On International Human Rights Day, Estonian civil society organizations stand in solidarity with the Georgian people and peaceful protesters as they face escalating human rights violations. With no credible state institutions left to address these violations, the international community has a moral obligation to act.
Following the 2024 parliamentary elections, widespread protests have highlighted systemic abuses, including state violence and suppression of fundamental freedoms. Reports from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Georgian Public Defender, and the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association, a respected human rights organization active since 1994, confirm excessive force, arbitrary detentions, and targeted violence against protesters and journalists. These actions not only violate international standards but also threaten the future of Georgia’s democracy and its youth, who have been at the forefront of the protests.
Estonia has long supported Georgia’s aspirations for EU integration, fostering collaboration on human rights and democracy. Now, more than ever, we urge the Estonian government, the EU, and international organizations to condemn these abuses, increase monitoring, and support Georgian civil society in their fight for freedom, human rights and dignity.
On this International Human Rights Day, we call for united action to uphold the universal values of democracy, justice, and human rights in Georgia and beyond.
Jointly signed by:
Estonian Human Rights Centre
Estonian Chamber of People with Disabilities
Estonian Roundtable for Development Cooperation
Golden League NGO
Feministeerium
Estonian LGBT Association
Women’s Support and Information Centre NPO
Estonian National Youth Council
Open Estonia Foundation
Network of Estonian Nonprofit Organizations
For further information, please contact Kelly Grossthal from Estonian Human Rights Centre (kelly.grossthal@humanrights.ee)
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