The Project “Strengthening Protection of Social and Economic Rights in Georgia” organised a workshop on Preparing alternative reports within the reporting procedure of the European Social Charter. Along with the Council of Europe project representatives, the workshop was opened by the First Deputy Public Defender of Georgia, Ms. Tamar Gvaramadze, who reiterated the importance of such training activities and thanked the Council of Europe for its continued support. The event was attended by 20 representatives from the Public Defender’s Office in Georgia.

Dr. Monika Smusz Kulesza, Council of Europe international consultant, made an overview of the reporting procedure under the European Social Charter and presented the conclusions of the European Committee of Social Rights relating to Georgia. Besides, she presented the manual on the preparation of national reports on accepted provisions of the European Social Charter. 

Ms. Anette Ilves, representative of the Latvian Ombudsman, shared experience concerning the preparation of alternative reports to the European Committee of Social Rights. She shared lessons learned, tips and recommendations on how to design quality alternative reports based on best practices.

Participants were especially engaged in the discussion with Ms. Tatiana Puiu, member of the European Committee of Social Rights. She explained the Committee’s perspective relating to the reporting procedure and stressed the importance of the targeted questions for States Parties to the Charter. She also stressed the importance for the Committee of the shadow reports in adopting conclusions on the implementation of the European Social Charter. 

During the practical exercises, participants discussed national and alternative reports of different countries. For instance, they reviewed the 15th national report submitted by Georgia under the European Social Charter and identified issues that should be covered by the alternative report. 

During the discussions, participants stressed the need to organise such activities and the importance of practical implementation of the knowledge gained as a result of the workshops. 

• Factsheet Georgia and the European Social Charter