“I am concerned by the proposed amendments to seven different laws, which if adopted, would impose significant restrictions on civil society organisations. These proposals are inconsistent with Georgia’s obligations under international law to guarantee the right to freedom of association. I ask the Parliament to reject these amendments and call on the authorities to reaffirm their commitment to protecting civic space and fundamental freedoms,” said Michael O’Flaherty, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights.
Vague definitions and undue scrutiny
The amendments, announced on 28 January, seek to broaden the legal definition of a ‘grant’ in the Law on Grants to encompass any cash or in-kind transfer from one person to another person that may be used to carry out activities with the belief or intention of exerting any influence on the government, state institutions or any part of society.
“This definition is too broad and risks subjecting the ordinary and legitimate activities of civil society to undue state scrutiny, effectively undermining public advocacy and participation in democratic life,” noted the Commissioner.
Expansion of restrictions and criminal liability
Furthermore, the amendments extend a requirement, in force since April 2025, for prior government approval of foreign grants. This requirement would now apply to foreign entities based abroad involved in activities relating to Georgia and to local offices of foreign NGOs.
Non-compliance with the Law on Grants would incur a sentence of up to six years imprisonment. This will increase to 12 years in case of ‘money laundering for the purpose of carrying out political activity in Georgia’.
Variance from human rights standards
“These changes amplify a series of restrictive laws and regulations adopted since 2024 which have severely undermined civil society in Georgia. As I recently observed, these laws raise serious questions regarding their compatibility with the criteria of legality, legitimacy, necessity and proportionality, as well as with the principle of non-discrimination, enshrined in Article 11(2) and Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
A call for compliance
A vibrant civil society is a cornerstone of any democratic society. I call upon Georgian authorities to respect their obligations under the ECHR and other human rights instruments. They should guarantee the right to freedom of association and end all forms of harassment and intimidation directed at human rights defenders and civil society actors,” said Commissioner O’Flaherty.