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Country visit
Georgia: Commissioner O’Flaherty calls for law enforcement accountability, repeal of restrictive ‘foreign influence’ laws and sustained support for the human rights of internally displaced persons
Following his visit to Georgia from 14 to 15 April 2026, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, issued the following end-of-visit statement, which should be considered in conjunction with his previous interventions: The Commissioner’s visit to Georgia focused on...
Statement
Georgian Parliament should reject amendments stifling civil society
“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...
Letter
Commissioner calls for effective investigations into alleged police violence during 2024 protests in Georgia
In a letter published today, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, expressed concerns to Georgia’s Prosecutor General about the lack of tangible progress in investigations into alleged disproportionate use of force by law enforcement against protesters and...
Third party intervention
Commissioner O’Flaherty intervenes in ECtHR case on Georgia’s ‘Foreign influence’ law
Commissioner O’Flaherty published today his written observations in the case of Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association and Others v. Georgia, currently pending before the European Court of Human Rights. The case, lodged by 120 civil society organisations, 16 media outlets and four individuals,...
Statement
Commissioner is concerned about intrusive inquiries into NGOs that are at odds with Georgia’s human rights commitments
“I am following with concern recent developments in Georgia, which represent a significant escalation in the pressure being applied to civil society” said Michael O’Flaherty, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights. Two weeks ago, at least eight non-governmental organisations (NGOs)...
Rule 9
Georgian authorities should implement the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights regarding ill-treatment by law enforcement and violations of the right to peaceful assembly
In two communications to the Committee of Ministers in the context of the supervision of the execution of judgments of the European Court of Human Rights published today, the Commissioner addressed two groups of cases against Georgia. The Tsintsabadze v Georgia group of cases concerns various...
Memorandum
Commissioner for Human Rights Calls for Stronger Protection of Human Rights in Georgia
The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, published today a memorandum on the human rights situation in Georgia, outlining his concerns and recommendations regarding the rights to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression, the protection of civil society, and...
Country visit
Georgia: Protect freedom of assembly and expression, ensure accountability for human rights violations and end stigmatisation of NGOs and LGBTI people
The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, visited Georgia from 21 to 23 January 2025. He expresses his gratitude to the Georgian authorities for their cooperation and for the open discussions. During the visit he engaged extensively with authorities and civil...
Statement
Georgian authorities must fulfil their obligation to uphold the right of peaceful assembly
"I am following with serious concern the reports of disproportionate use of force by the police against predominantly peaceful demonstrators and journalists covering the ongoing protests in Georgia. The authorities must uphold their human rights obligations to respect freedom of peaceful...
Letter
Georgian Parliament should not adopt anti-LGBTI law and should refrain from using stigmatising rhetoric
The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, published today a letter sent to the Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia in which he asks members of the Parliament to refrain from adopting the draft law “On protecting family values and minors” passed in second reading...
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1 On 16 March 2022, the Committee of Ministers adopted a decision by which the Russian Federation ceased to be a member of the Council of Europe, after 26 years of membership.