Tbilisi. On January 17, 2022, the Public Defender of Georgia met with IDPs living in Kartli sanatorium and listened to their problems. “In view of the above circumstances, the Public Defender considers that since the facility is dangerous to live in, including for minors living in the building, it is important for the State to conduct result-oriented negotiations with internally displaced families, to hear about the obstacles in the process of searching for housing and their fears regarding rents, as well as to prevent risks and ensure the resettlement of IDPs in a safe place as soon as possible”. Read more… Source: ombudsman.ge

Tbilisi. On January 13th, 14th and 15th, in the framework of the training program “Georgia's future civil service leaders,” the Rondeli Foundation organized a series of lectures at the Tbilisi Marriott. “The project is designed to support Georgia’s civil servants on the career ladder by deepening their knowledge and enhancing their skills in the field of security and policy analysis”. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. The Public Defender expresses her condolences over the suicide of an IDP living in the building of former sanatorium "Kartli" in the settlement of the Sea District in Tbilisi and offers her sympathy to the family members and relatives of the deceased. “In recent years, the Public Defender examined the rights situation of IDPs living in the former sanatorium building Kartli and found that the Agency for Refugees, Eco-Migrants and Livelihoods unreasonably refused to check the technical sustainability of the building (to conduct the relevant inspection). As a result, on December 21, 2020, the Public Defender addressed the Agency with a recommendation and requested a technical sustainability inspection of the building. The expert opinion confirms the existence of an environment that poses an increased risk to life and health”. Read more… Source: ombudsman.ge

Tbilisi. UN Women Georgia publishes the baseline Study on the Impact of the Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) on Business in Georgia. “The overall goal of the assignment is to collect baseline data and analyze information on the work undertaken by the WEPs signatory companies in Georgia on gender equality and women’s empowerment from 2017 to 2020”. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN) publishes an informative blogpost on the food labeling. “Many people throw away perfectly edible food due to misunderstandings about the expirations dates. The dates on the packaging do not always mean that the products are expired and their consumption poses health risks. This misunderstanding among consumers leads to generating unnecessary food waste. In order to reduce food waste it is important to understand the following labels”… Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. With the help of TI Georgia’s lawyers, Abesalom Korshia registered a 5 000 sq.m agricultural land in Anaklia. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. On January 13, 2022, about 390 employees of the Social Service Agency, in compliance with all legal procedures, informed their employer in writing that they intend to go on strike in three days, and will not work until their demands are met. “The Georgia Fair Labor Platform expresses solidarity with the striking Social Service Agency staff and calls on the Ministry of Health to meet their demands and create decent working conditions in the agency. The decision to strike was taken by the staff members as a measure of last resort under the Labor Code of Georgia, following an extended mediation process that ultimately failed. The employees’ demands primarily center around a pay increase and reimbursement of travel expenses. They are also demanding full compensation for maternity leave, health insurance, maintenance of employment while on sick leave, and the signing of a collective bargaining agreement”. Read more… Source: socialjustice.org.ge

Tbilisi. UN Women Georgia publishes a blogpost: take action: 10 ways you can help end violence against women, even during a pandemic. “COVID-19 touched our lives in nearly every way, everywhere, as countries went into lockdown and restricted movement to contain the spread of the virus. As doors closed and isolation began, reports of all forms of violence against women and girls, particularly domestic violence, began to rise. Here are just ten ways you can make a difference, safely and impactfully”. Read more… Source: georgia.unwomen.org

Tbilisi. The United Nations Country Team in Georgia expresses its regret over the decision of Georgian authorities to abolish the State Inspector’s Service. “On 13 January 2022 the President has signed a new law abolishing the State Inspector’s Service and creating two separate institutions: Special Investigative Service and Personal Data Protection Service. We are particularly concerned about the expedited manner and lack of inclusive and transparent discussions about the abolition of one of the most credible, independent and authoritative institutions in Georgia that is mandated to investigate alleged human rights violations committed by law enforcement officials and is entrusted with the oversight of personal data protection. The lack of convincing justification for abolishing the State Inspector’s Service and the absence of compelling rationale for stripping the State Inspector of her six-year mandate sends a chilling message to independent institutions of human rights protection. We call on the authorities to request the opinion of relevant international institutions on the compliance of these decisions with the international standards”, is noted in the statement. Read more… Source: georgia.un.org

Tbilisi. International Association "Civitas Georgica" in cooperation with the non-governmental organization "Millennium" has launched a new project in Armenia and Georgia "Combating Migration Impact On Left-Over Children”. “The project aims combating migration impact on left behind children in Georgia and Armenia through upscaling the issue, raising public responsibility and supporting migrant families to ensure the harmonious development of children in an atmosphere of happiness and love”. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. On January 10-13, USAID GGI held the training on Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) for the staff of the Parliament Research Center (PRC) and Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO). 20 staffers attended the training to enhance their skills in assessing the positive and negative effects of proposed and existing regulations. Read more... Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. UN Women Georgia publishes the blogpost: Frequently asked questions: The signs of relationship abuse and how to help. “While domestic violence and abuse are sometimes hidden, if we know the signs of an abusive relationship, we may be able to recognize it better and seek or offer help”. Read more… Source: georgia.unwomen.org

Tbilisi. The Coalition calls on the President of Georgia to apply her constitutional authority, veto the legislative amendments to the Organic Law of Georgia on Common Courts adopted by the Parliament of Georgia on December 30, 2021, and return the Bill to the Parliament with a rationale for veto. Read more… Source: rights.ge

Tbilisi. In the new publication of IDFI you can find the stories of the victims of the Soviet repressions and the comics about them drawn by the pupils of the St. Matthias Apostle Gymnasium-Boarding School in Batumi. The children expressed their perspective on history through comics, which was incorporated in the book published by IDFI. Read more… Source: idfi.ge

Tbilisi. According to the information of the European Union 90 young people have been engaged in Innovation Knowledge Hubs, supported by the EU, and recently received acknowledgement for their activities. “Find out more about these platforms where young people will lead events, projects and campaigns related to social and green entrepreneurship and youth development”. Read more… Source: eu4georgia.eu

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. EWMI-Access publishes the video telling about scientific, innovative and engaging methods that ACCESS partners used to counter disinformation and fake news and educate society about these topics. The video was prepared by Movement. Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. Economic Policy Research Center has translated Luke Coffey’s very interesting proposal into Georgian, opening a necessary discussion on the possible ways to accelerate Georgia’s integration into the North Atlantic alliance:  “Here is a way to get Georgia into @NATO *right now*—even with the Russian occupation. It won’t be easy and my proposal is a little controversial (although it shouldn’t be). But if anyone has a better way then please share it” – Luke Coffey Tweeted on his official twitter page. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Shida Kartli. Taso Foundation is visiting target villages as part of the Women’s Economic Empowerment project. On January 12, the Foundation held an informational meeting in the village of Shindisi. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. USAID Georgia continues to help Georgian artisans earn higher revenues by selling their products on international markets. “In 2020, we helped 120 artisans register their businesses on ETSY, a U.S.-based e-commerce website. We also provided marketing support to help the highest-selling artisans promote their products with international customers. During 2021, these artisans earned total revenues of $110,000, money that they can use to expand their businesses and hire employees”. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network

Tbilisi. Transparency International Georgia responds to the January 12 verdict of the Tbilisi City Court related to the criminal case of Mamuka Khazaradze, Badri Japaridze and Avtandil Tsereteli. "The court found that there were no signs of money laundering and reclassified the action as fraud. Today, Georgian society once again witnessed implementation of political justice. Despite the fact that leaders of “Lelo”, a political union, and a family member of the founder of a critical media channel “TV Pirveli” were not imprisoned, the court decision was politically motivated and caused serious reputational damage to them. In case the parties appeal the verdict, Transparency International Georgia will further continue to monitor the case in the courts of higher instance”, - is stated on the website of the organization on a social network. Read more… Source: The website of the organization on a social network

Adjara. In Adjara, USAID-Georgia is partnering with SAORSA, a non-profit organization headed by Lia Putkaradze. “With our support, SAORSA is helping women get involved in social entrepreneurship and participate in debates about local governance. The initiative focuses on the communities of Kobuleti, Khelvachauri, Keda, Shuakhevi, and Khulo. When women succeed, Georgia succeeds”. Read more… Source: The organization’s page on the social network