US State Department report highlights citizens advocacy for Georgia’s EU membership

In its 2023 Human Rights Report, the US State Department underscored the unwavering support among Georgians for their nation’s integration into the European Union, saying “during the year, Georgians advocated in favor of membership for the country in the EU”. 

Of particular concern in the report were protests against an anti-transparency bill, which resurfaced in the political arena this year. The bill, reintroduced by the ruling Georgian Dream party, was criticized for its potential threat to Georgia’s aspirations for EU membership.

The report delineated human rights challenges faced by Georgia, including reports of torture, arbitrary detention, and judicial independence issues. It highlighted concerns over politically motivated investigations and prosecutions, as well as infringements on privacy rights and media freedom. Moreover, significant constraints on the rights to assembly and association, coupled with “serious government corruption”, remain pressing issues.

The State Department acknowledged some efforts by the Georgian government to investigate human rights abuses, yet impunity persisted as a major obstacle.

Regarding the Russia-occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia), the report underscored the absence of central government control, with de facto authorities backed by Russian forces. In these regions, credible reports revealed grave human rights violations, including unlawful killings, arbitrary detention, and restrictions on freedom of movement for ethnic Georgians. 

The report stressed ethnic Georgians faced barriers to property ownership, business registration, and education in their native language, with impunity prevailing for abuses committed by Russian and de facto authorities.