The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe has pushed the Georgian government to alter recent legislation threatening democratic principles and human rights. Below can be found the official statement made by the Congress.
The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe reiterated its call on the Georgian authorities to reverse recently adopted anti-human rights legislation and refrain from actions that threaten political pluralism, infringe on human rights, or undermine the foundations of democracy, all of which would be detrimental to local self-government in Georgia.
The Congress reminded the Georgian national authorities of their obligations and commitments renewed in the Reykjavik Declaration in May 2023 and emphasized that failure to fulfill them could result in accountability to the Council of Europe’s statutory bodies.
In a Declaration adopted after an urgent debate during its 47th session, presented by Congress Vice-President Xavier Cadoret (France, L, SOC/G/PD), the Congress expressed deep concern over clear signs of democratic backsliding and the weakening of human rights in Georgia, marked by increased polarization of society and the enactment of legislation counter to Council of Europe standards.
The Declaration reiterated the need for effective protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including non-discrimination and freedom of assembly. Local authorities should not be forced by law to violate human rights or implement anti-democratic policies that harm inclusivity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence within their communities. The Congress also reaffirmed its commitment to constructive political dialogue with Georgian authorities, particularly through a high-level visit to Georgia, and its continued support for efforts by Georgian authorities, at all levels of government, in collaboration with civil society, to safeguard human rights, uphold the rule of law, and promote democracy.
