The Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, continues his official visit to Georgia, holding high-level meetings with senior government officials alongside engagements with civil society and field visits near the occupation line.
During his visit, O’Flaherty met with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to discuss cooperation between Georgia and the Council of Europe, with particular focus on the implementation of the 2024–2026 Human Rights Action Plan.
The Government Administration announced that Kobakhidze reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Officials emphasized that media pluralism, freedom of speech, and freedom of expression are guaranteed under Georgia’s Constitution and legislation. The meeting also addressed humanitarian challenges in the occupied territories and ongoing peace initiatives aimed at confidence-building.
O’Flaherty also held talks with Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili, focusing on recent developments and measures taken to protect human rights. During the meeting, Bochorishvili briefed the Commissioner on what she described as the severe security, humanitarian, and human rights situation in the Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali.
The Minister stressed the importance of keeping the Russia–Georgia conflict high on the international agenda, including within the Council of Europe framework, and highlighted the role of the Secretary General’s consolidated reports in maintaining international attention on developments in the occupied regions.
As part of his visit, the Commissioner traveled to the village of Odzisi, located near the occupation line, and to an internally displaced persons (IDP) settlement in Tserovani. The visits, attended by Bochorishvili and Head of Government Administration Levan Zhorzholiani, were aimed at providing the Commissioner with a direct overview of the humanitarian situation on the ground, including the living conditions of displaced populations and communities affected by the conflict.
O’Flaherty, who announced ahead of the visit that he intended to engage with government, authorities, and civil society on key human rights concerns, is expected to conclude his trip with broader assessments of the situation in Georgia.
His visit comes amid ongoing international attention to human rights, democratic standards, and the broader political environment in the country. Observers note that the Commissioner’s findings and potential recommendations may play a significant role in shaping future dialogue between Georgia and Europe and institutions.
Related story: Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner holds meetings in Georgia
