CoE Sec Gen strongly condemns deteriorating security, humanitarian, human rights situation in Georgia’s Russian-occupied territories, killings of Georgian citizens

The 31st Consolidated Report of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe - the Conflict in Georgia - was reviewed on Wednesday at a meeting of the Committee of Ministers’ Deputies of the Council of Europe with the participation of the Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Lasha Darsalia.

The 31st Report of the Secretary General describes the grave security, human rights and humanitarian situation in Georgia’s Russian-occupied regions and along the occupation line. The report is issued twice a year and covers the period from October 2024 to March 2025.

The 31st Consolidated Report was presented by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset, who welcomed Georgia's policy of peaceful resolution of the conflict and firmly confirmed that the Council of Europe, within the framework of its mandate, would continue its work, including the practice of adopting consolidated reports.

Berset condemned the grave security, humanitarian and human rights situation in Georgia’s Russian-occupied regions, as well as the killings of Georgian citizens.

He expressed particular concern over the restrictions on access to the Russian-occupied territories by international humanitarian mechanisms, including Council of Europe institutions.

The Secretary General further expressed support for the Geneva International Discussions format and underscored the significance of the rulings delivered by the European Court of Human Rights.

Darsalia addressed the meeting participants, expressing gratitude to the Secretary General and the Committee of Ministers for adopting the consolidated report and for maintaining the issue of Georgia on the Council of Europe’s political agenda.

He provided an overview of the situation on the ground during the reporting period, highlighting violations by the Russian Federation of the 12 August 2008 ceasefire agreement and the intensification of its effective control over Georgian territory.

He also discussed the ongoing dynamics of the Geneva International Discussions. Darsalia emphasized the importance of the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights, which confirm both the occupation of Georgian regions by Russia and its effective control over them. In conclusion, he reiterated the Georgian Government’s firm commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

The Georgian Foreign Ministry welcomed the 31st Consolidated Report of the Secretary General and emphasizes the importance of keeping the issue on the political agenda of the Council of Europe.