Georgian NGO calls for int’l compensation fund for victims of Russia-Georgia 2008 war

The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association has urged the country’s authorities to advocate for an international compensation fund to secure justice and compensation for victims of the Russia-Georgia 2008 war. 

GYLA cited such a fund as “essential” to ensure financial reparations for those affected by the conflict, with the responsibility falling on Russia. 

The NGO’s call came on the heels of the European Court of Human Rights’ ruling on April 28, 2023, ordering Russia to pay 130 million euros to Georgia in relation to the war. 

Despite the legal victories, GYLA expressed concern over Russia’s lack of cooperation with international organizations and its exclusion from the Council of Europe. The organization alleged that Russia had refused to fulfill its obligations, including the payment of compensation, as mandated by ECHR. 

Having previously raised the issue of an international compensation fund in March 2022, GYLA now urged the Georgian government to employ “all available mechanisms” to elevate the legal concerns of citizens affected by the war onto the global stage. 

It stressed the proposed fund aims to accumulate material assets held by Russia outside its borders and allocate them to individuals, including Georgian citizens, whose rights and freedoms had been violated according to the European Convention on Human Rights.

The establishment of such a fund, GYLA argues, is “crucial” not only for enforcing decisions on individual complaints but also for holding the occupying force accountable for human rights violations.