In 2005, Georgia ratified 63 out of 98 paragraphs of the European Social Charter, showing commitment towards improving the well-being and living standards of its citizens. However, 35 key provisions, such as safe working conditions and fair renumeration are still awaiting ratification.

On 23-24 April, with an aim of bridging these gaps and enhancing social rights protection, the Council of Europe Project “Further Enhancement of Social and Economic Rights in Georgia” organised a series of meetings with respective national stakeholders, including the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Labour Health and Social Affairs, Ministry of Education, Science and Youth, Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, employers and employees, Public Defender’s Office and civil societies. The goal was to conduct a comprehensive analysis on specific articles of ESC and evaluate the country’s readiness for their ratification.

The meetings were highly productive, and participants expressed their hope for further collaboration to support the process of acceptance of non-accepted provisions of the European Social Charter.

As a result of these meetings Council of Europe experts will prepare the analysis of respective provisions of the European Social charter that hopefully will further enhance the discussion concerning the possibilities of their acceptance as a tool to enhance the protection of social rights.

The meetings were organised within the framework of the Council of Europe Project “Further Enhancement of Social and Economic Rights in Georgia.” The Project is part of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Georgia 2024-2027.