Tbilisi, Georgia – The 2023 Equality Report by the Public Defender has cleared the police of any wrongdoing in failing to protect the Tbilisi Pride Festival from a violent mob on July 8, 2023. The report acknowledges the rapid growth in the number of far-right supporters at the festival site and the challenges faced by law enforcement. It emphasizes the difficulty in managing the protection of the LGBT+ community solely through police forces and calls for collaborative efforts from various agencies and the public.
The report highlights the events of July 8, when ultra-conservative groups gathered on Vazha Pshavela Avenue, threatening to block the festival site kilometers away. Despite police mobilization at Lisi Lake, the police presence was deemed inadequate by festival organizers and human rights organizations. The Public Defender’s report also references a letter from the Ministry of Internal Affairs explaining the limitations of using force against the mob due to potential risks to participants in the counter-rally.
In a broader context, the report addresses ongoing challenges faced by the LGBT+ community in Georgia, including violence, discrimination, and harassment stemming from societal prejudices and hate crimes. It criticizes the lack of significant progress in government policies to improve the rights of LGBT+ individuals, notably pointing out their exclusion from the National Human Rights Strategy 2024-2026.
Expanding on the theme of equality and discrimination, the report delves into various vulnerable groups’ challenges, such as women, persons with disabilities, religious and ethnic minorities. It outlines instances of sexual harassment against women, access barriers for people with disabilities, and discriminatory practices in labor relations and service provision.
The report also sheds light on systemic obstacles faced by teachers in non-Georgian schools, issues related to investigating hate crimes, and the prevalence of discrimination based on various grounds documented by the Public Defender. It stresses the entrenched stigma and stereotypes against vulnerable groups in society, calling for collective responsibility to combat discrimination and promote equality.
Overall, the Public Defender’s report serves as a comprehensive assessment of the state of equality and discrimination in Georgia, urging stakeholders to address the persistent challenges faced by marginalized communities and uphold human rights protections. Through detailed analysis and recommendations, the report aims to drive meaningful change and foster a more inclusive and equitable society.