Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili on Wednesday celebrated this week’s adoption of a resolution by the United Nations General Assembly concerning Internally Displaced Persons and Refugees from the Russian-occupied Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) regions as a “great success for Georgian diplomacy.” Darchiashvili’s remarks came in response to the decision of the 78th UN General Assembly, which on Tuesday endorsed the resolution reiterating the right of return for all displaced persons and refugees to these regions, with 103 countries voting in favor, nine against, and 52 abstaining.
Expressing gratitude, Darchiashvili thanked the supporting states, acknowledging their reiterated backing and aid to hundreds of thousands of internally displaced persons. He emphasized the continued importance of UN member states actively participating as co-authors of such resolutions, noting that this year, 64 countries joined as co-sponsors from various regions across the globe so as to address this critical issue.
Highlighting the significance of the resolution, Darchiashvili underscored that its adoption keeps Georgia’s issue at the forefront of the world’s highest international forum.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze also highlighted the increasing number of supporters for the UN resolution on IDPs from the Russian-occupied regions, stating, “The number of supporters of the UN resolution is increasing by the year. For this, we are especially grateful to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is constantly working to ensure that the resolution related to IDPs has wide support.” He noted the record-breaking 103 countries supporting the resolution this year, a substantial increase from the previous year.
The Ministry highlighted key points of the resolution, which condemns demographic changes forced upon the regions, affirms the right of IDPs regardless of ethnicity to return to their homes with dignity and safety, and emphasizes the need to respect and protect their property rights. Additionally, the resolution urges participants of the Geneva International Discussions to intensify efforts to improve security and human rights in the regions, facilitating the return of internally displaced persons and refugees to their homes. Furthermore, the resolution has practical implications, requiring the UN Secretary General to prepare an annual report on the situation of the displaced population in Georgia and the implementation of the resolution.
By Team GT
