The project “Strengthening participatory democracy and human rights at local level in Georgia” (2020-2023) aims to strengthen human rights protection and democratic public participation at local level in Georgia by strengthening institutional frameworks and by supporting local authorities and their national association in their efforts to protect and promote human rights, with a particular focus on gender equality and the elimination of discrimination.

The project is implemented by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities together with the Directorate General of Democracy within the Council of Europe Action Plan for Georgia 2020-2023, in close co-operation with the National Association of Local Authorities of Georgia (NALAG) and the Public Defender of Georgia, and in line with the principles enshrined in the European Charter of Local Self-Government (ETS No. 122) and its Additional Protocol on the right to participate in the affairs of a local authority (CETS No. 207).

• 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]
• Civil society and local authorities develop and pilot an improved regulatory framework for civil participation. [Implemented by the Directorate General of Democracy]

The project implementation method is based on supporting local ownership of outputs while channelling best European practice and promoting peer-to-peer learning among local actors as well as between peers from other Council of Europe member states and Georgia. To that end, activities aim at developing the institutional capacity of local authorities and NALAG to carry out their responsibilities, strengthening the protection of human rights at local level, promoting effective, balanced and inclusive civil participation in local decision-making, and supporting central authorities in the development of legislation and policies in line with European norms and standards.

• 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 adopt and review 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.
• Public officials and civil society increase their capacities and awareness of participatory decision-making, and pilot city councils develop regulatory frameworks and practices to enable an increased public influence on policy and decision-making.

Partners:

• National Association of Local Authorities of Georgia
• Public Defender of Georgia
• Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia

Beneficiaries:

• Local authorities
• Civil society actors
• Under-represented groups of population, including women, youth and vulnerable groups (i.e. minorities, IDPs, etc.)

These target groups will be approached through awareness-raising campaigns, cascade trainings, expert support, peer-to-peer exchanges, as well as support to local initiatives and partnerships.