The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe has reiterated its call on the Georgian authorities to reverse the recently adopted anti-human rights legislation and to refrain from taking any action that would further threaten political pluralism, infringe on human rights or undermine the foundations of democracy, all of which would also be detrimental to local self-government in Georgia.

The Congress recalled that the national authorities of Georgia must fulfil the obligations and commitments they renewed in the Reykjavik Declaration in May 2023, and that they can be held accountable by the Council of Europe’s statutory bodies if they fail to do so.

In a Declaration adopted following an urgent debate on the situation in Georgia during its 47^th 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 polarisation of society and the enactment of legislation that runs 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 must not be put in a position when they are required by law to violate human rights and fundamental freedoms or to implement anti-democratic policies to the detriment of inclusivity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence within their communities. The Congress also underlined its commitment to pursuing constructive political dialogue with the Georgian authorities, notably in the framework of a high-level visit to Georgia, and its continued support to the efforts of Georgian authorities at all levels of government, in collaboration with civil society, to safeguard human rights, uphold the rule of law, and promote democracy. 

The situation in Georgia

1. The Congress expresses deep concern over clear signs of democratic backsliding and the weakening of human rights in Georgia, marked by increased polarisation of society and the enactment of legislation that runs counter to Council of Europe standards. These developments have been condemned by the Congress President in statements concerning the enactment of the law on transparency of foreign influence and  the anti-LGBTI legislative package  as well as by other Council of Europe bodies and the international community.
2. Furthermore, the Congress Monitoring Committee, in its statement of 2 July 2024, highlighted the risk of Georgia’s deviation from democratic norms and standards, exacerbated by attacks, intimidation and various forms of pressure exerted against persons expressing dissenting opinions.
3. As a result, there are increasing concerns regarding the Georgian authorities’ commitment to upholding European democratic principles and to moving towards a European future based on shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law at all levels of government.
4. In this context and bearing in mind the forthcoming parliamentary elections in Georgia on 26 October 2024 as well as the local elections scheduled for 2025, it is all the more important to create conditions that enable all citizens, without discrimination, to participate meaningfully in society and contribute fully, peacefully and equally to the political life of the country at all levels of government.
5. The Congress underlines that local authorities are the carriers of citizens’ voices on matters of both local and national importance and their right to exercise self-government without fear of persecution or retaliation must be guaranteed regardless of the political views of their leaders and representatives.
6. The Congress reiterates the need for effective protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including non-discrimination and freedom of assembly. Local authorities must not be put in a position when they are required by law to violate human rights and fundamental freedoms or to implement anti-democratic policies to the detriment of inclusivity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence within their communities.
7. In light of the foregoing, the Congress reiterates its call on the Georgian authorities to reverse the anti-human rights legislation referred to above and to refrain from taking any actions that would further polarise society, 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. Georgia should return to the path of democratic consolidation and recommit to democratic principles and respect for human rights.
8. The Congress underlines its commitment to pursuing constructive political dialogue with the Georgian authorities, notably in the framework of a high-level visit to Georgia, which the Congress intends to organise once a government is formed following the parliamentary elections.
9. The Congress will continue to support the critical efforts of Georgian authorities at all levels of government, in collaboration with civil society, to safeguard human rights, uphold the rule of law, and promote democracy at the level closest to the citizens.
10. The national authorities of Georgia must fulfil the obligations and commitments they renewed in the Reykjavik Declaration adopted during the 4th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Council of Europe and can be held accountable by the Council of Europe’s statutory bodies if they fail to respect these obligations.