Georgian FM reaffirms country's dedication to peace, rule of law, economic development as key drivers in ensuring protection of human rights

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili on Monday reaffirmed the country's dedication to peace, rule of law, and economic development as key drivers in ensuring the protection of human rights.

In her speech at the high-level segment discussion of the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Botchorishvili reiterated the Georgian Government's full readiness to continue close cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and actively engage with UN human rights mechanisms.

“Dear colleagues, I believe that our efforts towards peace, rule of law and economic development can more reliably ensure the protection of human rights. Let me give just one example: since 2012, as a result of the reform of the Georgian justice system, the number of applications filed against Georgia with the European Court of Human Rights has significantly decreased from 3,045 applications against Georgia in 2011 to 175 applications as of July 2024, it is a significant result and one of the lowest figures in the history of Georgia as a member state of the Council of Europe. In addition, over the past 10 years, Georgia has built a positive reputation for the implementation of court decisions. 86 out of 104 cases have been closed since 2013”, the Foreign Minister said.

She emphasised the country’s significant achievement in economic growth and progress in ensuring an inclusive economy over the past few years.

“We firmly believe that urgent social programs and services to protect vulnerable populations are crucial in fostering employment, reducing social exclusion, and ensuring economic inclusivity”, Botchorishvili noted.

The Foreign Minister further expressed Georgia’s support for the effective implementation of the Council's mandate and noted that the country played its role in promoting the rights of women and girls, children and persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons and conflict-affected persons, in accordance with its obligations to the Human Rights Council.

“Let me highlight the new initiative to explore the possibility of developing an Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child to strengthen the right to free education. Georgia expresses its support by co-sponsoring the resolution on the establishment of a relevant intergovernmental working group”, Botchorishvili continued.

“In conclusion, let me reaffirm my Government’s full readiness to continue close cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and active engagement with the United Nations human rights mechanisms”, she concluded.