Group of 34 Countries Raises Concerns at UN HRC over ‘Deteriorating’ Human Rights Situation in Georgia

A group of 34 countries has voiced concern at the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva over “further deteriorating human rights situation in Georgia,” citing restrictive legislation, pressure on protesters, journalists and civil society, and the imprisonment of opposition figures. The statement was delivered on September 8 by Lithuanian diplomat Ausra Semaskieme on behalf of the group during the general debate. Among the countries that joined the statement were Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, and Ukraine.

“We would like to draw the Council’s attention to further deteriorating human rights situation in Georgia, particularly in light of legislation adopted in recent years that imposes restrictions on freedoms of expression, assembly, and association, and does not align with international human rights law,” the statement said. “Since November 2024, peaceful protesters, journalists, media workers, civil society and political opponents have been facing threats, assaults, harassment, fines and the freezing of their bank accounts,” Lithuania said on behalf of the group. The statement further noted “with concern” that “many protesters and prominent opposition figures” had been convicted and sentenced, including “several in recent months. ” “All those arbitrarily detained must be immediately released,” the group said. The group expressed regret “that despite repeated appeals from the international community, impartial investigations into allegations of excessive use of force and…