The comprehensive Needs Assessment Study was conducted in June-July 2015 in close co-operation with the Public Defender’s Office of Georgia (PDO) within the framework of the Council of Europe (CoE) project on “Improving the Operational Capacities of the PDO”.
The study aimed to determine the lacunas in the knowledge of the Public Defender’s staff and lawyers vis-à-vis dealing with issues such as the fight against intolerance, protection of vulnerable persons, protection of social rights and fight against ill-treatment. The assessment explores the current situation, observes problems, legislative and practical obstacles, and provides analyses of the needs of PDO staff in central and regional offices. The assessment also identifies main challenges and makes recommendations for the improvement in accordance with the conclusions and practice of the Committee for Prevention of Torture and the European Court’s case-law.
The assessment also explores the institutional role of the PDO in using amicus curiae and the work of regional offices. Followed by the recommendations contained in the assessment, a formal working group comprised of the deputy of Ombudsperson and heads of relevant thematic departments has been established in order to elaborate the internal written rules on how to identify, write and submit amicus curiae briefs before the Courts.
