Strengthening Participatory Democracy and Human Rights at Local Level in Georgia
The project Strengthening participatory democracy and human rights at local level in Georgia aims to strengthen democratic public participation and human rights protection at local level in Georgia. It seeks to ensure that both civil society organisations (CSOs) and citizens have a real impact on the decision-making processes and that effective mechanisms of co-operation between local authorities and CSOs are established and used. It also aims to strengthen the capacities of local authorities and the National Association of Local Authorities of Georgia (NALAG) to protect and embed human rights standards and practices in their policies and strategies, to incorporate a gender perspective, and to eliminate all forms of discrimination.
The project is implemented jointly by the Directorate General of Democracy and Human Dignity, Division of Elections and Participatory Democracy and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, under the framework of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Georgia 2020-2023 with the financial contribution of the Austrian Development Cooperation.
- Civil society and local authorities develop and pilot an improved regulatory framework for civil participation. [Implemented by the Directorate General of Democracy and Human Dignity]
- The capacities of local authorities and NALAG are strengthened to integrate and implement human rights standards and practices in their policies and strategies, and to advocate human rights in Georgia as full-fledged partners. [Implemented by the Congress]
- In selected municipalities, local authorities improve social inclusion and equal opportunities for all, incorporate a gender perspective in local political action, and eliminate discrimination. [Implemented by the Congress]
- Local authorities
- Civil society actors
- Under-represented groups of population, including women, youth and vulnerable groups (i.e., minorities, IDPs, and others)
The project runs from 15 December 2020 until 31 December 2023.
- City councils develop regulatory frameworks and practices to enable an increased public influence on policy and decision-making.
- Public officials, civil society representatives and citizens increase their capacities and awareness for participatory decision-making mechanisms to put them effectively in practice for joint political decision taking.
- Effective dialogue platforms are established for the development of strategies and action plans aimed at promoting inclusive and participatory regional and local development.
- Local authorities, citizens and NALAG strengthen their capacities to protect, promote and enjoy human rights, in partnership with the Public Defender of Georgia and based on existing Council of Europe training curricula and tools.
- NALAG creates a platform of municipalities to enhance the dialogue on human rights with national stakeholders and civil society organisations, and to advocate specific local needs and challenges in human rights.
- A selected group of municipalities adopts and reviews local action plans, policies and practices to increase gender equality, prevent and combat discrimination, and promote the inclusion of underrepresented groups for equal participation and representation in local decision-making.
- A pool of educators is established to carry out educational and awareness-raising activities on local democracy and human rights for young people to ensure continuous learning and sustainability, and improve youth policies.
The project budget is €1 800 000. It is implemented under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Georgia 2020-2023 with the financial contribution of the Austrian Development Cooperation.
The implementation of the project is based on supporting local ownership of the project outputs while channelling best European practice and promoting peer-to-peer learning among local actors as well as with peers from other Council of Europe member states. Activities aim at promoting effective, balanced and inclusive civil participation in local decision-making, developing the institutional capacities of local authorities and NALAG to carry out their responsibilities, strengthening the protection of human rights at local level, and contributing to the development of national legislation and policies in line with European norms and standards. Project activities that will be implemented in selected municipalities in the priority regions (Tbilisi, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Kvemo Kartli, Kakheti, Imereti, Guria, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti) include awareness raising campaigns, cascade trainings, expert support, peer-to-peer exchanges, as well as support to local initiatives and partnerships. The participation of women, youth and vulnerable groups is prioritised.
The project intervention is based on the best European practice and standards such as the European Charter of Local Self-Government and its Additional Protocol on the right to participate in the affairs of a local authority, the 12 Principles of Good Governance, the updated Code of Good Practices for Civil Participation, the Recommendation of the Committee of Ministers CM/Rec(2018)4 on the participation of citizens in local public life and the Guidelines on Civil participation in political decision-making. It provides practical support to address shortcomings of local democracy identified by various monitoring bodies of the Council of Europe, and Congress thematic and monitoring recommendations on the implementation of the European Charter of Local Self-Government.
Ever felt like the issues in your district, village, or city are beyond your control? In fact, ordinary citizens, like us, can actively contribute to bringing real change to their community.
This animated video will tell you about the ways you can make your voice heard through cooperation with local authorities, as defined by the Code of Local Self-Governance.
Play an active role in shaping the future of your neighbourhood! ✨
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