Georgian FM highlights importance of peace as “fundamental precondition” for “protection, promotion” of human rights

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili on Tuesday delivered a speech at the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

In her address, Botchorishvili noted that women and girls were “continuously” affected by conflicts, experiencing violence, displacement, and economic hardship.

“Amid global turbulence, first and foremost, we have to underline the importance of peace as it is a fundamental precondition for the protection and promotion of human rights. Women and girls are continuously affected by conflicts, experiencing violence, displacement, and economic hardship. Striving for global peace and security is a critical and shared responsibility. Unfortunately, my country has not been spared from these security challenges”, the Georgian FM said.

“As legally attested by decisions of the European Court of Human Rights and the International Criminal Court, Russia continues to occupy the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali maintaining effective control on the ground, where, in the absence of international monitoring mechanisms, the situation remains worrisome. Women living in these two regions, as well as in areas adjacent to occupation lines, continue to suffer systematic and grave violations of their fundamental rights and freedoms. Here, let me stress that Georgia continues to prioritize implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda and the meaningful participation of women in relevant formats and has regularly adopted National Action Plans since 2012”, she noted.

Botchorishvili also reviewed the importance of economic development and, in this context, noted the progress Georgia had achieved over the past ten years.

“In recent years, Georgia has achieved remarkable economic development success. For 10 consecutive years, Georgia has been ranked as a top state for doing business, attracting substantial investments and job creation, and having a strong focus on workforce development and infrastructure. We have also made significant strides towards a more equal and inclusive society. Georgia’s commitment to the proper realization of women's and girls' rights is evident, among others, when it comes to support for women entrepreneurs, women’s continued access to financial support tools, and increasing awareness of state support programs”, the FM continued.

“We do believe that empowered and educated women, equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence, contribute to the well-being of families and to improved prospects for the next generation. Excellences, equality cannot be accomplished until every woman feels safe. Violence against women and girls remains one of the most prevalent issues globally.Georgia is actively addressing this challenge through legislative reforms, institution strengthening, and international cooperation, including ratifying the Istanbul Convention and implementing national action plans to combat violence and protect victims. But, a significant number of women (38.2 percent) remain silent about violence, and we need to be vocal about it”, she concluded.