On May 29 and May 30, the Council of Europe Project "Further Enhancement of Social and Economic Rights in Georgia" held online workshops for the staff of the Public Defender’s office in Georgia, Georgian Trade Unions Confederation, Georgian Employers association and respective civil society organisations on preparing alternative/shadow report under the reporting procedure of the European Social Charter. This year the European Committee of Social Rights requested an ad hoc report on the cost-of living to all State parties to the European Social Charter. Therefore, the workshop aimed to share the procedural aspects and the best practice of alternative/shadow reporting under the European Social Charter along with detailed analysis of the cost-of living peculiarities.

The European Social Charter is the Council of Europe treaty that guarantees social and economic rights. The reporting procedure is an essential tool for monitoring compliance with the Charter that the European Committee of Social Rights carries out.  

During the meeting, the Council of Europe national consultant discussed the reporting procedure under the treaty and underlined the novelties of the recently introduced reform.  The council of Europe International consultant analysed in detail the areas of interest related to cost-of living.

During the discussions, participants stressed the importance to organise activities that help different institutions to prepare effective and exhaustive alternative/shadow reports. Participants highlighted additional needs for capacity-building activities and identified areas for future collaboration.

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.