Today the Public Defender Office presented the Special Report on Combating and Preventing Discrimination and the Situation of Equality, assessing developments since 2014.

Speaking at the presentation of the report, Ambassador of the European Union, Janos Herman, noted:

The EU welcomes this report, following the landmark 2014 anti-discrimination legislation, adopted in Georgia.  Its findings and recommendations should guide further our common work.

"While recognizing substantial progress, we note the shortcomings identified by the Public Defender. Vulnerable groups, notably persons with disabilities, women or representatives of minorities continue facing obstacles in getting equal treatment  in areas such as education or employment. A number of discriminatory practices,  well identified by the Public Defender and followed by his clear recommendations, have not been addressed. 

I'd like to recall the legal changes, pledged during the visa liberalisation process, which would make the anti-discrimination law more effective by including the private sector in its scope.  Unfortunately, these amendments have been pending since March 2015. They will be subject to our continued monitoring.

Finally, let me commend the work and the dedication of the Public Defender and his team in addressing discrimination. The EU will continue to support their efforts."

Human rights, democracy and rule of law are key priorities for the EU worldwide.  In Georgia, the EU has been supporting the Public Defender’s Office to protect the rights of all Georgian citizens, including vulnerable groups.  Through EU assistance, the PDO has set up its structures and policies, improve its analytical and monitoring capacities, widen its outreach in the region, and raise awareness.

This assistance forms part of the EU's 'Human Rights for All' programme. With over EUR 10 Million (over GEL 2.5 million) this programme is helps to implement the National Human Rights Action Plan, focusing particularly on areas such as rights of minorities and vulnerable groups, protection of privacy, labour rights and children’s rights.

For any further information, please contact:  Tamriko Mikadze, Press and Information Officer, Delegation of the European Union to Georgia, Tamriko.Mikadze@eeas.europa.eu