especially arguable, which sets unjustified restrictions for incorrect enforcementof legal provisions and abuse of one’s power and presents the law interpretation from the perspective of dominant groups

which is legally unjustified and invalid. But it demonstrates the value of the draft law. In this regard the it is especially

irrelevant to make a separate indication that none of the legal provisions could be interpreted in opposition to the

Constitutional Agreement between the state and Georgian Orthodox Church as the Constitution itself declares the priority

of the norms and principles of international law in the field of human rights and fundamental freedoms in comparison with

the Constitutional Agreement. The frame of the Constitutional Agreement does not exceed beyond the contracting parties’

relations and does not consider different treatment to the third parties, which in this case could be assessed as

discrimination.

According to the above mentioned we consider that adoption of the current draft law which slightly widens the competence

of Public Defender; doesn’t change the current legislative reality significantly and won’t become an effective tool for fighting

against discrimination. Accordingly we call the government to reflect its efforts made towards equality in the country intoeffective legislative and institutional guaranties. For that particular reason we apply to the Parliament as well as the

Government to ensure public and fair discussion regarding the draft law and express their readiness for making

amendments and changes to the draft law. Also we ask for the following steps:

- Formation of specialized independent groups fighting against discrimination under the mandate of the Public Defender

which will be granted with the repressive function and adequate guaranties of independence. In this regard it is important

that the group gathers experienced experts working in the field of human rights protection who have liberal and solidarity

values.

-Take responsibility for institutional empowerment of Public Defender’s Office by the state which means additional

budgetary and human resources;

- Omission of paragraphs 2 and 3, article 5 of the draft law regarding abuse of one’s power.

Bringing effective guaranties of consideration for adequate study of discrimination facts which also means delivering burdenof proof on the side of the defendant that there was no discrimination and also duty for submission information and

documents to private persons regarding information delivery;

- Defining the competence of Public Defender to present the victims of discrimination before the court;

- Increasing effectiveness of control mechanisms for enforcement of recommendations for elimination of discrimination as

well as settlement conditions

We consider that the presented draft law won’t be an effective mechanism for fighting against discrimination if there is not

the possibility to fine the person committed a discriminative act. The existence of fine mechanism is considered to be a

significant necessity without it the adoption of the current law could lack its real meaning.

In total 30 organizations signed the mentioned application.

Statement Regarding the Anti-Discrimination Law

Ana Abashidze, the Head of PHR,

talks at “Radio Tavisupleba”

Please see the records of the program here:

http://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/media/video/%E1%83%92%E1%83%94%E1%83%9C%E1%83%93%E1%83%94%E1%83%A0%E1%83%A3%E1%83%9A%E1%83%98-%E1%83%90%E1%83%9B%E1%83%91%E1%83%94%E1%83%91%E1%83%98-24-04-14/25361678.html?z=3151&zp=1http://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/media/video/%E1%83%92%E1%83%94%E1%83%9C%E1%83%93%E1%83%94%E1%83%A0%E1%83%A3%E1%83%9A%E1%83%98-%E1%83%90%E1%83%9B%E1%83%91%E1%83%94%E1%83%91%E1%83%98-24-04-14/25361678.html?z=3151&zp=1


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On 25 April the Georgian Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs

made a presentation of the guidelines for the hydrocephaly situation.

In December 2013 the PHR in cooperation with local NGOs (non-

governmental organization ‘Women Initiatives Supporting Group’, non-governmental organization ‘Sapari’) protested the inappropriate

treatment towards children with hydrocephaly disease, inadequate

medical management, also violation of rights of disabled persons

through the petition. The petition was signed by 2,100 supporters and

up to 50 NGOs.

The petition demands were based on the monitoring in state care

institutions made by Public Defender of Georgia in 2012 and ‘Disability

Rights International’ in 2013 where the inappropriate treatment and

inadequate care towards disabled persons were observed. In particular

the high number of death of children with hydrocephaly disease and

outdated medical treatment were revealed. During the presentation

made today the Minister, David Sergeenko talked about checking themonitoring results of Public Defender and International Organization

which proved the necessity for drafting the fore mentioned regulations.

According to new guidelines the in-time diagnosis of children with

hydrocephaly will be conducted within 7 days of being born, while

urgent surgery will be planned between 48 hours to 5 days. According to

the standard another type of in-time and adequate medical treatment

are also foreseen.

The organization ‘Partnership for Human Rights’ welcomes the drafting

of the aforementioned regulations and considers that this topic has

become popular due to the activities of NGOs. This is the first step

forwarded by the Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs based on

the monitoring results of rights of disabled persons and response to the

claim of civil society organizations. The mentioned event demonstratesthat activities in the field of protection of rights of disabled persons,

children and other groups in Georgia will continue through strong

advocacy campaigns provided by the civil society.

The Guidelines for Hydrocephaly

Situation in Georgia is Operational

‘Be Empowered and Change’

On 15 and 16 May the PHR representative, by theinvitation of ‘Children and Youth Centre’, conducted thetraining in the frame of the project ‘Be Empowered andChange’.What is tolerance? Why do we have to be toleranttowards everyone and what effect does an intolerantattitude have?

On 7 May the PHR representative, by the invitation of Women

Information Centre, conducted an information session for the

members of Pankisi Elder Community, medical staff and social

workers. The information session covered international and

local tools for protection from domestic violence and violence

against children.

Information Session in Pankisi

Ana Abashidze, the Head of PHR, in the program ‘Grey Zone’, Radio GIPA

The project aimed to empower the social network of family members of disabled persons

throughout Tbilisi and other Georgian regions (Telavi and Batumi) in order to actively

advocate rights of disabled persons in state agencies.

Please see the records of the program over here:

https://soundcloud.com/newscafege/tolerantobahttps://soundcloud.com/newscafege/tolerantoba


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During the last few months civil society expressed its concern regarding ineffectiveness of state in the field of the fight

against gender violence. But state agencies remain indifferent towards these notifications. Moreover, state agency

representatives were often happy with the results of fight against domestic violence and violence against women. While

the reality of May 2014 shows a different picture.

During March and May 2014 up to 15 cases demonstrating the murders of women by spouses or ex-spouses were

broadcasted by the media sources.

Neglecting the recommendations of civil society has become fatal for actual people, while society expressed an extremely

negative attitude towards actions of state agencies and expressed its protest. All this could have been prevented if the

state agencies paid attention to the obvious signs of the ineffectiveness of the fight against gender violence:

According to the formal statistics, as of December 2013, in total, 5447 calls regarding domestic conflict were observed inthe 112 emergency operative management centers; out of which 212 preventive orders were issued. While in 2011 in total

257 preventive orders were issued, and in 2012 – a total of 307 orders. It is obvious that the reaction has weakened when

compared to the previous years.

Since 2006, when the Georgian Law on Elimination of Domestic Violence, Protection of Victims of Domestic Violence and

Assistance was enforced, article 8 of the aforementioned law did not enter into being which could prevent future violence,

as the social services could study the reasons for domestic violence before committing violent act, analyze the problem

and assist family members in conflict resolution. The risk groups subjected to domestic violence could be revealed

beforehand and assisted in overcoming the crisis. The state postponed the enforcement of this article until 2015 on the

grounds of lacking adequate resources. The police are not able to prevent domestic violence in the early stages of

domestic conflict. In fact, none of the medical staff can react to incidents domestic violence. The number of notifications

made by them is extremely low.

Rehabilitation services for violators are not still formed. As a consequence, when a case of domestic violence is not acute is

revealed, simply alienating the perpetrator, without the latter’s rehabilitation, is futile as, later, the offender returns back

with more aggression and violates with double the aggression.

The gender sensitive judiciary is not implemented yet where the methods for investigation and revealing the crimes could

be possible in accordance with the situation of women victims and needs; when the victim of violence and the victim

having sever trauma could easily prove his/her loss and violence he/she was subjected to, wouldn’t be involved in

prolonged and ineffective procedures, wouldn’t hide the information about sexual harassment.

All these could have been revealed before, if the state agencies cooperated with the civil society and listen to their

messages.

We hope that even after these tragic murders the state policy of fighting against violence towards women and prevention

will be reviewed, the results assessed and the situation improved soon.

Non-governmental organizations express their readiness once again to assist state agencies in the activities related to the

protection of women’s rights and elimination of gender violence.

‘Partnership for Human Rights’ Responds to Frequent Murders of

Woman

Campaign against Femicide

On 27 May, the organization ‘Partnership for Human Rights’

joined the campaign protesting frequent murders of women

organized by the ‘Independent Group of Feminists’. The

campaign was conducted in front of the MIA.

Ana Abashidze: The state does nothing towards the

prevention of violence against women ‘Domestic Violence is

not a state business. This is a relation between private people

and the state doesn’t have to interfere – this is the

preliminary attitude of policemen, that’s why their activities

are ineffective.’

Ana Abashidze: The state does nothing for prevention of violence against women.

“Domestic Violence is not a state business. This is a relation between private

persons and the state doesn’t have to interfere – this is preliminary attitude of

policemen, that’s why their activities are ineffective.”

Please see the full interview over here:


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On 1 June, the press conference regarding Day

of Children’s Protection was conducted by a

joint initiative of the organizations ‘Partnership

for Human Rights’ and ‘Our Children’,

Association of Professionals and Parents of

Children with Down syndrome.

Please see the records of the program over

here:

Children’s Day

‘Be Empowered and Change’ in Batumi

On 4 June, the PHR representative, with the support of ‘Children’s andYouth National Centre’, conducted a training about advocacy strategy,rights of disabled persons, involvement in the work of parents in theprotection of children’s rights for professionals and parents of disabledchildren in the Adjara region.

Meeting at the Ministry of Internal Affairs

On 6 June, the PHR participated in the meeting with the NGOs

organized by the MIA. The meeting aimed to analyze the increased

number of statistics regarding violence against women and

problem identification. The NGO representatives applied to the

MIA in order to conduct a mass campaign about violence against

women, creation of permanent advisory meetings format with the

NGOs, a special reaction group and statistics. The MIA promised to

repeat the aforementioned meeting after a month in order to

collect and analyze the process and the results achieved during

that month.

Ana Abashidze in the Radio ‘Imedi’

28.05.2014

Program ‘Law’

Anchor: Tamuna Abramishvili

The tendency of increasing domestic violence is observed in the

country. Are women’s rights protected? What does the lawenvisage?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NArb0aMiYSg&list=UUNojoeg6h-g4eZuzmtAdH0Qhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NArb0aMiYSg&list=UUNojoeg6h-g4eZuzmtAdH0Qhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJwYvVyKSjAhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJwYvVyKSjA


12/22

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Rally Against Violence Against Women

On 5 June, PHR representatives participated in the campaign

regarding the frequent murders of women and domestic violence.

The campaign participants requested active actions for revealing

violence and appropriate reaction by the MIA. At the same time

they presented the petition signed by up to 2000 citizens of

Georgia asking for the creation of gender sensitive judiciary. The

initiator of the campaign was the ‘Independent Group of

Feminists’.

Empowerment of Police for Overcoming Domestic Violence

Ana Abashidze, the Head of PHR, by the invitation of NGO ‘Imedi’,

conducted an educational training for policemen of the Main Division of

Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Regional Police in Zugdidi. The training covered

the issues regarding tools for identification of domestic violent acts and

effective reaction. The training was attended by 21 district inspectors. Themain focus was paid to the needs of victims of domestic violence, and legal

regulations and approaches of European Convention of Human Rights,

duties of proper reaction by the policemen towards domestic violence.

Campaign ‘Vote for Women’

On 7 June, PHR joined the campaign ‘Vote for Women – We need Women in Politics’ organized in Tbilisi by ‘Network of Gender Equality’

and ‘Journalists’ Network for Gender Equality’. The aim of the campaign was to support women’s participation in the elections of local

self-government.

Ana Arghanashvili at Radio Liberty

the topic of the program: Woman – Jewelry, Woman as a Decoration.

Why is it that women are frequently named as the ‘spouse’ of a

politician and nobody knows their name? Why do women inGeorgia hide? Name women!


http://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/audio/audio/1149224.htmlhttp://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/audio/audio/1149224.html


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On 9 June, Ana Abashidze, the Head of the

organization PHR, conducted the training forlawyers working in the Samegrelo region by

the invitation of the Council of Europe, EU and

the Georgian Bar Association.

The training aimed to empower lawyers in

order to ensure effective litigation of

discrimination cases on both national and

European Court of Human Rights levels.

Training for lawyers

On 23 June 2014, Ana Abashidze, the Head of the organization‘Partnership for Human Rights’, and Keti Bakhtadze conducted a trainingon ‘Overcoming Hidden Forms of Violence Revealed towards DisabledWomen’ for psychiatric healthcare centers, social service agencies andother types of shelter employees. The training was organized in the frameof two projects, such as: ‘Protection of Women with Psycho-Social NeedsPlaced in Psychiatric Institutions from Violence’, funded by theorganization ‘Women Fund in Georgia’ and ‘Mainstreaming of Issues of Disabled Persons in the State Action Plan against Gender Violence’,funded by the EU.

‘Overcoming the Hidden Forms of Violence Revealed

towards Disabled Women’

Meeting in Rustavi

On 1 July 2014, Nana Gochiashvili and Sopo Ziraqishvili,

the PHR representatives, organized the workshops with

the representatives of NGOs working with disabled

persons in Rustavi. The workshop aimed to analyze the

level of participation of disabled persons in the work of

Rustavi local self-government, the challenges and

obstacles.

The identified problems will be presented to the local

self-government formally in the near future.

The visit was conducted in the frame of the EU project

‘Support of Rights and Capacities of Disabled Persons for

Ensuring Participation in the Work of Local Self-

Government’ which has been implemented by theorganization in cooperation with the organizations:

‘Article 42 of the Constitution’ and ‘Accessible

Environment for Everyone’.

Stories about Gender

Ana Abashidze talks about the standards of Council of Europe Convention on

Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence(Istanbul Convention). The Convention was ratified by Georgia on 19 June, 2014which means that the state has declared its major principles.


http://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/media/video/%E1%83%92%E1%83%94%E1%83%9C%E1%83%93%E1%83%94%E1%83%A0%E1%83%A3%E1%83%9A%E1%83%98-%E1%83%90%E1%83%9B%E1%83%91%E1%83%94%E1%83%91%E1%83%98-%E1%83%A1%E1%83%A2%E1%83%90%E1%83%9B%E1%83%91%E1%83%9D%E1%83%9A%E1%83%98%E1%83%A1-%E1%83%99%E1%83%9D%E1%83%9C%E1%83%95%E1%83%94%E1%83%9C%E1%83%AA%E1%83%98%E1%83%90-/25432280.html?z=3151&zp=1http://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/media/video/%E1%83%92%E1%83%94%E1%83%9C%E1%83%93%E1%83%94%E1%83%A0%E1%83%A3%E1%83%9A%E1%83%98-%E1%83%90%E1%83%9B%E1%83%91%E1%83%94%E1%83%91%E1%83%98-%E1%83%A1%E1%83%A2%E1%83%90%E1%83%9B%E1%83%91%E1%83%9D%E1%83%9A%E1%83%98%E1%83%A1-%E1%83%99%E1%83%9D%E1%83%9C%E1%83%95%E1%83%94%E1%83%9C%E1%83%AA%E1%83%98%E1%83%90-/25432280.html?z=3151&zp=1


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Workshop in Rustavi

On 4 July 2014, Ana Gochiashvili and Tatia Janelidze, the PHR representatives,conducted a workshop with the participation of Rustavi City Council member and Ivane Shatirishvili, a member of the NGO ‘Happy Children’.

The workshop aimed to study the participation of disabled persons in

the work of Rustavi City Council. As it was found out the level of the

citizen participation in the decision making process of City Council is

extremely low. The advocacy of the problems revealed during the

meeting will be possible in the near future. The visit was conducted in

the frame of the EU project ‘Support of Rights and Capacities of Disabled

Persons for Ensuring Participation in the Work of Local Self-Government’, which was started by the organization in cooperation with

the ‘Article 42 of the Constitution’ and ‘Accessible Environment for

Everyone’ at the beginning of the year.

Training in Adjara

On 3 July, Ana Abashidze, the Head of the

organization, by the invitation of the Council of

Europe, the EU and the Georgian Bar Association,conducted the training for lawyers working in the

Adjara region.

The training aimed to empower the lawyers for

effective litigation of discrimination cases on both

national and European Court of Human Rights levels.

On 10-13 July, PHR, by the UN Women Organization, conducted a training for the staff of the Ministry of

Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Accommodation and Refugees and Office of PublicDefender of Georgia. The training covered topics such as: Children’s rights, rights of disabled persons, issues of

ethnic minorities, approaches of the European Court of Human Rights regarding protection from discrimination

and case studies.

Training for Civil Servants

Ana Abashidze’s Interview with the newspaper ‘Weekend’

‘Discrimination towards a woman starts when the child is born

and they say that she is a baby girl.’

Please see the Full Interview over here:

http://www.24saati.ge/weekend/story/43349-dghe-rotsa-qali-gavkhdihttp://www.24saati.ge/weekend/story/43349-dghe-rotsa-qali-gavkhdi


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Meeting in Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia

On 4 July 2014, PHR representative attended a second meeting at theMinistry of Internal Affairs concerning improvement of tools for combatingdomestic violence and preventive mechanisms. The attendants:representatives NGOs and staff of various subdivisions of the MIAsummarized the past one month and made an analysis of actions performedby the MIA, the perspectives of future cooperation was discussed as well.

Keti Bakhtadze, the PHR representative, offered MIA cooperation in terms of

preparation of the analysis of statistics by the types of victims of domestic

violence. The MIA was requested in written form to provide the statistical

data about disabled women who the victims of domestic violence are.

On 11 July 2014, Nana Gochiashvili and Sopo Ziraqishvili, the PHRrepresentatives, conducted a working trip to Ozurgeti. The meetings wereorganized with the NGO representatives and disabled persons.‘Several buildings are equipped with ramps, but standards are not followedand it is impossible to use them. The vast majority of the buildings are not

adapted. It is impossible for us to move throughout the city, we are unable touse the public transport,’- said disabled persons residing in Ozurgeti.

By the statement of the NGOs, the qualification of educators in kindergartens and at schools still remains a major problem of theOzurgeti municipality. They lack the respective skills of working with disabled persons. There are no operational earlydevelopment programs in the municipality; the works with the children are not initiated from preschool age.As a result of the meeting identification of necessary effective ways for empowerment of disabled persons and their inclusion inthe work of local self-government of Ozurgeti municipality as well as defining the future cooperation forms became possible.The visit was conducted in the frame of the EU project ‘Support of Rights and Capacities of Disabled Persons for EnsuringParticipation in the Work of Local Self-Government’ which is being implemented by the organization in cooperation withorganizations such as: ‘Article 42 of the Constitution’ and ‘Accessible Environment for Everyone’.

Working Trip to Ozurgeti

On 15 July 2014, the PHR representatives delivered information about UNConvention on Disabled Persons (2006) and the major directions of Conventionon Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence(Istanbul Convention) to the social workers and psychiatric health specialists in

Akhaltsikhe, Akhalkalaki and surrounding regions. Along with the trainersdifferent conditions were discussed where the problems of protection of disabledwomen’s rights in the region were reviled. PHR expresses its gratitude towardsthe Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Affairs, and the Social Services Agencyfor inviting the extremely dedicated and motivated professionals.

‘Overcoming the Hidden Forms of Violence Revealed towards

Disabled Women’

Ana Abashidze, the Head of PHR, at TV Company ‘Imedi’

21.07.2014

The topic of conversation represented rights of disabled parents

For full records please see here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zs2jfD2n58https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zs2jfD2n58


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Joint Statement of NGOs regarding TV-companies GDS Sexist Video Clip

14 July 2014

We would like to respond to the records of the TV program ‘Bina 18’ at GDS TV Company on 9 July, regarding thedegrading visualization of a woman’s body. We consider that this part of the program presents an openly sexistinterpretation of female and male roles and serves as deepening the negative stereotypes existing in society whichneeds to be assessed respectively.It’s true that freedom of expression means spreading any idea but strong legal remedies of freedom of expressionand speech does not free the media from duties and responsibility which this profession has in accordance with itsfunction.

In modern society the media has great potential in terms of social amendments. It is able to speed up as well asprevent structural changes in the direction of gender equality. In a cultural context, where women are frequentlysubjected to current sexist attitudes and stereotypes, presenting a female as an object by the TV Company deepensthe traditional perception of female and male roles and is absolutely unacceptable.We believe that for those TV companies that are not focused on tabloid journalism, but would like to rather pursuesocial and political shows, it should be unacceptable to reproduce and spread similar sexist content. The attitudetowards the GDS TV Company will be formed due to how adequately the editorial group will consider this and towhat extent the critical opinion expressed by society will be reflected on the TV Company’s future editorial policy.The modern understanding of the role of media is wide rather than its consideration as business project. We hopethat GDS will be focused on social responsibility more than commercial interest which means accountabilitytowards to all social groups and reflection of their needs and interests.

The statement was signed by 23 organizations.

Nana Abashidze in Summer School in Poland

Between 12-22 July 2014, the PHR representative, Nana Abashidze, visitedPoland, she participated in Summer School training which was dedicated toeducation about democratic citizenship and education about human rights

for school directors, educators and local social representatives, in particular parents and NGOs.

It is worth mentioning that by the initiative of PHR, Mikheil Giorgadze, theDirector of Public School #2 of the settlement Surami, and Jaba Labadze, a historyteacher, were involved in the program. PHR in cooperation with this mentionedschool implements joint initiatives for realization of democratic principles at school.The aim of the Summer Academy in Poland is to empower the cooperation amongthe participant states through sharing best practices and experience. The academyparticipant countries were the following: Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus,Moldova, Ukraine, Poland, and Russia.

Training on Gender Equality – Tamar Kordzaia’s Bureau

On 21 July, the PHR representatives, by the initiative of the MP Tamar Kordzaia, conducted a

training for the staff of the Parliament and covered the topic – “Gender Equality and its

Importance for Social Development”.


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Focus Group in Rustavi

On 21 and 22 July, PHR, in the frame of the project ‘Support

of Rights and Capacities of Disabled Persons for Ensuring

Participation in the Work of Local Self-Government’,

organized research of the needs of disabled persons and

their parents.

Campaign ‘The Murderer is a Policeman’

On 29 July, PHR joined the campaign regarding thefemicide in front of the MIA.The campaign was organized by the ‘IndependentGroup of Feminists’.The major request of campaign participants was relatedto formation of gender-sensitive judiciary which will beable to reveal the crime and foresee the situation andneeds of women victims.

PHR at the Video Conference organized by the US

Embassy in Georgia

On 21 July, PHR participated at the Video Conference organized by

Mr. Richard Norland, the American Ambassador and Ms. JudithHeumann, Special Advisor for International Disability Rights, State

Department.

The video conference was also attended by Ms. Laura Nas – Director of

Washington Department, Services for Disabled Persons, and the

representatives of Georgian Government and other organizations working

in the field of protection of disabled persons’ rights. The video conference

participants discussed the problems faced by disabled persons. They paid

special attention to children and youth. The US Embassy in Tbilisi will

continue its work with the Georgian Government and civil society in order

to ensure protection of rights of disabled persons and respect, as well as

their inclusion and active participation in Georgian social life.

Needs Assessment in Ozurgeti

On 24-26 July 2014, PHR, in the frame of the needs assessment, conducted meetings with disabled persons and their parents in

Ozurgeti municipality. Both the focus group meetings as well as in-depth interviews were organized.

During the study the focus was on existing problems of disabled persons in Ozurgeti municipality and activities performed by the

local self-government in this particular direction, gaps in the performed work and issues of inclusion of disabled persons in future

works of self-government.

The visit was conducted in the frame of the EU project ‘Support of Rights and Capacities of Disabled Persons for Ensuring

Participation in the Work of Local Self-Government’ which is being implemented by the organization along with the organizations:

‘Article 42 of the Constitution’ and ‘Accessible Environment for Everyone’.


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Nana Gochiashvili, the PHR representative, visited the Bazaleti TrainingCenter; she participated in a Summer School organized especially for theNGOs which was opened on 28 July. The Summer School is beingimplemented by the National Institute of Human Rights in the SouthCaucasus, Law School at Free University in cooperation with the UN OHCHR.The aim of the Summer School is to support the UN mechanisms of protectionof human rights and deepen the knowledge of NGOs regardingrecommendations given to Georgia and develop their skills.

On the first day of the Summer School the participants received information

about UN mechanisms such as the Human Rights Council, Universal Periodical

Review, Special Reporters and UN Human Rights binding organs, for instance, UNCommittees of Human Rights and UN Committee for Prevention of Torture. Also,

the participants received information about the recommendations given to

Georgia by the UN treaty bodies. Apart from that, the NGOs discussed the

international standards of Private Life and integrity of respect as well as

challenges. The first day, sessions of the Summer School were conducted by

Besarion Bokhashvili, Tamar Tomashvili and Giorgi Mshvenieradze.

Summer School of Free University

PHR in Ozurgeti City Council

On 2 August 2014, the non-governmental organization ‘Partnership

for Human Rights’ participated in the first session of Ozurgeti

Municipality. By the organization of ‘Partnership for Human Rights’

the participation of Tamuna Lursmanashvili and David Menabde, the

disabled persons, as well as – Khatuna Bakradze, Nino Tchelidze,

Nanuli Diasamidze and Janeta Zaqariadze, the parents of disabled

children, were ensured.

Despite that the entrance on the respective floor of the City Council

for those who moved by the wheel-chair was completely impossible,

the disabled persons, with their own effort, could manage to enterthe meeting room and attend the City Council session.

‘It’s good that I attend the first session of City Council. I will actively

continue participation in the decision making process as the

participation of our disabled persons, has extremely huge

importance. But it was a great obstacle for me to enter the building

where it is impossible to move by wheel-chair. I won’t forget their

surprised faces when I entered the meeting room of the City Council,’

– says Tamuna Lursmanashvili.

According to the agenda of the day it was agreed to adopt the

regulation of the City Council of Ozurgeti as well as provisions of City

Board and Commissions.

Nana Abashidze, a PHR member, presented the suggestions andremarks prepared by the organization which covered the issues

concerning the disabled persons according to the UN Convention on

Disabled Persons to be reflected in the regulations of City Council,

provisions of City Board and Social Commission. The main aim of the

proposed amendments was to reflect the issues of disabled persons

in the process of decision making, adoption of programs and policy in

order to ensure their full participation and equal inclusion in all social

spheres. PHR will monitor whether the amendments proposed to the

City Council, will be considered.

The activity was implemented in the frame of the EU project ‘Support

of Rights and Capacities of Disabled Persons for Ensuring Participation

in the Work of Local Self-Government’ which is being implemented

by the organization along with the other partner organizations suchas: ‘Article 42 of the Constitution’ and ‘Accessible Environment for

Everyone’ from the beginning of this year.


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On 19 August 2014, the organization ‘Partnership for Human Rights’ delivered the literature about the human rights

to the libraries of three institutions of psychiatric health. These institutions are: National Centre of Mental Health,

National Centre for Mental Health and Prevention of Addiction and Rustavi Mental Health Centre.

During the visit to the institutions, PHR discovered that the libraries are almost empty and the desired literature is

insufficient; that’s why the campaign for granting literature on human rights to the libraries of mental health centers

was initiated in April. In the frame of the campaign we applied to different organizations for granting the books and

we would like to express our gratitude for performed activities, these organizations are: ‘Open Society Georgia

Foundation’, UN Mission to Georgia, Caucasian House, the South Caucasus Regional Office of Heinrich Boll

Foundation, EU Delegation to Georgia, UN Women, Public Defender of Georgia, Georgian Bar Association, Palitra

Media, Council of Europe Office in Georgia.

The Caucasian House delivered artistic literature in Azeri language which appeared very important for disabled

persons belonging to the ethnic minority in those institutions.

PHR expresses its special gratitude towards Lela Tsuleiskiri, a member of the organization ‘Cooperation for Equal

Rights’, for assistance.

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PHR at Tbilisi City Council

On 7 August 2014, PHR members, among them a disabled person, attended thesession of the Tbilisi City Council. The main aim of the session was to express

opinions regarding the adoption of rules for meeting with the citizens at the

Tbilisi City Hall, Tbilisi Municipality for granting disabled persons utmost

accessibility in the frame of this rule.

But our members revealed that the mentioned issue was omitted from the

session agenda. It has to be mentioned that the information about the session

was uploaded on the formal web site of the Tbilisi City Council the evening prior

to the session. The concrete type of the session as well as the topics for

discussion was not indicated there; also the document was not made available

beforehand.

Delivery of information about the sessions of the City Council this way createsserious obstacles in terms of citizens’ inclusion in the work of local self-

government.

For a solution to the mentioned issues, PHR will formally apply to the Tbilisi City

Council.

Training for Sachkhere City Council

and City Board

On 15 August, PHR conducted a training on the UN

Convention on Rights of Disabled Persons (UN CRPD)

especially for Sachkhere City Council and City Board

members. The initiator of this activity was the registered

Union of Disabled Persons in Sachkhere.

Literature on Human Rights for Psychiatric Institutions


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On 21 August 2014, PHR and the organization ‘Our Children’,Association of Professionals, and Parents of Children with Downsyndrome participated in the session of Education and CultureCommission at Tbilisi City Council.The problems related to the Tbilisi nursery, as well as the issue of theformation of the advisory board of commission with the activeparticipation of the civil society members, were discussed. Temur Tordinava, the Director of the Tbilisi Nursery Management Service,presented the report on the current situation in preschool educationalinstitutions. The Director of the Agency paid most of its attention tothe most prominent existing problems in the Tbilisi nursery whichneeds an urgent solution. He stated that

while the majority of Tbilisidwellers can not register their children to preschools due to theshortage of places, there are 47 nurseries that are closed down. 16 of them are derelict, the rest of them have been occupied by internallydisplaced persons. 17 nursery institutions have damaged fences, whichputs children's health and safety in jeopardy. 21 nursery institutionslack central heating.In order to solve the problems related to inaccessibility of thenurseries and overcrowded groups by the statement of the Director of the Agency it is planned that new buildings of kindergartens beconstructed. He stated that the construction of a preschool that willaccommodate 450 children is planned to commence on Moscow

Avenue in the near future. Regarding the problems related to theovercrowded nursery, Lia Tabatadze, the member of the ‘Our Children’, Association of Professionals and Parents of Children withDown syndrome, expressed her own opinion. During her speech shetalked about the necessity of the formation of the universal design inpreschool educational institutions which will foresee the needs of disabled children. Even in exceptional cases and when the first floor isadapted the children are not fully involved in the educational process.As a rule the music lessons are provided in the hall placed on thesecond floor and the movement for children with wheel-chairs isimpossible. Lia Tabatadze also touched the issues of parties when theindividual needs of disabled children are ignored and they are notinvolved in the activities. She stated that, collecting money isespecially hard for parents and this takes place quite often in thepreschool educational institutions. The member of the organization‘Our Children’ also talked about the exceeding number of the childrenin the groups, as well as the necessity to have a logopedics cabinet andmedical supervision.During her speech, Nana Gochiashvili, a member of the PHR, coveredthe problems related to the inclusion of disabled children in thekindergartens. Currently, the multidiscipline team is functional inTbilisi which assesses the children, prepares individual plans, andensures the full inclusion of the children in the educationalenvironment. The coordinators of nurseries of Agency are obliged toinform the multidisciplinary team as soon as the disabled child is

admitted, but, in practice, the reality is different. Disabled childrenare admitted to the kindergartens in a way that, in most cases, their individual needs are neglected. As a result, they lose their function inthe group and are unable to be involved in the planned activities.During the session PHR raised an issue and posed a question to theDirector of the nursery institutions, namely whether they planned tohave a multidisciplinary team on the database of the Agency in futureor not and what particular activities are planned in terms of supporting an inclusive preschool education.Also, the topic for creation of an advisory board was discussed duringthe session which will gather civil society members. Thematicworking groups will be formed where the most urgent problems willbe discussed and strategic documents will be drafted.

Discussion of Nursery Issues at Tbilisi City Court


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PHR in Tbilisi City Council

On 20 August 2014, PHR, along with the organization ‘Woman and Reality’,

and disabled persons, attended the session of the Human Rights Protectionand Civil Integration Commission at Tbilisi City Council.

In the frame of the EU project ‘Support of Rights and Capacities of Disabled

Persons for Ensuring Participation in the Work of Local Self-Government’

PHR in cooperation with the disabled persons and partner organizations

(‘Article 42 of the Constitution’ and ‘Accessible Environment for Everyone’)

regularly attend the sessions in the Tbilisi City Council and Commission and

keep an eye on reflection of issues of disabled persons in the activities of

the local self-government according to the UN Convention on Rights of

Disabled Persons.

On 19 August, Claire Ozel, the activist of rights of disabled persons residingin Turkey, met with PHR and parents’ organization ‘Our Children’. Sheshared with us the history of how the higher education reform started inTurkey when the disabled students were given chance to receive higher education without any obstacles. Claire talked about those challenges

which for several years were preventing inclusion of disabled persons in theeducational system as well as the strategies for overcoming those obstacles.

Claire Ozel’s Visit

Ana Arghanashvili at the Radio

Liberty

Children, at the age of 10-12,

work in the nuts plantations

in Georgia. What does thestate do about this and what

does it have to do for the

protection of children from

forced and extremely severe

forms of labor exploitation?

Ana Abashidze’s comment in the TV program ‘P.S’

Ana Abashidze’s, the head of PHR, commented regarding the

frequent murders of women

გადაცემას მოუსმინეთ აქ

In June 2014, the members of PHR along with the

citizens submitted an application to the Georgian

Charter of Journalist Ethics. The complaint concerned

the discriminative and degrading statements regarding

the violence against women made by the anchors of the

TV program ‘Four Elements’ at the TV Company

‘Maestro’. The hearing of the aforementioned complaint

at the Georgian Charter of Journalist Ethics was

conducted on 30 August. The council declared that the

journalists: Irakli Khrikadze and Giorgi Maskharashviliviolated the principle 7 of the Charter according to

which: ‘the journalist has to have understanding of risk

of encouragement discrimination, that’s why a journalist

has to do their best and prevent any kind of

discrimination on the basis of race, sex, sexual

orientation, language, religion, political and/ or other

beliefs, national or social origin, or any other grounds.’

Complaint to the Georgian Charter of

Journalistic Ethics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-Xq_2ySvcE&feature=youtu.be&hd=1https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-Xq_2ySvcE&feature=youtu.be&hd=1http://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/content/bavshvta-shroma-sakartveloshi/26530134.htmlhttp://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/content/bavshvta-shroma-sakartveloshi/26530134.html


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‘Empowering Women against Labor Discrimination and Combating Gender-

based Violence’

The project is being implemented with the financial support of EU and covers

Tbilisi, Samtskhe-Javakheti and Adjara regions. The project aims to protect

women’s labor rights.

‘Supporting the Right and Opportunity of People with Disabilities to Participate

through the Bodies of Local Self-government’

The project is running with the financial support of EU, covers

Tbilisi, Qvemo Qartli and Guria regions. The project aims to

empower the disabled persons’ community.

‘Mainstreaming Disability into National ction against Gender Based Violence’

The project is being implemented with the financial support of EU

and covers Tbilisi, Imereti, Samegrelo and Samtskhe-Javakheti. The

project aims to reveal different forms of violence towards disabled

women, among them those women having psycho-social needs,

management, and sensitization of state policy and mobilization of

women’s groups.

‘Protecting women from violence in psychiatric hospitals and women

who are in needs of psychosocial help’

The project is being implemented with the funding of ‘Women

Fund Georgia’ and covers Tbilisi and other regions. The project

aims to give legal assistance to disabled women, among them

those women having psycho-social needs.

Article 42 of the

Constitution

Anti-violence

Network of

Georgia

Georgian Young

Lawyers’

Association

Accessible

Environment for

Everyone

Youth Center for

Independent Living

Women’s Fund in

Georgia
http://article42.blogspot.com/http://article42.blogspot.com/http://www.avng.ge/http://www.avng.ge/http://www.avng.ge/http://gyla.ge/geo/newshttp://gyla.ge/geo/newshttp://gyla.ge/geo/newshttp://www.ertad.org/http://www.ertad.org/http://www.ertad.org/https://www.facebook.com/YCILGEhttps://www.facebook.com/YCILGEhttps://www.facebook.com/YCILGEhttps://www.facebook.com/YCILGEhttp://www.ertad.org/http://www.ertad.org/http://gyla.ge/geo/newshttp://gyla.ge/geo/newshttp://www.avng.ge/http://www.avng.ge/http://article42.blogspot.com/http://article42.blogspot.com/

Documents

PHR Newletter #1 March-August