Congress urges Georgia to recommit to democracy

The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe has reiterated its call on the Georgian authorities to reverse the recently adopted anti-human rights legislation and to refrain from taking any action that would further threaten political pluralism, infringe on human rights or undermine the foundations of democracy, all of which would also be detrimental to local self-government in Georgia.

The Congress recalled that the national authorities of Georgia must fulfil the obligations and commitments they renewed in the Reykjavik Declaration in May 2023, and that they can be held accountable by the Council of Europe's statutory bodies if they fail to do so.

In a Declaration adopted following an urgent debate on the situation in Georgia during its 47^th session, presented by Congress Vice-President Xavier Cadoret (France, L, SOC/G/PD), the Congress expressed deep concern over clear signs of democratic backsliding and the weakening of human rights in Georgia, marked by increased polarisation of society and the enactment of legislation that runs counter to Council of Europe standards.

The Declaration reiterated the need for effective protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including non-discrimination and freedom of assembly; local authorities must not be put in a position when they are required by law to violate human rights and fundamental freedoms or to implement anti-democratic policies to the detriment of inclusivity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence within their communities. The Congress also underlined its commitment to pursuing constructive political dialogue with the Georgian authorities, notably in the framework of a high-level visit to Georgia, and its continued support to the efforts of Georgian authorities at all levels of government, in collaboration with civil society, to safeguard human rights, uphold the rule of law, and promote democracy.