On 1 December 2023 the Council of Europe Office in Georgia held a Project closing event for the wide-ranging Project “Strengthening protection of social and economic rights in Georgia.” 

The event was opened by Cristophe Poirel, Human Rights Director, Directorate General Human Rights and Rule of Law (DGI), Council of Europe; Beka Peradze, Chief Labour Inspector, LEPL Labour Inspection Office, Levan Ioseliani, Public Defender of Georgia, and Natalia Voutova, Head of Council of Europe Office in Georgia. Tamila Barkalaia, Deputy Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs joined the discussions on social protection system in Georgia.

The Project aimed at reinforcing the respect for social rights in Georgia in line with the provisions of the European Social Charter. In this regard, the Project assessed the existing key issues in the area of social rights in the country, defined and agreed with the authorities on the scope for further co-operation in addressing the main challenges related to social rights.

Among others, the following topics were discussed during the event:

• achievements, challenges and aspirations embedded in the ongoing initiatives
• joint efforts made to align Georgia’s social rights landscape with the European Social Charter
• Elevating Social Protection in Georgia: Addressing current realities and aspirations for future
• Advancing workplace fairness: Strengthening the Labour Inspection institution in Georgia
• Social Rights Protection in Georgia

This closing event served as a platform for engagement in informed discussions, where insights were shared in order to work together towards advancing the protection of social and economic rights in Georgia.

The event was attended by different representatives of the Government, international and local organisations working on the promotion and the protection of social and economic rights.

During the implementation period, the Project contributed to further alignment of Georgian legislation and practices in line with European Social Charter by conducting two assessments, five expert reviews and offering recommendations to the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour, Health and Social Affairs of Georgia. A total of 42 events were held, engaging approximately 650 participants. Furthermore, 19 publications were translated, adapted or developed and disseminated, significantly contributing to increased awareness and knowledge of social and labour rights among target groups.

The further accomplishments of the Project in regard to the set goals and objectives are well illustrated in this insightful Digest of the Project – Strengthening Protection of Social and Economic Rights in Georgia.

Throughout the meeting the Project partners and beneficiaries repeatedly expressed gratitude to the representatives of the Council of Europe for the efforts and achievements of the Project. This Project was the first fully-fledged technical co-operation project in the area of social rights, implemented in Georgia by the Council of Europe.  The Project partners and beneficiaries highlighted their appreciation of the Project results and expressed hope for continued cooperation in the future.

The event was organised within the framework of the Council of Europe Project “Strengthening Protection of Social and Economic Rights in Georgia.” The Project is part of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Georgia 2020-2023.