10 December, Tbilisi – the European Union, together with the Public Defender of Georgia, the United Nations, the Council of Europe celebrated International Day of Human Rights marked across the globe each year. The event under the slogan “Youth Standing up for Human Rights”, included the awareness-raising activities to provide information on human rights and values to citizens of Tbilisi.

The event, held at Rustaveli Metro Station was opened by Nino Lomjaria, Public Defender of Georgia, followed by statements of Lela Akiashvili-Tsaizer, Advisor of Prime Minister on Human Rights, H.E. Carl Hartzell, Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia, Cristian Urse, Head of Office CoE, and Vladimir Shkolnikov, Senior Human Rights Adviser for UN OHCHR South Caucasus.

On this occasion of international Human Rights Day, Carl Harztell, the Ambassador of the European Union stated: “Human Rights are at the core of EU values and of the EU-Georgia relationship. Georgia has taken important steps in the past year when it comes to human rights, for example by adopting an ambitious Child Rights Code and by establishing the State Inspector Service. The work will continue and together with our partners we will continue to spread knowledge and strive for respect of the rights of all individuals, not least of our youth, which are specifically highlighted in this year’s celebrations.” 

Nino Lomjaria, Public Defender of Georgia, remarked, “I fully share the aspirations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to create the world where people have the freedom of speech and faith, and where they live without fear and need. Similar to previous years, I would like to remind the Government and society alike the importance of protection of human rights. The way human rights are upheld in the country determine the well-being of people. People and their dignity should be the driving force for all governments. Decision-makers, within the framework of their mandate, should be bound to the rights and fundamental freedoms of human beings.

Davit Bibileishvili, participant of the EU initiative “Young European Ambassadors” also spoke of the initiatives young people are implementing in support to fundamental rights and freedoms of the population of Georgia. “This day is especially important for people who represent different vulnerable groups. As a civic activist, as a defender of young people with disabilities, I often face many barriers, in my life as well as in lives of other persons with disabilities. Self-advocacy and protection of rights of others has helped me to gain faith, courage and energy to become a civic activist. Lack of vision has not kept me away from being active citizen. On the contrary, I am more motivated to tell myself that I can also do the same, be just as active. I am trying to say this to others as well and foster their sense of independence. Therefore, this day is especially important to me.”

Representatives of the EU and the Government of Georgia once again confirmed their support to the activities of young people, as actors for social change. 
 
About Human Rights Day
Each year, Human Rights Day is celebrated on 10 December to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the UN General Assembly in 1948, guaranteeing fundamental rights and freedoms for all. Motivated by the experiences of the preceding world wars, Universal Declaration of Human Rights was the first time that countries agreed on a comprehensive statement of inalienable human rights. This year, Human Rights Day is celebrated under the motto “Youth Standing Up for Human Rights”. Following activities were implemented by partners during Human Rights Week:

• On Tuesday, 3 December, on the Day of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, UNDP hosted “See, Hear, Take a Step, Conference.”
• On Saturday, 7 December, EU for Gender Equality organised a Run Against Sexual Harassment at Lisi Lake.
• On 7 December, EU, in Partnership with Tbilisi International Film Festival awarded Human Rights in Film Award to Uta Beria’s movie “Negative Numbers” at a closing ceremony of the Festival.
• Human Rights House Tbilisi celebrated International Human Rights Defenders Day on Monday, 9 December.
• On 10 December the UN OHCHR organized a training for young people to produce new human rights-related content for the Georgian Wikipedia.
• Council of Europe implemented number of activities on 10 December within the framework of “I Choose Equality” campaign: organized a moot court competition with Ilia State University, “We Were Born Equal and Different” with Batumi State University, and award ceremony for the media competition “Our Diversity Our Wealth” together with State Ministry of Reconciliation and Civil Equality.
• Human Rights Fest: #KnowYourRights was organized by the EU with participation of its partners in Tbilisi Mall on 10 December to raise public awareness on human rights and values. The event was concluded by the Flash-Mob of Georgian dancers.

 
The European Union and Human Rights
The European Union is founded on the principles of liberty, democracy and respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law. It is committed to ensuring both the fundamental human rights for EU citizens, as well as promoting those rights worldwide.

In Georgia, the EU works closely with the government, state bodies, NGOs and C02S 1aOs in raising awareness on and promoting human rights.

For further information please contact:

• Tamriko Mikadze, Delegation of the European Union to Georgia, +995 32 2943763, tamriko.mikadze@eeas.europa.eu
• Tamar Shavdia, Communication Support to EU Delegation, +995 577 991 991; tata.shavdia@landell-mills.com
• Tamar Kvaratskhelia, Communication Support to EU Delegation, +995 592 887 886; tamar.kvaratskhelia@landell-mills.com
• Ana Tamazashvili, Public Defender’s Office, +995 595 033 232, atamazashvili@ombudsman.ge