On International Children’s Day, the human rights organization ‘Partnership for Human Rights’ (PHR) says children’s rights in Georgia continue to face serious challenges despite legal guarantees and the country’s international commitments.
PHR says the state is obligated to protect children’s rights to life, health, development, education, security, social protection and dignity. However, the organization argues that these obligations are often not fully implemented in practice.
The group identifies the prevention of violence against children and responses to abuse cases as among the most pressing issues. PHR says child victims of violence often remain unnoticed by institutions responsible for their protection, citing a case in which authorities became aware of alleged sexual abuse only after a child ran away from home and sought help independently.
The organization also highlights child poverty, saying thousands of children continue to live in conditions that limit access to education, healthcare and social services. PHR says children living in regions, children from socially vulnerable families and children with disabilities are particularly affected.
PHR is also critical of the treatment of minors during protests, alleging that children were subjected to violence and detention instead of receiving special protection from the state.
The organization further expressed concern over plans to establish a rehabilitation and support facility for children aged 10 to 14 who are in conflict with the law. PHR argues that the initiative could allow restrictions on the liberty of children below the age of criminal responsibility and may conflict with international child rights standards.
The statement also focuses on children with disabilities, including those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. PHR says families have been demanding access to vital medical treatment for months and alleges that authorities have failed to respond adequately to their concerns.
The organization also cited a case in which a child with disabilities allegedly lost access to social assistance after the child’s mother’s bank accounts were frozen, arguing that the decision threatened the child’s basic wellbeing.
PHR says these issues are part of broader challenges facing children in Georgia, including limited access to mental health services, increasing online violence, insufficient disability-adapted services and shortcomings in the child-friendly justice system.
“June 1 is a reminder of the obligations that the state must fulfill throughout the year. As long as every day is a struggle for survival for children in Georgia, this day cannot be a celebration,” the organization said.
June 1 marks International Children’s Day. Georgia joined the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1994, undertaking to protect the rights of all persons under the age of 18.
