Tbilisi. Georgian Young Lawyers Association considers that the Minutes (Recording notice) taken by the three judges of the First Panel of the Constitutional Court lack legal argument, are based on theoretical reasoning, and are not in line with the current practice of the Constitutional Court on the issue of suspending disputed norms. Read more… Source: gyla.ge

Tbilisi. On February 26-27, UNICEF and Caritas Czech Republic in Georgia organized training for pediatricians, at which Professor Ivane Chkhaidze briefed pediatricians on diagnosis, management, and prevention of COVID-19, as well as updated treatment protocols. The project is supported by USAID Georgia. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. The Institute for Development of Freedom of Information publishes the study: Processing of Biometric and Genetic Data - European Standards. “The present study reviews the concept and area of application of biometric and genetic data, the threats and risks associated with their processing, and analyzes the principles and grounds for processing such data. The study also discusses certain judgments delivered by the European Court of Human Rights and the Court of Justice of the European Union regarding the processing of biometric and genetic data”. Read more… Source: idfi.ge

Tbilisi. Social Justice Center publishes the study: Practice of Providing Housing for Homeless Groups - What are the Special Needs of Women. “Ensuring adequate housing and combating homelessness is an issue that requires complex and multifaceted measures by the state. International standards clearly indicate that homelessness is a much broader concept than living on the streets and, among many other forms, includes living in housing services, institutions with different purposes, as well as in inadequate and overcrowded housing. On the other hand, the obligation of the state to guarantee adequate housing is not limited to providing physical space to people but also includes providing access to essential services and infrastructure, physical and financial accessibility, protection against eviction, and more”. Read more… Source: socialjustice.org.ge

Tbilisi. On February 25, 2022, the Public Defender presented the 7th Annual Report on the Situation of Equality and Combating and Preventing Discrimination. “The report highlights obstacles faced by women, persons with disabilities, members of religious and ethnic minorities, LGBT+ community and other vulnerable groups in 2021 in terms of realization of their right to equality. The report also assesses the compliance of Covid regulations with the right to equity; shortcomings in the social protection system in terms of the protection of the right to equality and cases of violation of labour rights in civil service due to political opinions during the pre-election period. The report also offers recommendations to the relevant agencies”. Read more… Source: ombudsman.ge

Tbilisi. Georgian Red Cross Society and Wolt have launched the new campaign to help the Ukrainian people. Every donation to Wolt will be transferred to The Ukrainian Red Cross Society account. Read more… Donate here... Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. In 2021, with the support of UNICEF, Caritas Czech Republic in Georgia conducted online trainings for rural doctors in 10 regions. Rural doctors trained under the project will remotely support mothers and children and provide appropriate medical service. UNICEF continues its cooperation with Caritas of the Czech Republic this year as part of a joint project aimed at improving the continuity and quality of maternal and child health services at the primary health care level. Appropriate medical protocols will also be introduced and improved. The project is supported by USAID Georgia. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. First Channel, Georgia, in support of Ukrainian people and solidarity to Ukrainian Public Broadcaster presents the fundraising music marathon - We For Ukraine. The funds amassed during the marathon will be donated to Ukrainian Red Cross Society. Acc: GE84BG0000000533473787GEL Or call from any mobile operator: 16 222 Call cost - 1 GEL Read more… Source: Organization’s page on the social network

Imereti. Local Democracy Agency Georgia, within the framework of the project “Civil Society Initiative”, provided consultations to representatives of civil society and community organizations in Samtredia municipalitiy. Similar meetings will be held in the municipalities of Imereti region. The meetings is being organized by LDA Georgia within the framework of the project “Civil Society Initiative”, with the support of the European Union and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. Georgian Civil Society organizations release a statement regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “In the wake of Russia's gross violation of international law, its attack on Ukraine and its use of deadly weapons against civilians, the Georgian Prime Minister has announced that he does not intend for Georgia to join the financial and economic sanctions imposed on Russia. Also, the ruling party rejected an extraordinary session of parliament on the issue of Ukraine. The signatory organizations unequivocally oppose and condemn the Prime Minister's statement, as it does not express the spirit of the Georgian nation, does not serve its interests and cannot be justified by the so-called Russia’s non-irritation policy”. Read more… Source: transparency.ge

Tbilisi. Georgian Coalition for International Criminal Court (GCICC) Expresses Solidarity with the Ukrainian People and condemns the aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine. “The current events in Ukraine are a continuation of the illegal occupation of Donbas and the annexation of Crimea. Ukraine has already declared its consent to the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court. Thus, even in the current conflict, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) becomes relevant, and any act that qualifies as a war crime, a crime against humanity or genocide must be investigated and adjudicated by the ICC. An effective response to international crimes is of paramount importance for maintaining world peace. The International Criminal Court must contribute to the strengthening of international peace and security. The Georgian Coalition for International Criminal Court calls on the International Criminal Court and the Contracting States of Rome Statute to comply with the requirement under which genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity must never remain unpunished. Thus, we call on the International Criminal Court to: Launch an investigation into the situation in Ukraine, in connection with which the pre-investigation stage has been on for already eight years; Take specific steps to prosecute those who committed the most barbaric crimes in the Russian-Georgian war: raids on the civilian population and facilities, taking civilians hostage, murders and rapes, looting, etc, the facts that are documented by members of the Coalition as well as other international organizations”. Read more… Source: gyla.ge

Tbilisi. Public Defender of Georgia and the entire office condemn Russia's open, large-scale aggression against independent, peaceful and democratic Ukraine. “Russia's decision to invade Ukraine and start an armed conflict is an unacceptable act of aggression that violates the norms of international and humanitarian law. War is devastating and it will in any case cause unprecedented violations of human rights. In these difficult times, we stand by the brotherly Ukrainian people and pray for them”. Read more… Source: ombudsman.ge

Tbilisi. Information Integrity Coalition releases the statement and expresses solidarity with Ukrainian people. Read more… Source: The Coalition’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. Taso Foundation expresses solidarity for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. „Endangering the sovereignty and territorial integrity of any country is totally unacceptable for us and we condemn any intention that threatens world peace and security“. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. On February 22, 2022, Nino Lomjaria, Public Defender of Georgia, met with Dunja Mijatović, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, who is paying an official visit to Georgia. “The Public Defender briefed Dunja Mijatović on freedom of expression, freedom of the media, recent offences committed against journalists and human rights defenders, their inadequate investigation, and, in general, shortcomings in the field of justice”. Read more… Source: ombudsman.ge

Tbilisi. According to the information of the GYLA Ekaterine Kiknadze appealed to the Public Defender against Tea Tsulukiani and the Museum Directorate to establish discrimination. “As it is known to the public, after the appointment of Tea Tsulukiani as the Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth, the reorganization of the institutions subordinated to the Ministry began with large-scale changes. As a result, many employees have been dismissed from their positions by this time. Among those dismissed is Ekaterine Kiknadze, who was first demoted from the position of museum manager to the position of laboratory assistant without her consent and then dismissed altogether. Ekaterine has already applied to the Tbilisi City Court on this issue. GYLA represents the interests of Ekaterine Kiknadze in the Tbilisi City Court and the Public Defender's Office”. Read more… Source: gyla.ge

Tbilisi. TI Georgia has studied the asset declarations filled out by public officials of the administrations of state representatives in 2021. “Twelve of the 36 current public officials – 33% of the total number – have filled out the asset declarations with shortcomings. Six of the public officials have not transferred the management rights of their stakes in companies to another person. In 5 cases, the public officials failed to indicate the immovable property owned by them and/or their family members in their declarations”. Read more… Source: transparency.ge

Shida Kartli. IDFI held meetings with students and teachers of Gori, within the framework of the project - "A new identity for the city of Gori". “On February 18, meeting was held in the exhibition centre of the Photographers' Club of Gori and on February 21, in the Verkhvebi IDP Settlement with the youth living there. IDFI’s local partners in the project are the representatives of the Gori Information Centre and the Photographers' Club. The project is implemented in collaboration with the creative agency Leavingstone and the Soviet Past Research Laboratory (SovLab)”. Read more… Source: idfi.ge

Tbilisi. On February 22, Grigol Robakidze University hosted a presentation of the book by Ghassan Khalil, UNICEF Representative in Georgia: "Children's Rights - Historical Evolution", which reviews the development of children's rights from ancient civilizations to modern times. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. Rondeli Foundation publishes the blogpost: “NATO’s possible expansion in Northern Europe and its significance for Georgia and Ukraine”. “Given the lack of support from the majority in Swedish and Finnish societies, the prospect of NATO membership seems less likely at this stage. However, as Russian aggression grows, the number of supporters of NATO membership is increasing. If Russia launches an attack on Ukraine, it will be a clear signal to the citizens of both countries of the threat to their sovereignty too, which could lead to a change in attitude. In Sweden and Finland, the number of people with no clear position regarding membership is quite high. In parallel with the growing security challenges, their support is expected to shift towards alliance membership”. Read more… Source: www.gfsis.org

Samtskhe-Javakheti. On February 22 the information campaign on vaccination against COVID-19 organized by UNICEF and implemented by AIVA • Association of Immunization and Vaccinology visited Akhaltsikhe. “Young doctors and medical students provided information about vaccination to local young people. UNICEF Representative in Georgia, Ghassan Khalil attended the event. The project, motto of which is "You can end this pandemic!" Is supported by USAID Georgia”. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network