Reconciliation Minister, UNICEF head in Georgia review security, humanitarian, human rights situation in Russian-occupied regions

The security, humanitarian and human rights situation in the Russian-occupied regions of Georgia was discussed on Wednesday in a meeting between Tea Akhvlediani, the Georgian State Minister for Reconciliation and Civil Equality, and  Jesper Moller, UNICEF's newly appointed Representative in Georgia.

Akhvlediani thanked Moller for UNICEF’s engagement in the process of implementation of the State Minister's Office’s policy in reconciliation, civil equality and integration, the Ministry said.

The meeting focused on the prohibition of education in the Georgian language in the Russian-occupied Gali and Akhalgori districts, which the Georgian official called a “gross violation of the fundamental rights of children”. 

Akhvlediani emphasised the need to continue efforts by international partners to ensure protection of fundamental rights of the population affected by the conflict.

The Georgian official also reviewed the process of implementing the policy of reconciliation and engagement for improving socio-economic conditions of the impacted communities under the “difficult” humanitarian and legal situation on the ground, as well deepening the dialogue “based on common interests” and the restoration of trust between artificially divided communities.

In his turn, Moller assessed the efforts of the Georgian Government “very positively” and pledged “full support” to the Ministry’s activities.