On August 1, 2024, the order of the Minister of Justice of Georgia was published. This order outlines the rules for the creation of the registry, the submission of financial declarations, and the monitoring procedures based on the "Russian law" on the transparency of foreign influence. Before that, on July 29, the Minister of Justice of Georgia issued an order to create a new unit within the National Public Registry Agency called the Financial Declaration Department. Among other responsibilities, this department will be tasked with producing and publicizing the “Register of Organizations Pursuing the Interests of a Foreign Power”. It should be noted that a significant portion of civil society organizations do not plan to voluntarily register in the mentioned register or submit financial declarations, as they believe these requirements are not about transparency but rather about discrediting the organizations. However, the law's requirements may also pose challenges for those organizations that are considering registering. The financial declaration defined by the normative act issued by the Minister of Justice on August 1st requires organizations to submit, among other obligations, detailed identification data about all individuals associated with the organization for whom any expenses were incurred during the reporting period. Notably, this requirement also applies to individuals who provide funding. This applies to the 2023 data as well, the collection of which, under the new rules, poses significant challenges for many organizations. Gathering and processing the mentioned information, due to its volume and sensitivity, as well as the need to mobilize additional human and financial resources, may pose significant challenges for many organizations. This could potentially lead to the disruption of these organizations and the interruption of their work. In addition, seeking such detailed information in the future may erode trust in the process among beneficiaries, which could be particularly damaging to service providers and organizations working with vulnerable groups, ultimately significantly hindering their work. It is also worth noting that the "Russian Law" gives organizations a one-month deadline to submit a written application for registration as an organization pursuing the interests of foreign powers. After that, within 2 days, the organization will gain access to the "proper website," where it must complete an application within 10 working days. This application also serves as the financial declaration. Based on this, the law allows approximately one and a half months for the preparation and submission of the declaration. If an application is incorrectly or incompletely filled out, the organization must correct the defects within 10 working days. For comparison, business entities are given 9 months for reporting under the law of Georgia On Accounting, Reporting and Audit. Interestingly, when changes to the reporting rules for business entities were introduced—which differ in essence from those for civil society organizations and the media—the preparatory period lasted two years. During this time, the state also provided information and guidance about the changes. Shortened deadlines for completing and submitting financial declarations pose an additional obstacle for organizations and negatively impact their operations.In addition, those requirements suggest that the purpose of the law's implementation may not be to ensure the transparency of organizations but to hinder their work. Finally, the mentioned requirements—along with existing and future difficulties related to searching for and processing information, and the shortened deadlines for submitting the financial declaration—will negatively impact the work of civil society actors who either voluntarily register or intend to submit the declaration after the state registers them in the registry. This may ultimately lead to the suspension of their activities. These difficulties further deteriorate the operating environment for civil society organizations and hinder their ability to provide advocacy and services.

On June 27, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) passed a resolution with 66 votes in favor and 4 against, highlighting the challenges facing democracy in Georgia. The concerns outlined in this resolution were echoed in the decisions and calls made by the European Council. The resolution text states that the Parliamentary Assembly expresses deep concern over recent developments in Georgia, which raise serious doubts about the country's commitment to international democratic norms and its Euro-Atlantic aspirations. According to the resolution, the Assembly fully supports the conclusion of the Venice Commission regarding the law on transparency of foreign influence. It considers that this law, along with the manner of its adoption, is incompatible with European democratic and human rights standards. The Assembly believes that this law is unrelated to the financial transparency of non-profit entities, including civil society organizations and the media, or to deterring hostile foreign influence. Instead, it enables the government to exert undue political control over civil society and the media. According to PACE's resolution, the law should be repealed without further delay. According to the resolution, the adoption of this law is not an isolated incident but represents a culmination of events that clearly demonstrate democratic backsliding in the country. The Assembly calls on Georgia to return to the democratic path, emphasizing that this should be demonstrated not only through words but also through clear actions. The resolution also states that the adoption of the law on transparency of foreign influence cannot be considered in isolation from the upcoming parliamentary elections in Georgia, scheduled for October 26, 2024. The Assembly fears that this law will negatively impact the elections and undermine confidence in the results, potentially affecting the legitimacy of the elections. In addition to calling for the repeal of the Russian law, the resolution expressed concern about the excessive and disproportionate use of force by police, as well as violent attacks and campaigns of intimidation against demonstrators, civil society activists, journalists, and members of parliament. The Assembly is also worried that these attacks are not being sufficiently investigated and condemned by the authorities, which may create an atmosphere of impunity. On June 27, the European Council (EUCO) also discussed Georgia. The Council, like the Parliamentary Assembly, expressed concern over the current events in the country. In its decision, the Council stated that the adopted law on transparency of foreign influence is a step backward regarding the steps outlined in the European Commission's recommendation on granting candidate status. The European Council calls on the Georgian authorities to clarify their intentions by changing the current course of action, which threatens Georgia's path to the European Union and effectively brings the accession process to a standstill. In addition, the European Council calls for an end to the increasing incidence of intimidation, threats, and physical attacks against civil society representatives, political leaders, civil activists, and journalists. The European Council emphasizes that it is essential for any country aspiring to join the European Union to respect the values and principles on which the European Union is based. In its calls, the European Council also notes that the planned elections must be free and fair, and supports long-term and short-term in-depth monitoring of the elections by partners. The European Council reaffirms its unwavering support for the territorial integrity of Georgia and expresses strong solidarity with the people of Georgia, emphasizing its readiness to continue supporting Georgia on its path towards a European future. The European Council is the collegial body of the European Union that sets the political direction and priorities of the Union. It consists of the heads of state and government of the member states, along with the presidents of the European Commission and the European Council. On the other hand, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe is a parliamentary body within the Council of Europe, comprising representatives from 46 member countries, including Georgia.

On May 28, the Parliament of Georgia rejected the President's motivated remarks on the so-called "Russian law" by 66 votes. Later that day, it approved the previously passed version of the law with 84 votes. This process is known as a "veto override." After overriding the veto, the parliament is required by law to send the bill to the president within 3 days. The president then has 5 days to sign and publish it. If the President of Georgia does not sign the law within this period, the Chairman of the Parliament will sign and publish it within the next 5 days. According to public sources, the president does not intend to sign the law, so it will be signed by the Chairman of the Parliament after the president's 5-day period expires. The Law "On Transparency of Foreign Influence" applies to all non-entrepreneurial (non-commercial) legal entities that are not established by an administrative body, are not sports federations, or blood establishments as defined by relevant law, and receive more than 20% of their income during a calendar year from foreign sources. These entities are designated as organizations pursuing the interests of a foreign power. Additionally, any legal entity that owns a media outlet and receives more than 20% of its non-commercial income from foreign sources during a calendar year is also considered a foreign power. The law mandates that these entities register in the "Register of Organizations pursuing the Interests of a Foreign Power." According to the law, an entity is recognized as pursuing the interests of a foreign power based not on its activities, but on the source of its income—whether direct or indirect—from a foreign power. Additionally, it is irrelevant whether the income source is the European Union, an international organization of which Georgia is a member, or a country hostile to Georgia. According to this law, within 60 days from its enactment, the relevant bodies/officials must adopt or issue the by-laws necessary for its implementation and ensure that these by-laws comply with the law. Additionally, the Ministry of Justice of Georgia and the National Agency of Public Registry must undertake the preliminary material, technical, and other measures required for implementing this law. This includes establishing the necessary procedures and means for registration as an organization pursuing the interests of a foreign power, as well as creating the corresponding registry. According to the law, starting from the 60th day after its enactment, entities that, as of 2023, meet the criteria of an organization pursuing the interests of a foreign power, are given a 1-month period to apply to the National Agency for Public Registry with a written statement for registration in material form through the House of Justice. Within 2 working days of the application, the National Agency of Public Registry must grant access to the relevant website. Subsequently, the entity must electronically complete and submit the application form established by the Minister of Justice of Georgia (which also serves as a financial declaration) within 10 working days. If an entity meets the criteria of an organization pursuing the interests of a foreign power and does not voluntarily apply for registration, the public registry agency, based on monitoring results, will forcibly register the entity in the register of organizations pursuing the interests of a foreign power. Additionally, the entity will be fined 25,000 GEL for avoiding registration and will still be required to submit an application/financial declaration to the public registry within 10 working days. If the entity fails to submit the application/financial declaration, it will incur an additional fine of 10,000 GEL. Furthermore, failure to submit the application/financial declaration within each subsequent month after the imposition of the administrative fine will result in an additional fine of 20,000 GEL. According to the law, an authorized individual from the Ministry of Justice of Georgia has the authority to conduct monitoring at any time, following procedures approved by the Minister of Justice. Monitoring can be initiated either by the Ministry of Justice's authorized individual or by a written statement from any person containing information about a specific organization. To conduct monitoring, the authorized individual from the Ministry of Justice of Georgia has the right to request any necessary information in accordance with the law, including special categories of personal data (such as data concerning an individual's racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, professional affiliations, health, or sex life). Information may be requested from any natural person, legal entity, organization, institution, or body. Conversely, the requested information must be promptly provided to the authorized individual by the Ministry of Justice. Failure to comply with the request for information will result in a fine of 5,000 GEL. In the event of the law's minimum signing and publication timeframes, organizations must submit their applications to the public register by the end of August 2024 at the latest for registration in the register of organizations pursuing the interests of a foreign power. This timeframe aligns with the period preceding the country's parliamentary elections, which is already marked by political polarization. Such a circumstance is likely to exacerbate this polarization further.

Collect Churchkhela (Georgian sweets) for Ukrainian People is a volunteer initiative by "Kakhetis Khma" implemented together with the local residents and organizations. 5000 churchkhela have already been collected and sent to Ukraine within the initiative.

There are many stereotypes about people with disabilities in Georgia today, which prevents them from living a full life.  "Often their area of employment is strictly defined by society and does not allow these people to self-realize and prosper."  Listen to a podcast about people with hearing impairments. More (GEO)

After the Fathers' Cup in football, Father's Day, "masculine conversations" trainings, a large-scale campaign in the streets of Tbilisi, in Tbilisi and Kutaisi. Most recently, the "Fathers' School" opened. More (GEO)

Have you ever wondered why the victim of violence is silent? It is better to listen to someone before making a meaningless phrase. More (GEO)

A unique example of 150 years old community work and the self-organization of the population of the Kvemo Machkhaani village is a theater, for construction of which each resident of the village had been collecting money for 9 years. They managed to do it and on July 25, 1899, the Theater of Kvemo Machkhaani was opened with the play “Khanuma”. The architect of the building is unknown. The 2-story brick construction merges well with the urban environment of the village and, at the same time, its interior architectural concept is similar to contemporary European theaters - the building provides space for reading and the opportunity to hold various discussions or educational events. Each resident of Kvemo Machkhaani was involved in the implementation of various initiatives important for the village – they were setting priorities of the village in economic, cultural-educational or other areas and then raising funds in different ways. Results of their self-organization and initiatives are as follows: school, reading room, theater, public workshop depot-bank, pharmacy and etc. Community Development Center (CDC) and Center of Contemporary Art - Tbilisi (CCA), with the support of the Open Society Georgia Foundation, searched for a lot of interesting stories of community self-organization before the occupation of Georgia, similar to that of Kvemo Machkhaani, and published a book containing them. The occupation of 1921 discouraged all kinds of motivation and initiative as in Machkhaani, as well as in other villages or regions of Georgia. Since then, initiatives were rarely heard in the village. While today, there have appeared young people thirsting for novelty and culture. One of the examples of this is the campaign, which is a chance for the second life of the Kvemo Machkhaani Theater. They invite theaters from different cities to perform in Kvemo Machkhaani. #ShareTheResponsibility because #ThisCountryIsYours

Save the Children, an international non-governmental organization founded in 1919 and implementing programs in 120 countries around the world, started its activities in Georgia since 1993. During these 28 years, the organization has been actively working on issues related to child protection, education, family and community empowerment, inclusive education, early childhood development, disaster risk reduction, youth skills development, child participation, IDP assistance, and empowerment of girls and women. With the help of Save the Children, there have been developed and introduced approaches, services, assessment tools, guidance documents and legislative changes, which serve as the basis for child wellbeing in many ways today. However, child protection in Georgia still faces a number of challenges in terms of a lot of aspect See more (geo)…

Loud cry out “The light is back!” has a special meaning for Georgia that passed the 90s. Since 2015, these words have acquired different meanings – there has been developed a project with this name, which aims to introduce people with disabilities, living in our country, to the public, as well as to retell their stories. Authors of the project hope that by looking closely at the lives of these people we will have answers to more questions, better understand their needs and be collectively able to say: “The light is back” - now we see better! Today, you can read 176 stories from 11 regions of Georgia on the website of the project, visit these people, look them into the eyes... You really can, just like you would do it at a face-to-face meeting because photos for this project are taken by Natela Grigalashvili. Authors of the project state that the success of the stories they retell is mostly due to these photos. Natela, however, says it just briefly that she joined this activity with great pleasure. She is like that, she does not like to talk much and expresses herself with things she does and photos she takes. She chose photography years ago to express her position, what she wanted to say. Prior to that, she studied at an art school, worked as an artist-decorator in a theater. As a photographer she started to work at the “Dvrita” newspaper, then she worked at other magazines and newspapers too. Currently, she is an independent photographer, projects, within the framework of which she takes photos, touches upon social themes - religious and ethnic minorities, women, the life of humans, and are always designed for regions. Georgian village and its life is a place where muses of Natela Grigalashvili live. Natela now shares her knowledge and experience with students of several universities, there have been held a number of exhibitions with her participation, she even made several personal exhibitions. No matter what she does, she always spares time to go to a village road and take photos. As she says, support from various foundations and organizations also helps her implement her ideas. More specifically that from the Open Society Georgia Foundation, Atinati Foundation, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, etc. She introduced Dukhobors, IDPs, and others to the public together with them. One of the similar projects is “Rural Photo Clubs”. “I grew up in a village and I have never lost links with it, I am well aware of problems that exist in villages and regions. This is how I came up with an idea to help them, teach them photography so as to let them discover another world around them, find the extraordinary in the ordinary, enjoy photography as an art”, - says Natela, - “I think this is a successful project because they write to me from a lot of villages, regions and request to implement this project there”. The first club was established in Gorelovka. The duration of the project was ten months and every month Natela lived in Gorelovka for 10 days. She taught photography to 15 people of different ethnicities from 15 to 62 years of age, the first exhibition was held at the House of Culture also in Gorelovka, the second - in Tbilisi, while the third - in Batumi. Apart from Gorelovka, photo clubs were established in the Pankisi Valley and high mountainous Adjara. These projects were funded by the Open Society Georgia Foundation, the Fund of the President, and the Ministry of Culture. However, Natela Grigalashvili works on projects even without funding. "Currently, there are several projects like these”, - says Natela, - “I take photos of how people live in high mountainous Adjara, it is where different lifestyle is preserved the most of all, traditions and customs are maintained, however, at the same time, changes take place rapidly. Another project is about young people - while traveling in regions, I shoot photos of how they live there, what they are happy about, what they are worried about, what their hopes or despairs are. This is an observation of people who are supposed to change the reality and provide their input to the creation of a better future for the country”.

Georgia was one of the first countries in Europe to grant women with both passive and active suffrage in the beginning of the 20th century under the Constitutional record (1918–1921). At the elections of the 1919 Constituent Assembly, there were registered about twenty women as candidates in electoral lists submitted by political parties, while 5 women deputies became members of the Constituent Assembly, a legislative body of the first Democratic Republic. They were as follows: Elisabed Nakashidze-Bolkvadze, Ana Sologashvili, Eleonora Terparsegova, Kristine Sharashidze, Minadora Orjonikidze-Toroshelidze. Photo: on.ge

After the declaration of independence of Georgia, on September 11, 1918, the National Red Cross was founded, on the basis of which the Society of Sisters of Mercy was established. Lots of young people joined the organization, most of the students. 100 years ago, during the occupation of Georgia, they took the wounded from the front line, treated them, how many there were or what happened to them - it is unknown ... More (GEO)