This meeting was organised by the All-Party Parliamentary Human Rights Group (PHRG) and Rule of Law APPG, in conjunction with the FCO. We would like to thank the Rt Hon Dominic Grieve QC MP for chairing this meeting.

Main issues raised:

• One of the main human rights problems is impunity of law enforcement officials, including police and prison officials. Impunity for such crimes fuels distrust between public law enforcement officials and the public.  The PDG and his office would therefore like to see the creation of an independent investigation mechanism.

• In terms of prosecutions, there are challenges in connection with the judiciary and the Prosecutor’s office. In addition, some useful measures in the new Criminal Procedure Code have yet to be implemented.  Some assistance with capacity building could be useful.

• There is an on-going problem with finding the necessary resources to address the needs of IDPs. There are approximately 160 000 IDPs (out of a population of 3.5 million) and two thirds are still waiting for proper housing. Further international assistance is requested to deal with this.

• ECHR judgments have been helpful in providing impetus for reform. Some important general measures in ECHR judgments are, however, still being considered.

• There are difficulties keeping track of violations occurring in the “Occupied Territories” – particularly since the withdrawal of the UN and OSCE monitoring mechanisms. The PDG would like international human rights monitoring in the OTs. 

The PHRG will continue monitoring developments in Georgia and hopes to continue engaging with the Public Defender.  It will also raise the concerns above with relevant interlocutors, including the FCO.