Samtskhe-Javakheti. At the initiative of the Civic Engagement Centers and in connection with the International Day for Tolerance, the Akhaltsikhe Civic Engagement Center has hosted on November16 the exhibition of children's paintings "Tolerance - This Is Love". The works of children from 12 to 14 years of age were exhibited. The jury has revealed three best paintings, authors of which received symbolic gifts from the organization "Tolerant". The works will be exhibited in the Civic Engagement Center for another week. The exhibition aims to develop tolerant values so that schoolchildren acknowledge the universal value of diversity.

Guria. In cooperation with PH International, for the second year the Guria Youth Resource Center implements in Guria the scholarship program for access to the English language. As part of the program, socially poor youngsters learn the English language free of charge with assistance from professional teachers. At the end of December 2012, the graduates of the first group will be revealed. The program will resume from February 2013. Organization of supplemental events of the course once a month is part of the education program, which aims to raise the participants' knowledge of the American culture, history and traditions. The supplemental event held on November 19 aimed to get familiar with the US regions and dialects, and it was attended by the 20 program participants. The event was led by the US Peace Corps volunteer Rachel Evarts working in the Guria Youth Resource Center. The event, which was visited by the US Embassy representative, was of special interest to children.

Imereti. To celebrate the International Day for Tolerance, as part of the Civic Education and Teacher Training Program the schoolchildren of the Kutaisi Public School #12 have organized the discussion on tolerance. After the discussion the schoolchildren split in groups and created the slogans and stands dedicated to the idea of tolerance. Total of 30 schoolchildren have participated in the discussion. For the full text. Source: kedec.ge

Samegrelo. On November16, the Deputy Minister of Internally Displace Persons from the Occupied Territories, Accommodation and Refugees of Georgia and the Gori single-seat MP have visited the Tskaltubo community center and the Zugdidi office of the center "Abkhazeti". In the Tskaltubo community center the guests have met with the IDP population and discussed with them the existing problems and ways of their solution. The guests have also visited the "IDP Professional Training and Service Center" functioning in the Zugdidi office of the Center "Abkhazeti" and have talked to the Center's beneficiaries about the existing needs and ways of solving them. For the full text. Source: the organization's page in the social network.

Guria. As part of the Civic Education and Teacher Training Program, the joint event was organized at the initiative of civic clubs functioning in the Ozurgeti Public School #1 and the public school of village Bakhvi. At the schools' initiative, the schoolchildren of the Ozurgeti-based center for persons with disabilities have also been involved in the event. As part of the initiative, the youngsters have painted on the asphalt and visited the Ekadia fathers' monastery and residence, which is being currently constructed. Future plans were also agreed at the meeting - the schoolchildren decided to visit the complex in the future as well and contribute to its cleaning and maintenance. The Civic Education and Teacher Training Program is implemented by PH International with funding from the US Agency for International Development. The Guria Youth Resource Center is the program's partner in Guria.

Samtskhe-Javakheti. On November16, the festival planned by the Akhaltsikhe Youth Center and dedicated to the Day for Tolerance was held in the Ninotsminda Municipality. The civic clubs of the Samtskhe-Javakheti schools involved in the Civic Education and Teacher Training Program have participated in it.The festival was rather diverse, where the schools have presented the symbol of a man-tolerance, created posters on the topic of tolerance, exhibited the clothing of various ethnic representatives, and presented the culture and traditions of the specific ethnic group.

Adjara. The Civil Society Institute and Oxfam have organized a meeting on November 16 on the "Models of poverty reduction in rural areas". As part of the Economic Development Program and with the financial support of Oxfam, the Civil Society Institute actively works in this field. The project was implemented in 2 regions of Georgia (Samegrelo, Adjara) and it aimed at promoting the reduction of poverty.Families living in extreme poverty, who were selected in advance, were provided with the production capital, were trained theoretically and practically in potato-growing, vegetable-gardening, cattle-breeding and bee-keeping. In parallel, individual consultations and advice were delivered. The principle of stage-by-stage co-participation was applied as well.The model of poverty reduction in rural areas approbated by these organizations was presented at the meeting. To share the experience, the documentary was prepared on the project activities and the model itself, which was shown during the meeting, followed by the discussion.The representatives of local authorities, international and local NGOs operating in the region, and the project beneficiaries have attended the meeting.

Tbilisi. The civil society organizations "Georgian Young Lawyers' Association", the "International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy", "Transparency International - Georgia" and "Article 42 of Constitution" express concerns over facts of pressure on the local self-government authorities in the various municipalities of Georgia."Interference and pressure in any form over the local self-government activities, which prevents or hinders their normal functioning, is alarming." – says the statement released by the organizations.The organizations urge all political parties and their supporters to refrain from any form of pressure on the agencies exercising local self-governance, and they address respective authorities to probe into the facts of pressure and apply relevant sanctions. The Statement. Source: gyla.ge

Imereti. CSO IZONE has organized a public discussion on November18 in the Kutaisi Civic Engagement Center on the "Education Policy - Emancipation or Indoctrination".How does the state envisions its own future and how does it prepare its citizens for such future? What is the purpose of the education system - knowledge or indoctrination? Is the system necessary for acquiring knowledge? What are the alternative ways of gaining knowledge? What is the success today and what is its formula - who are successful and failed citizens? – These are the issues that were presented at the organized meeting and discussed afterwards.The associated professor of the Ilia State University Levan Tsagareli and the literary critic, professor of the Kutaisi AkakiTsereteli State University Irakli Tskhvediani have delivered presentations at the meeting, while the psychologist Ana Arganashvili has discussed the problems and prospects in the field of higher education.Following the discussion, the documentary of AleksandreKoridze "Che" was shown (Rose Revolution, "Kmara" (enough) Movement. 2003).

Tbilisi. The UN Children’s Fund released the results of monitoring over juvenile institutions. Juvenile prisoners note in interviews with UNICEF that they are protected from injuries and ill-treatment and that the escort treat them much better."Treatment towards juveniles in prisons is better, nevertheless, challenges still remain”, – says the information released by the organization. UNICEF calls on the government to complete the renovation works of the Avchala special juvenile institution as soon as possible in order for the juveniles placed currently in the Rustavi prison #17 to return to the improved environment. In addition, UNICEF calls on the government to restore as quickly as possible the education process for all juveniles serving in the prison.The organization carries out independent monitoring in the places where the juveniles serve since 25 September 2012. Primary goal of monitoring is to check if the juveniles are in a safe environment, if their fundamental rights are protected, and if they are safeguarded from violence, insult and humiliation. For the full text. Source:unicef.ge

Adjara. On November 18, NGO "Borjghali” has organized a rock concert in Batumi, in the Bonn Culture House. The event was held to support the persons suffering from natural disasters – ecological migrants.This event aimed at informing the youth and broad public about the problems of eco-migrants. The rock concert was organized as part of the project "Advocating the Interests of Eco-Migrants”, funded by the "East-West Management Institute”.The concert was supported by the youth organization "Art Way” and the Ministry of Education and Culture of the Adjara Autonomous Republic.

Shida Kartli. The representatives of the Gori Youth Center have celebrated the International Day for Tolerance on November 16. They have organized three events dedicated to this day in various places. In particular, they have delivered a seminar and showed videos on the topic of tolerance in the Verkhvebi IDP settlement, followed by the discussion of examined topics.Youngsters of the Center and the schoolchildren of Public School #7 have organized the artistic evening for the children with disabilities, which propagated the idea of tolerance and equality. The third event organized by the Center’s representatives was the performance held in the Davit Chubinishvili Culture Center. NodarDumbadze’s story "Helados” was performed. These events were organized as part of the project of the United Nations Association of Georgia, supported by the US Agency for International Development.

Adjara. The cultural-humanitarian fund "Sokhumi” has presented the project "Women’s Civil Participation” on November 16 in the Batumi Civic Engagement Center. The project aims to enhance women’s capabilities in terms of civic activities, ensure their full participation in the important decision-making, promote the formation of the civil society, modify the gender setting in the next local elections, and to establish peace, stability and gender equality in the country. Geographic scope of this project covers four regions of western Georgia (Imereti, Samegrelo, Adjara, Guria), while its duration is one year.The project is financially supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

Samegrelo. The issue of IDPs occupying various buildings without due permits was discussed on November 16 at the meeting organized at the initiative of organization "IDP Women for their Rights”, attended by the NGOs, IDPs and the representative of the Abkhazian legitimate government. As the Head of the organization "IDP Women for their Rights” Nona Ubilava has stated, "I am personally informed by the IDPs that they go around and search for buildings, which they can occupy. That is why we have gathered here to discuss these issues. We have already addressed the Minister for Refugees Davit Darakhvelidze in the name of IDPs and the NGO sector, but no one has responded the letter so far”.The part of the Zugdidi-based NGO sector has discussed this issue already for the second time this week. They request that the Minister for Internally Displaced Persons from Occupied Territories, Accommodation and Refugees Davit Darakhvelidze visits Zugdidi.

Guria. The exhibition of children’s paintings was opened at the initiative of the Ozurgeti Civic Engagement Center on November 16. It was dedicated to the International Day for Tolerance, reflected in the title of the exhibition – "Tolerance – This Is Love”. Up to 15 schoolchildren from Ozurgeti have participated in the exhibition, presenting up to 50 works.The exhibition dedicated to the topic of tolerance will last in the Civic Engagement Center for a week.

Adjara. On November 16, the South Caucasus Regional Bureau of the Heinrich Boll Foundation has organized in the Batumi Press Cafe the public discussion on - "The 'Green' Contours of the Policy in the Context of Sustainable Development: Global and Local Visions". Lead speakers of the meeting were: LiaTodua (the Center for Strategic Research and Development), Oleg Shatberashvili (European Studies for Georgia's Innovative Development) and Sasha Khorava (associated professor of the Batumi ShotaRustaveli State University). Representatives of local NGOs and media outlets and the students have attended the meeting. The speakers presented on the topic for half an hour to duly  inform the discussion participants. Second part of the discussion was held in a question-and-answer format, where the speakers have exhaustively responded to the audience's questions. 

Tbilisi. The Human Rights Center addresses the Chief Prosecutor of Georgia Archil Kbilashvili with a request to launch investigation in the prison riot that took place on 26 March 2005 in the Ortachala Prison."To suppress the so-called prison riot, the authorities at the time used cruel methods. Several (various numbers are given) inmates were killed with firearms. Regardless of this, it is not investigated until now whether the excess of power had occurred, and most importantly - the cause of the inmates' riot is not objectively established. Accordingly, the leadership of the penitentiary system at the time has not been held responsible", – says the letter released by the organization. For the full text. Source: humanrights.ge

Adjara. On November16, the International Labor Organization (ILO) has organized in the Batumi Civic Engagement Center the "Tripartite joint training in the social protection system functioning in Georgia and the modern gender trends". The training was a constituent part of the project - "From crisis to the dignified and safe labor in the Central Asia and South Caucasus", which aims at promoting the introduction of labor-dignity principles in the field of employment, safety of labor and social protection. The representatives of the Ministry of Labor, Health and Social Welfare of Georgia, the Employers' Association of Georgia, the Association of Professional Unions of Georgia and CSOs have participated in the training.

Imereti. The Kutaisi Development and Education Center has celebrated the International Day for Tolerance on November 16. The event titled "I’m Tolerant, and You?” was organized in the city. The schoolchildren participating in the event have organized the march with transparencies and made the live chain.The event was organized as part of the "Advancing National Integration in Georgia” program, implemented by the United Nations Association of Georgia, with financial support of the US Agency for International Development.The International Day for Tolerance is celebrated worldwide since 1995.

Kvemo Kartli. The training will be held on November 18-22 in Rustavi with participation of the Georgian, Armenian and Azerbaijani representatives, within the framework of the project – network of the Caucasian cultural initiatives CAUCULT. Partners from Austria and Lithuania will participate in the training. Topic of the training is the "Culture in the South Caucasus States and the Community Art Development”.The project – network of the Caucasian initiatives CAUCULT represents an inter-cultural program, which promotes local cultural initiatives for strengthening the ethnic, religious and cultural diversity.Project partners in Georgia are the "Caucasian House” – the center for cultural relations and the "Academy for Peace and Development”. For full text. Source: the page of "Caucasian House" in the social network.

Imereti. On November14, at the initiative of the Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia, the "Open Society – Georgia” Foundation has organized the meeting between the CSO representatives and the members of the legislative body, attended by up to 60 CSO representatives working in various fields. The meeting aimed at examining and discussing the relations between the civil sector and the Parliament.The Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia Davit Usupashvili has noted at the meeting that the Parliament is eager to cooperate actively with and listen to the qualified recommendations of the civil sector in various areas. "We look forward to your initiatives on any topic – the words of all of you will be written down, analyzed and taken into consideration to the extent possible”, – the Chairman of the Parliament said.Concrete staff members will be allocated in all parliamentary committees to ensure the transparency of the Parliament’s activities and effective communication, who will serve as contact persons for the CSOs having the interest and recommendations in the respective fields. This way more CSOs will be able to have business relations with one or several committees and furnish them with recommendations, critical opinions, initiatives, studies, etc."With respect of the accountability of the executive authorities the Parliament needs your substantial assistance. ... Everyone who is capable of advising and has a desire to do so, is the adviser and everyone who has ideas can bring those ideas to the Parliament. Afterwards, free competition must filter the ideas”, Davit Usupashvili has said.Apart from searching for the forms and mechanisms of relations between the Parliament and the civil sector, CSO representatives have expressed certain remarks and recommendations on the work of the Parliament. For instance, in the opinion of the Editor of newspaper "Rezonansi” and the Chair of the Press Association Lasha Tughushi, the issues that attract high public interest must be examined in an increased public environment. As an example, Tughushi referred to the episode related to the TV Company "Peak”.The pace of the Parliament’s work was also a part of the meeting’s focus. Human rights activist Nana Kakabadze has emphasized that the Parliamentary investigative group is not still set up. Further, part of the meeting participants spoke about the determination of status of prisoners including the political prisoners. Chair of the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association Tamar Chugoshvili has remembered the gaps in relations with the Parliament of previous calling and expressed hope that the same precedents will not be allowed this time.Chair of the Civil Society Institute Vazha Salamadze has noted that the format of cooperation offered by the Parliament to the civil sector is totally acceptable. According to him, most probably it will be more reasonable to have this format placed in institutional frames, strengthened with concrete normative acts and to select the form that will make these relations independent from the change of authorities or personal relationships. Today the format offered by the Parliament is its good will, and we offer to set up the working group that will develop the document to formalize these relations, Vazha Salamadze noted.The names of contact persons in the parliamentary committees will be made known from the next week, and accordingly, the relations of various forms and content between the CSOs and the country’s chief legislative body will take off from the next week.

Adjara. At the initiative of the association "Independent Journalists’ House” and the Batumi Civic Engagement Center, the discussion between the Chair of the Government of the Adjarian AR Archil Khabadze and the representatives of the civil society and media was held on November15 in the Batumi Civic Engagement Center. Chair of the Adjara Government Archil Khabadze answered the questions of the meeting participants.The meeting aimed at promoting and holding the democratic dialogue.The discussion was organized as part of the NED–funded (National Endowment for Democracy) project "Development of Democratic Ideas”. Recording of the Discussion.