Peace essential for human rights, says Georgian FM at UN

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili on Tuesday highlighted that without peace, the protection and promotion of human rights were always at risk, emphasising that conflicts disproportionately affect women and girls through violence, forced displacement, and economic hardship.

In her address to the United Nations, Botchorishvili noted that thirty years ago the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action set the world on a transformative path towards equality, dignity and opportunity for women and girls.

“Today, as we mark the anniversary, we need to reflect not only on the progress that we have made, but also on the challenges that persist as we continue to push forward the agenda of empowerment, inclusion, and equality.

For Georgia advancing women’s rights is not only a moral imperative but a cornerstone of our democratic development. Last year, we submitted our National-level Review of Beijing+30, reaffirming our strong commitment to the global review process.

Without peace, the protection and promotion of human rights are always at risk. Women and girls are disproportionately affected by conflict - through violence, displacement, and economic hardship.

Unfortunately, my country is not immune. Georgia continues to face serious security challenges, including the ongoing occupation of the Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions by the Russian Federation.

Women living there face violations of their rights, in the absence of international monitoring mechanisms.

Despite these challenges, Georgia remains firmly committed to implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda and ensuring the meaningful participation of women in decision-making processes at every level.

Economic development is critical, as it generates the resources, jobs, and services that are essential to the full realization of human rights.

In recent years, Georgia has achieved remarkable progress in economic development. For 10 consecutive years, Georgia has ranked among the top countries globally for doing business, attracting investment, and creating jobs.

At the same time, we have made real strides toward building a more equal and inclusive society through supporting women entrepreneurs and ensuring access to financial support mechanisms.

We firmly believe that empowered and educated women, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence, contribute not only to the well-being of families but also to the prosperity of future generations.

Equality cannot be achieved until every woman feels safe.
Violence against women and girls remains one of the most widespread and persistent human rights violations globally.

Georgia is actively addressing this issue through legislative reforms, institutional capacity-building, and close international cooperation. This includes ratifying the Istanbul Convention and implementing national action plans aimed at preventing violence and protecting victims.

Yet, a significant number of women remain silent about the violence they face. We must break that silence and speak up”, the Minister said.