UN expert visits Georgia to review state of internally displaced persons

The United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) is coming to Georgia today.

Chaloka Beyani will review the current situation facing IDPs in Georgia and will follow up on the recommendations made in his 2014 report to the UN Human Rights Council.

Starts today in #Georgia: UN rights expert follows up on the situation of internally displaced persons https://t.co/FXjtSIMvDJ

— UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) September 25, 2016

During my visit I will consider progress made with regard to the protection and assistance provided to IDPs and look at current challenges and opportunities for durable solutions in Georgia, particularly the integration of IDP needs into broader development plans and initiatives,” Beyani said.

I have continued to pay attention to the protracted situation of IDPs in Georgia and the current inability of IDPs to return voluntarily to their places of origin.”

He added some of those who did return to Georgia’s breakaway Abkhazia region continued to face difficulties in accessing their rights, including to documentation and freedom of movement.

The UN’s expert's visit will last until September 29.

At the end of his trip Beyani will present his findings in a statement.