Justice Minister vocalizes human rights strategy

Georgia’s strategy for protection of human rights has been discussed by Georgia’s Justice Minister and the European Union’s Special Adviser, who recommended a course of action.

Justice Minister Tea Tsulukiani said Thomas Hammarberg’s recommendations were "highly important” for the Georgian Government, especially now during the period before the country signed the Association Agreement.

"Georgian legislation should be improved in a way that it meets European standards,” Tsulukiani said following today’s meeting.

"And most importantly, human rights should be the top priority of the Government along with other priorities such as agriculture and healthcare,” the Minister stated.

A draft of the State strategy and action plan for protection of human rights for 2014-2020 was created earlier this year.

The seven-year document will highlight State priorities and strategies regarding the protection of human rights.

When the final version of the document is completed, it will be discussed and approved by Parliament.

The strategy will be laid out according to the recommendations of Thomas Hammarberg, who was appointed by the European Commission as the EU's Special Adviser for Legal and Constitutional Reform and Human Rights in Georgia. It will be designed to adhere to EU standards aimed to strengthen democratic institutions in Georgia.