The Georgian Forum of Exchange met with the newly elected Public Defender of Georgia for the first time to discuss future co-operation on the localisation of human rights. Awareness raising, exchange of good practices, and strengthened multilevel dialogue were identified as common priorities. After the meeting of the Forum, local authorities and the Public Defender’s regional offices participated in a workshop to develop local Codes of Ethics for antidiscrimination and inclusion.
“My priority is to strengthen the work of my Office for the promotion of human rights at local level through deeper co-operation with local authorities and their national association (NALAG)“, stated the Public Defender of Georgia, Levan Ioseliani. He addressed the third meeting of the Georgian Forum of Exchange on human rights, a unique platform gathering thirteen local authorities.
Local authorities met to discuss their achievements with regards to the ongoing local initiatives aimed at strengthening inclusion and protection of human rights at local level. The Forum focused on the ongoing dialogue and co-operation between local authorities, NALAG, the central government, and the Public Defender’s office. Next steps will be the implementation of NALAG’s strategy for human rights prepared by the new Committee on Localisation of Human Rights, established within the association at the request of the Forum members.
On the same date, local authorities and the Public Defender’s regional offices exchanged views on inclusive codes of ethics and conduct at local level. Participants exchanged on different aspects of public ethics and non-discrimination. Finally, local authorities updated their codes of ethics and conducts at local level.
The event brought together 65 participants among local elected representatives and municipal staff, representatives of the National Association of Local Authorities and of the Public Defender’s Office, as well as the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Human Rights.
This event was co-organised with the National Association of Local Authorities in the framework of the project “Strengthening Participatory Democracy and Human Rights at Local Level in Georgia”, implemented by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities and the Directorate General of Democracy and Human Dignity, Division of Elections and Participatory Democracy, within the Council of Europe Action Plan for Georgia 2020-2023 with the financial contribution of the Austrian Development Cooperation.
