Despite major security challenges, Georgia has emerged as regional leader through recent reforms, says Deputy Foreign Minister

Despite significant security challenges, Georgia has emerged as a regional leader in several key areas as a result of reforms implemented in recent years, Khatuna Totladze, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, on Monday said in Geneva during discussions on Georgia’s national human rights report within the framework of the UN Universal Periodic Review.

“Through these reforms, we have managed to strengthen the rule of law and establish high standards of human rights protection”, Totladze noted.

She highlighted that according to the 2025 World Justice Project Rule of Law Index, Georgia ranked 52nd among 143 countries worldwide based on its overall score.

The Deputy Minister further addressed the country’s economic development and reforms in this direction, noting that over the past five years Georgia’s average economic growth rate has stood at approximately 9.3 percent - the highest in Europe.

Totladze emphasised that this economic success was the result of implemented economic reforms, as well as the lowest level of corruption in the region.

“One of our main goals, alongside economic growth, is poverty reduction. In 2024, the poverty rate stood at 9.4 percent, and by 2028 we aim to reduce it to below four percent”, she said.

The Deputy Minister further noted that Georgia ranked first in international ratings in terms of budget transparency, “which makes a significant contribution to maintaining sound fiscal policy”.

“During the reporting period, the Georgian Government continued fruitful cooperation with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Office of the High Commissioner, as well as with UN treaty bodies and the Human Rights Council, including through active participation in Council sessions and the support and co-sponsorship of human rights and humanitarian resolutions. Georgia regularly submits national reports to UN treaty bodies and pays particular attention to the implementation of recommendations received within the UPR and other human rights mechanisms, which are integrated into the government’s human rights action plans to ensure effective implementation”, she continued.

Totladze added that based on Georgia’s standing open invitation to all UN special procedures, the country continued to host visits by mandate holders.

“Alongside our commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights, Georgia has twice served as a member of the Human Rights Council and remains actively engaged in its work even after the completion of its mandate”, she said.

The Deputy Minister further spoke about steps taken to protect and promote human rights.

“I would like to take this opportunity to briefly outline the steps Georgia has taken to protect and promote human rights during the reporting period. Human rights protection measures are reflected in national policy documents, including the National Human Rights Strategy for 2022-2030 and the corresponding Action Plan for 2024-2026. This strategy provides a unified framework for strengthening human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country”, she said.

The Deputy Minister emphasised that one of the Georgian Government’s key priorities was the protection of vulnerable groups. In this regard, a number of measures have been implemented to eliminate violence against women and domestic violence, including the provision of free legal aid for indigent victims, support services such as shelters and crisis centers, as well as psychological and social assistance.

Another important priority, Totladze noted, was the protection of children’s rights. Steps have been taken to protect children from sexual violence, ensure psychological rehabilitation, and promote the social integration of children living and working on the streets. The deinstitutionalisation process of large-scale childcare institutions has also been completed.

“Another priority area is the protection of the rights and independence of persons with disabilities. In this regard, the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which entered into force in 2021, is of particular importance. The law was developed with the active participation of relevant organisations, activists, and persons with disabilities themselves. In addition, in 2021 the Georgian Parliament ratified the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Furthermore, the Georgian Government continues to implement targeted measures aimed at the economic and social empowerment of women”, she concluded.