Francophonie Parliamentary Assembly declaration amendment adds protection of human rights in Georgia’s occupied territories

A Georgian Parliamentary delegation on Tuesday submitted amendments to a declaration adopted at the Francophonie Parliamentary Assembly of Europe in Athens to include protection of human rights in the country’s occupied territories and its territorial integrity.

The Georgian Parliament said the declaration, developed at the 35th edition of the forum, referred to “fundamental human rights, peace, stability and security” in the Black Sea region and expressed support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia while calling on Russia to “stop violating the fundamental rights of the citizens living in the occupied regions” of the country.

Held between Sunday to Tuesday, the event involved Maka Botchorishvili, the Chair of the European Integration Committee of the Georgian Parliament, David Songulashvili, the Chair of the Sector Economy and Economic Policy Committee of the legislative body and MP Anton Obolashvili.

The Assembly brings together 88 national and regional parliaments to discuss political questions and exchange views.

Georgia joined the APF in 2001 and hosted its conference in 2012. The country made an official application in 2021 to have its status upgraded from observer to associate member, which was approved at the Assembly's annual 48th plenary session held in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi.