Imereti. The importance of civic engagement, Civil Society Organizations, International volunteering platform "Time Bank" – That’s issues Local Democracy Agency Georgia talked to youth in Baghdati municipality. The information meeting, which is implemented within the project, "Civil Society Development Initiative", was held at the youth center of the village Rokhi.  The project „Georgian Civil Society Sustainability Initiative” is implemented by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) in cooperation with the Civil Society Institute (CSI), the Consultation and Training Center (CTC), the Center for Strategic Research and Development of Georgia (CSRDG), and the Education Development and Employment Center (EDEC). The project is funded by the European Union (EU) and co-funded by the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS).  Read more…  Source: The web-page of the organization

Tbilisi. The Public Defender’s Office of Georgia has drawn up an information bulletin on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in and out of the Context of Novel Coronavirus Pandemic. The document reviews the efforts of national human rights institutions, various international organizations and networks in the direction of the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities. Information Bulletin  Read more…  Source: The web-page of the organization

Tbilisi. On August 17, Human Rights Education and Monitoring Center (EMC) and the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) submitted a coalition alternative report on the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to the UN Human Rights Committee. The alternative report has been prepared within the framework of the fifth cycle of review of the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights by Georgia. The report evaluates the main developments that took place during the last 6 years in relation to all civil and political rights stipulated by the Covenant, it also appraises the state of implementation of recommendations made by the Committee within the framework of the previous, fourth cycle. Read more… Source: www.gyla.ge

EU Ambassador Carl Hartzell has issued a statement on gender equality as part of the national campaign “Toloba”, which is the Georgian word for equality. The campaign is an initiative by Mtavari Channel, aimed at raising awareness on gender issues across Georgia.  Watch the video or read the transcript in full.  Read more…  Source: The web-page of the organization

Tbilisi. Human Rights Education and Monitoring Center (EMC) publishes a viewpoint – “Reform of law enforcement system - Real perspective beyond election slogans." “The ruling political force has failed to mobilize enough resources and courage for systemic reforms at any stage. While fragmentary changes have not appeared sufficient for significant transformation”, - is stated in the document, - “High risk of political influence, weak accountability and strict centralized hierarchy are the main challenges that the law enforcement system faces today. Challenges require comprehensive brainstorming as well as changes that are consistent and compatible to the existing model of state arrangement”. Read more… Source: The website of the organization

Tbilisi. Fair Labor Platform releases a statement in regard to death of two and injury of one electricians, employed at JSC “Georgian Railway”, during dismantling of a high voltage transmission line support structure on September 17 in the city of Kutaisi. “The issue of working conditions of those employed at high-risk work places is still problematic and acute in the country. Despite certain changes made at the legislative level, the state is still unable to create fair and safe working conditions for those employed at high-risk work places. Work of people employed at such facilities is extremely vulnerable and dangerous for both their life and health”, - is noted in the statement. Read more… Source:www.gyla.ge

Tbilisi. Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI) publishes analysis of legislation and practice of secret surveillance in Georgia. “Under the current regulations, there is little trust that in the conduct of secret investigative measures state interference in private life would be proportional to its legitimate aim. Lack of trust towards the government is dwelling from its reluctance to address the challenges, which are being highlighted by various international as well as domestic organizations”, is noted in the analytical document. Read more… Source: idfi.ge

Tbilisi. According to information that Civil.ge releases, Facebook, a social media giant, is going to enact a fact-checking program in Georgia from next week. “The program will be launched on the basis of a partnership of Factcheck.ge and “Myth Detector” projects of “Georgia’s Reforms Associates” (GRASS), a non-governmental organization, and the “Media Development Foundation” with Facebook. It aims at revealing fake news and disinformation disseminated on the platform”. Read more… Source: civil.ge

Tbilisi. If you are 17 years old or older and think you can change the lives of others for the better, or even are willing to spend your free time productively - this project is for you. “The “Mestumre” project aims to provide elderly people living in elderly/care homes an opportunity of having regular, social interactions with young people and engaging in enjoyable activities once a week, for one hour. Selected volunteers will be trained by a MAC Georgia team and equipped with necessary knowledge and skills, which they can practice for 6 months while visiting elderly people”. In case you get interested - go to the link and register...  Source: The website of the project in a social network

Europe Foundation offers the representatives of civil society organizations an opportunity to participate in the training on community mobilization. The training will take place on October 1 and 2, 2020, and will be held remotely, using the web-platform Zoom. For more information and registration please visit... Source: The organization’s page in the social network

Tbilisi. “Human Rights Education and Monitoring Center (EMC)” responds to a resolution adopted by the European Parliament on September 16 of the current year. The resolution is about the implementation of the Association Agreement between Georgia and the European Union and contains an evaluation of the development of the country in various directions, including those related to the rule of law, human rights, and justice issues. Read more… Source: emc.org.ge

Tbilisi. According to information released by Human Rights Education and Monitoring Center, on September 16, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the implementation of the Association Agreement signed between Georgia and the European Union, which, along with other issues, touches upon shortcomings of labor legislation in Georgia.  EMC once again calls on the Parliament of Georgia to support the package of amendments to labor legislation and, together with other important regulations, ensure the establishment of full-fledged labor inspection.  Read more… Source: emc.org.ge

The web portal CsoGeorgia.org releases a weekly newsletter of grants competition, contests, vacancies, fellowships and tenders for civil society organizations and for any interested person. Newsletter...

Tbilisi. Within the framework of a long-term observation mission, the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association monitors pre-election processes in Tbilisi, Adjara, Guria, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti, Imereti, Shida, and Kvemo Kartli, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, and Kakheti through its 9 regional observers.  “The Interim Report on the 2020 parliamentary elections contains findings of the monitoring carried out from June 1 through August 31.  GYLA observers from both the ruling party and the opposition detected:  - 5 cases of neglect of the requirement to separate the state and a political party (including the anti-crisis plan to eliminate consequences of COVID-19);  - 5 cases of voter bribery and alleged bribery;  - 6 cases of violent actions, creation of a tense pre-election environment and obstruction of pre-election agitation”.  Read more… Source: gyla.ge

Tbilisi. The Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI) publishes analytical material in regard to a Russian information war carried out against Lugar Laboratory. “Although the Ministry of Internal Affairs has not yet named the country from which the cyber-attack on the Ministry of Health of Georgia was conducted, Paata Imnadze, Deputy Director of the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, supposes that it is the Russian Federation from where the attack was carried out. Russia was also mentioned by Salome Zurabishvili, President of Georgia, in her statement made in regard to the cyber-attack. This assumption is further supported by the fact that the Russian Federation has been carrying out attacks on Lugar Laboratory for years, which mostly carries the character of an information war”, - is stated in the material. Read more… Source: idfi.ge

Tbilisi. European Commission invites researchers and other stakeholders from EaP countries to participate in Virtual Trainings on the upcoming Horizon 2020 Green Deal Call. The first virtual Training is scheduled for 18 September 2020. Find out more here… Source: EU’s page in the social network

Tbilisi. On September 22-26 European Union invites you to join EU Mobility Week. „Let’s improve our health and quality of life by cycling and walking more, using public transport, or opting for zero-emission cars. Let’s be more physically active, reduce pollution and noise in our cities". Read more... Source: EU’s page in the social network

Tbilisi. With the support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Government of the United Kingdom, the Georgia Red Cross Society actively continues to support the older people and volunteers in terms of both, safety information dissemination and the development of home care services. “The program aims to support home care services for people affected by COVID-19 in the country, which includes more than 4,000 older people in Tbilisi and 29 municipalities who live alone, have a chronic disease or are in need of additional services and self-isolation”. Read more… Source: The organization’s page in the social network

On 11-13 September, 2020 Public Movement Multinational Georgia (PMMG) Implemented an educational program for voters belonging to ethnic minorities. Within the framework of the program, participants from Akhalkalaki and Marneuli Municipalities increased awareness regarding following topics: The essence and implications of democratic elections; Political process, electoral systems and political subjects; Review of Georgian electoral system: the essence and implications of newly adopted constitutional amendments...  Read more... Source: The organization’s web page in the social network

Tbilisi. Get acquainted with a publication “Specifics of development of civil society in Georgia”. It contains an analysis of stages of development of civil society in Georgia from the XIX century topresent. Oliver Reisner,the author, Jean Monnet Professor in European and Caucasian Studies at Ilia State University reviews in the publication the role and function of civil society on the way tomodernization of Georgia. The publication is part of a book about modernization of Georgia, created by Ilia State University (Editor Giga Zedania). The publication: Specifics of development of civil society in Georgia (Eng)…

Tbilisi. On September 15, 2020, Nino Lomjaria, Public Defender of Georgia, met with Daniil Khochabo, Deputy Director of the Council of Europe Directorate of Political Affairs, Maxime Longangué, Adviser of the Council of Europe Directorate of Political Affairs, and Natalia Voutova, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Georgia. “The purpose of the meeting was to share information on the consolidated report of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, relating to the human rights situation in the occupied territories of Georgia”. Read more… Source: ombudsman.ge