The Council of Europe Office in Georgia has launched the new project “Promoting the Effective Protection of Equality and Non-Discrimination in Georgia” to strengthen the promotion and protection of the rights of vulnerable groups and minorities, in Georgia against discrimination, hate speech and hate crimes.

On 11 May 2022, together with its partners, the Public Defender’s Office, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Prosecutor’s Office, Supreme Court of Georgia, Office of Resource Officers of Educational Institutions and Special Investigation Service as well as NGOs, the Council of Europe launched the project and approved its annual work plan at the first Steering Committee meeting of the project.

At the meeting the stakeholders expressed their commitment to the project and expectations to continue the overall work with the Council of Europe and reflected on the challenges and needs that require further support. The project partners, including civil society representatives working on protection of rights of minorities and those in vulnerable situations, expressed their commitment to a successful implementation of the Project.

The project runs until 31 December 2023 and builds on the results of the Council of Europe co-operation project “Fight against Discrimination, Hate Crimes and Hate Speech in Georgia.” It will strive to build the system of specialised investigators in the Ministry of Internal Affairs on the hate or intolerance motivated crimes, to refine the collection of statistical data on crimes committed on discriminatory motive, engage with the businesses for better protection of equality in the private sector, assist community organizations through building their capacity, and increase the public awareness on importance to ensure equality and non-discrimination for prosperity of Georgia.

The Project is funded through the Council of Europe Action Plan for Georgia 2020-2023.