EU ambassador: Georgia has made a lot of progress for human rights, but a lot of challenges remain

EU Ambassador to Georgia Carl Hartzell says that a lot of progress has been made in Georgia, but a lot of challenges remain and a lot of work is still needed to build a solid human rights culture. 

The EU, together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in close partnership with the Public Defender of Georgia and other partners, have marked Human Rights Week.  

“The principle of equality is absolutely fundamental and guides all our work here in Georgia and globally. It is about everyone’s right to be treated equally, and about everyone’s responsibility to stand up and safeguard these rights. It is about the right of minorities, whether ethnic, religious, or sexual, to be protected by the majority. It is about giving equal opportunities to persons with disabilities. And it is about equal rights between men and women,” Hartzell stated. 

UNDP Head in Georgia Nick Beresford said that Georgia has come a long way in enacting the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 

“That journey needs to continue towards an equal, just and fair society – especially for minorities and marginalized communities. We urge Georgian state, political and civic leaders to give high priority to fighting discrimination, ensuring legal response to human rights violations and protecting the rights of all citizens with no exception,” he said.  

Vladimir Shkolnikov, Resident Coordinator a.i. United Nations in Georgia, Senior Advisor for the South Caucasus Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) stated that the ‘adoption of significant legislative and policy documents in Georgia is a very welcome development, but there is still a need to practically protect the principle of equality, respect tolerance and diversity and thereby defend and strengthen this pillar of human rights in Georgia.’