HRC51: Statement of Lithuania on Georgia
6 October 2022, 51th Session of the UN Human Rights Council Item 10: General debate on Technical assistance and capacity building Statement of the Republic of Lithuania
Thank you, Mr. President,
Lithuania appreciates the work of the OHCHR in the field of technical assistance and capacity building aiming to strengthen the implementation of states human rights obligations and commitments.
In particular, Lithuania appreciates strong cooperation between the Government of Georgia and the OHCHR, and welcomes the Government’s efforts to further promote and protect human rights.
We welcome the progress towards adoption of the new National Human Rights Strategy for the period 2022-2030 as well as positive developments on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. We encourage Georgia to continue implement the recommendations outlined in the High Commissioner’s report, particularly regarding the independence of the judiciary, fight against corruption and combat gender-based discrimination and violence.
Lithuania remains deeply worried about the persisting human rights violations in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia, occupied by Russia. The OHCHR documented arbitrary deprivations of liberty and ill-treatment, restrictions on freedom of movement, on the rights to education and property, as well as other rights.
We are deeply concerned that the Office and other international and regional human rights mechanisms continue to face denial of access to Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia. We repeatedly call on the authorities exercising control of both regions to grant unimpeded access to all relevant human rights monitoring mechanisms to these regions, and to ensure investigation of all allegations of human rights violations with full accountability and in compliance with the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights.
Lithuania reiterates its unwavering support for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders.
I thank you.
