This statement was delivered by Human Rights Watch at the 62nd regular session of the UN Human Rights Council during the adoption of Georgia Universal Periodic Review (UPR) outcome held on July 1, 2026.
Human Rights Watch welcomes the many recommendations addressing Georgia’s deepening human rights crisis, including those calling for the repeal of laws restricting civil society and independent media, protection of peaceful assembly, accountability for police violence, judicial independence, and a safe environment for journalists and human rights defenders.
These recommendations respond to a sharp deterioration in Georgia’s human rights record since 2024. In relation to civil society alone, and related rights of freedom of association and expression, Georgian authorities have adopted the Transparency of Foreign Influence Law, the Foreign Agents Registration Act, restrictive amendments to the Law on Grants, and other measures imposing stigmatizing labels, invasive state oversight, direct government control over foreign funding, and severe criminal penalties for non-compliance.
These measures have forced independent organizations to reduce or suspend activities, dismiss staff, refuse funding, self-censor, and halt essential services. Authorities have frozen the bank accounts of 12 civil society organizations under a sweeping criminal investigation into allegations of so called “sabotage”, and demanded extensive information, including sensitive personal data concerning beneficiaries and third parties.
At the same time, police have repeatedly used excessive force against largely peaceful protesters and journalists, while accountability remains absent. Peaceful protesters and government critics have faced arbitrary detention, criminal charges, heavy fines, unfair proceedings, and imprisonment. Authorities have also weakened media freedom and adopted discriminatory anti-LGBT legislation.
It is therefore deeply troubling that Georgia noted, rather than supported, many of the recommendations that address the core drivers of this crisis. Its written responses indicate that it does not consider repeal of the relevant laws appropriate and rejects concerns about restrictions on assembly, arbitrary detention, and excessive force.
Georgia should reconsider its position, repeal repressive legislation, end politically motivated investigations and asset freezes, release those unjustly imprisoned for exercising their rights, ensure independent investigations into police violence, and restore a safe and enabling environment for civil society and independent media.
Thank you.
