Representation of the United Nations in Georgia expresses deep concern over the re-introduction of the draft law "On transparency of foreign influence" to the parliament.

As stated in the statement issued by the organization, the adoption of the said bill will endanger the activities of civil society and the media and their most important contribution to the development of Georgia's democracy and society as a whole.

The organization calls on the Parliament of Georgia to initiate a draft law and conduct broad, inclusive and meaningful consultations with all interested parties on the relationship between the state and civil society.

"The United Nations Organization in Georgia recalls the statement of February 26, 2023, expressing deep concern over the re-introduction of the draft law "On Transparency of Foreign Influence" in the Parliament of Georgia. We believe that the adoption of the mentioned bill will endanger the activities of civil society and the media and their most important contribution to the development of Georgian democracy and society as a whole. In Georgia, civil society organizations provide substantial support to the most vulnerable groups in society and protect their rights. Stigmatization of civil society activities may leave people with disabilities, displaced persons, representatives of minorities, elderly, women, youth, children, victims of domestic violence and other people in need of support and assistance without proper assistance. For more than three decades, the United Nations has been a trusted partner of Georgia, supporting the country's development in line with national priorities and providing assistance to the Georgian people together with our local partners, including civil society and the media. We remind you of the analytical assessment of the OSCE/ODIHR Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, which was conducted at the request of the Public Defender of Georgia and in consultation with the UN Special Rapporteur on Peaceful Assembly and Reunification, and according to which the draft law does not comply with the spirit of Georgia's international obligations. Given Georgia's current membership in the UN Human Rights Council, we call on the Parliament of Georgia to initiate a draft law and conduct broad, inclusive and meaningful consultations with all stakeholders on the relationship between the state and civil society.

At the same time, the United Nations expresses concern that the Parliament of Georgia used an accelerated procedure to abolish mandatory electoral gender quotas. The introduction of a temporary electoral gender quota mechanism in Georgia was a long-standing recommendation of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women aimed at compensating for the systematic exclusion of women from the political decision-making process. Its cancellation is a step backwards in achieving gender equality. We call on the government of Georgia to make every effort to prevent actions that will hinder the fulfillment of Georgia's international obligations and endanger the democratic development of the country", the statement said.

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