Tbilisi. Under the leadership of the Open Society Georgia Foundation, 8 civil society organizations presented the fourth edition of an assessment document – EU CANDIDACY CHECK, which reflects the progress achieved by the Georgian authorities in this context until the period of June 15, 2023, as well as the current state of play and the steps to be implemented in the future. “According to CSOs’ assessments, at this stage, one priority is fully implemented, two priorities are mostly fulfilled, five priorities are partially fulfilled, and four priorities defined by the European Union are to be fulfilled”. Read more… Source: osgf.ge

Adjara. The Batumi New Mosque Construction Fund, the Tolerance and Diversity Institute, and Social Justice Center release a statement regarding the case of the Batumi new mosque. “A court action commenced in 2017 for a permit to construct a new mosque in the city of Batumi continues, as the Supreme Court of Georgia recently returned the case to the Court of Appeal for its reconsideration. The legitimate request for the permit stems from the long-standing needs of the Muslim community, and the issue remains unsolved. The decision of the Supreme Court contains a number of problematic elements, which not only hinder the realization of the fundamental rights of Muslims but also could lead to the undermining of the general principles of the right to freedom of religion and equality under the law. The court action, which has dragged on for seven years, is now prolonged indefinitely by this latest decision, grossly violating the rights of the Muslim community and threatening the essential principle of speedy and effective justice. The government’s gross violation of the fundamental rights of Muslims has a continuous character. For years, Muslims have been unable to build a place of worship in Batumi due to illegal barriers created by the government, and they still have to gather and pray in the open air. The government used all the means available to it to prevent the case from being decided on time and delayed the case for 7 years by appealing to the courts. The decision of the Supreme Court contributes both to the prolongation of the process and to the continuation of the systematic violation of Muslim rights”. Read more… Source: socialjustice.org.ge

Tbilisi. Media Advocacy Coalition condemns the physical attack on Misha Mshvildadze, the co-founder and anchor of Formula TV. "Attacks on media representatives in the country remain a serious challenge. The lack of action from the government regarding crimes against journalists, coupled with their hostile rhetoric towards critical voices and dissemination of targeted disinformation, only serves to further encourage such acts". Media Advocacy Coalition urgently calls upon the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into this attack on Misha Mshvildadze. It is crucial that those responsible are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Read more… Source: mediacoalition.ge

Regions. IDFI held three days of training sessions in Kutaisi, Ozurgeti, and Zugdidi from June 21 to 23 on practical methods and techniques for monitoring government activities. The training was intended for local civil society organizations, activists, journalists, and students. Learn more… Source: idfi.ge

Tbilisi. According to the TI Georgia, for the first time in 20 years, the Government of Georgia opted out of participating in the monitoring round of the OECD's Anti-Corruption Network for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (OECD/ACN). Georgia is the only country that did not endorse the monitoring, unlike Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Mongolia. “The signatory organizations call on the Government of Georgia to resume participation in the monitoring process initiated under the Istanbul Action Plan (IAP) program and to continue cooperation with the OECD's Anti-Corruption Network for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (OECD/ACN)”. Read more… Source: transparency.ge

Batumi. On June 21-22 CSI organized a kickoff event of the project Strengthening Civic Engagement and Participatory Governance Capacities in Local Governments The event was attended by the 20 representatives of the public city halls and councils of four target municipalities (Batumi, Chokhatauri, Marneuli and Dmanisi). The project aims at enhancing the capacity of four partner municipalities to routinely monitor and evaluate public participation in local decision-making processes. თhe kickoff participants got familiarized themselves with CSI’s web-based “Benchmarking Methodology” tool which will help local authorities to recognize the importance of self-assessment and strive towards improving relationships with and strengthening trust among the communities they are to serve. The participants from different municipalities shared their experience and challenges regarding citizen engagement with each other and planned next steps on how to proceed with the upcoming self-assessment process. The project Strengthening Civic Engagement and Participatory Governance Capacities is a part of USAID Local Governance Program which is financed by United States Agency for International Development USAID.

Tbilisi. Coalition for an Independent and Transparent Judiciary reacts to the amendments in the Organic Law on Common Courts. “On June 13, the Parliament of Georgia adopted amendments to the Organic Law of Georgia on Common Courts in the third reading. The Georgian Dream’s stated purpose of adopting the amendments was to fulfill the recommendations of the European Commission. However, according to the Venice Commission’s opinion, the draft law did not meet its recommendations concerning the judiciary.  That is why the Coalition calls on: The President of Georgia to submit the Law to the Venice Commission for urgent opinion; and The President and the Parliament of Georgia, if necessary, to use the constitutional mechanisms that will ensure the reflection of the fundamental justice sector reforms in the law in accordance with the Venice Commission’s recommendations”. Learn more… Source: idfi.ge

Samegrelo. In Mukhuri village, Khabaleri district 35 families are requesting the much-needed paving of roads and installation of drainage channels. With the support of the TI Georgia’s Committee of Concerned Citizens, they have submitted the request to Chkhorotsku City Hall. The organization urge Chkhorotsku City Hall to promptly address our appeal and fulfill the rightful demands of Mukhuri residents. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

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. On June 26, the USAID Local Government Program will hold informational meetings for those who have questions about their grant competitions. To attend the meeting, fill out the registration form… The program will share the link of the online meeting with you via e-mail. Read more… Source: The USAID Local Government Program’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. This year UN Women continues to support Grace Hopper Award initiated by The USAID Economic Security Program and TBC Bank. The winners have been awarded in six nominations of Grace Hopper Award, who have made significant contributions in strengthening the field of technology, introducing positive changes, and creating innovative products or services for women's empowerment. The following individuals and organizations have been recognized as the 2023 winners of the #GraceHopperAward: Nana Janashia: Emerging Leader Award. Tamar Bosikashvili: ICT Champion Award. Bizon.ge • ბიზონი: Tech Startup Award. Technovation Girls Sakartvelo: Program Award. ForSet • ფორსეტი: Industry Award. Nino Gamisonia: Supporter Award. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. On June 14, Civil Society Institute (SCI), in partnership with European Center for Non-for-Profit Law (ECNL) and Partners Georgia held a discussion meeting, which aimed at increasing the engagement of civil society and consolidation of CSOs’ visions around Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). See more… Source: civilin.org

Tbilisi. On June 19th, 2023 the UN Women facilitated a Working Group Meeting on Gender-Related Aspects of Social Reforms.  “At the meeting, Expertise France presented an update on the advancements they have achieved in developing amendment packages for minimum wage provisions, social insurance, and unemployment benefits. The meeting aimed to provide informative updates to non-governmental organizations and development partners regarding the ongoing progress and foster the exchange of substantive feedback”. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. According to the IDFI, the new law significantly changed the balance between the personal data protection and the transparency and established new standards of publicity, which should be considered a positive development. The parliament took into account a number of IDFI’s recommendations and the norms, which in many cases were the basis for limiting access to information by public institutions, were changed and replaced with unambiguous regulations. Read more… Source: idfi.ge

Samtskhe-Javakheti. According to the Transparency International Georgia, a significant number of property declarations from 202 officials in Samtskhe-Javakheti municipalities contain various violations. Click here to view a detailed breakdown of the types of violations identified… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Shida Kartli. On June 13, 2023, the USAID Civil Education Program 2022-2023 academic year summary event was held in Gori. “Ms. Marika Mgebrishvili, the head of the Association of Society Biliki, Ms. Marina Ushveridze, the director of USAID's civic education program, Ms. Nana Termakozashvili, the head of the educational resource center of Gori welcomed to the guests. At the event, Lia Gorelishvili, the representative of Society Biliki made an overview of the program's one-year results. The students of partner schools of Shida Kartli made presentations about the successful civic club, student self-government, small grant projects, and cooperation with the private sector. Lela Tsurtsumia, the regional coordinator of the National Forum of Civic Education Teachers, spoke about the resources offered to teachers and the planned activities. Pupils of Khidistavi Public School presented Eco Puppet Theater on the theme “Rights”. At the end of the meeting, supporters and active students were rewarded. Representatives of partner schools, educational resource centers, local government, business, media, and non-governmental sectors of the Shida Kartli region attended the meeting. USAID Civic Education Program,  is implemented by PH International with the financial support of the US Agency for International Development (USAID). The program is supported by the Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia. In the Shida Kartli region, the partner organization of the program is Society Biliki”. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. Are you going to Tbilisi Open Air on 23-25 June? You can see the European Union there spreading the festive spirit among the youth.  “We are bringing something unique and engaging for you! Join our life-size Intellectual game, “European Way: Evropis Gza” hosted by Davit Gorgiladze and get ready to dive into an unforgettable experience filled with excitement, learning, and lots of laughter! The game is created by Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung South Caucasus with our support”. Read more… Source: The EU’s page on the social network

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...

On June 14, Civil Society Institute (SCI), in partnership with European Center for Non-for-Profit Law (ECNL) and Partners Georgia held a discussion meeting, which aimed at increasing the engagement of civil society and consolidation of CSOs’ visions around Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT). Latest report of Council of Europe’s Anti-Money Laundering Committee (MONEYVAL) was discussed at the meeting as well as Georgian National Risk Assessment Report and its action plan, which is currently being work on by the Georgian government. Georgia received the lowest ranking in the report in regards to its preventive measures against potential risk of noncommercial sector being wrongfully used.  At the meeting it was underlined that CSOs are not involved in the process of assessing preventive measures, which can lead to the introduction of such measures and regulations that might negatively affect the CSO environment in Georgia.  International experts and local CSO representatives participated in the meeting during which potential measures to prevent risks according to FATF recommendations, as well as mechanisms to increase active participation of CSOs and development of self-regulation measures were discussed. Second topic of the meeting focused on the cooperation between NPOs and banks, including National Bank of Georgia’s AML/CFT policy in regards to NPOs.

Tbilisi. Organized by the members of the Committee of Concerned Citizens of TI Georgia’s Akhaltsikhe office, the organization applied to the local government with the request to arrange a sports field in the village of Arzne in Adigen. The letter is signed by locals. “In a mountain village with 16 households, where more than 30 children live, there is no sports infrastructure, recreational and entertainment space”. TI Georgia calls on the City Hall of Adigeni Municipality to consider the appeal in a timely manner and take this issue into account when making changes to the current year's budget. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network