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Joint Statement of Three Domestic Observer Organizations

On 7 January 2008 domestic observer organizations released a joint statement in which they emphasized the importance of post polling day procedures, such as consideration of election related appeals and final summarization of election results (including counting of votes cast through additional voter lists).  They called these procedures just as important in the election process as the pre-election period and polling day itself.  Accordingly, the four organizations called on the Central Election Commission (CEC) to administer these procedures transparently and in full compliance with the legal requirements.  Nevertheless, the developments after 7 January clearly showed that the CEC fell short in this regard: votes cast through additional lists were counted and summed up chaotically and with legal infringements, appeals were not considered thoroughly (the vast majority were turned town on the grounds of technical errors in the appeal forms), and in the end the final election results were announced without addressing the significant concerns and violations brought up throughout the election process.

2008-01-14 20:00 See more

Preliminary Statement of the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association with regard to final vote tally of 5 January 2008 Presidential elections

Today, on 13 January 2008 at 10 o’clock Central Election Commission officially summarized the results of 5 January 2008 extraordinary Presidential Elections. Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association was observing 5 January 2008 extraordinary presidential elections. On 3rd of January GYLA published preliminary report on pre-election campaign and referred to numerous violations being observed during pre-election period. GYLA carried out its observing mission in certain districts and polling stations of Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Batumi and Khelvachauri. As a result of monitoring process, approximately 230 complaints have been submitted before relevant Election Commissions and lodged with domestic Courts. On 7th of January GYLA assessed Election Day (5 January 2008) in Tbilisi, Kutaisi and Batumi as acceptable, however reference has been made to numerous serious shortcomings to be urgently addressed by relevant election and judicial authorities. It was indicated that timely and adequate responses from election and judicial authorities would be decisive factor for declaring the whole election process as democratic, fair and properly conducted.

2008-01-12 20:00 See more

GYLA Publishes Preliminary Report on Pre-Election Monitoring

THE GEORGIAN YOUNG LAWYERS’ ASSOCIATION 5 JANUARY 2008 SPECIAL PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS AND PLEBISCITE OBSERVATION MISSION  PRELIMINARY REPORT OF THE PRE-ELECTION MONITORING3 January 2008 The present report is an initial version of the pre-election monitoring results. A final version will be published following the 5th of January together with monitoring results of the election day and election funds EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThe 5 January 2008 out-of-turn presidential election was appointed and the pre-election period proceeded in very tight terms. Presidential election day was formally declared on 25 November but the pre-election period actually started earlier, 8 November, after former President Saakashvili made the statement. A significant part of the pre-election period took place during a state of emergency, against the background of virtual restriction of the media sources. TV Company Imedi, closed on 7 November, resumed its work only amid the pre-election period and again suspended broadcasting close to the end. In the meanwhile, the election law was amended twice (22 November and 7 December). These and other factors made an effective monitoring of the pre-election campaign more difficult. GYLA has been conducting the pre-election monitoring in Tbilisi and 7 regional centres (Telavi, Dusheti, Rustavi, Gori, Ozurgeti, Kutaisi and Batumi). The past period of the campaign showed a whole series of violations by political subjects, public officials and other persons, timely response to which should have become a precondition for fair and transparent pre-election period. Violations referred to in this report have constantly been notified by the GYLA representatives to both the Election Administration (by means of letters and complaints) and various State agencies and media sources.

2008-01-02 20:00 See more

Recommendations on the Work of the Central Election Commission from Georgian Non-governmental Organizations

The Central Election Commission (CEC) plays a crucial role in ensuring that the elections are conducted fairly and in building public confidence in them.  Therefore, the undersigned organizations recommend following:

2007-12-20 20:00 See more

Training “Freedom of Information – Public Control Tool for Journalists”

The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association by the assistance of the OSCE mission to Georgia arranged the cycle of trainings “Freedom of Information – Public Control Tool for Journalists”. The event was held within the Human Rights’ Week organized by GYLA. Two day long trainings 6-7, 8-9 and 10-11 were held in Gudauri. About 90 journalists, students from the Tbilisi State University -journalistic faculty and representatives from the “Caucasian Institute for Peace, Democracy and Development” from Kvemo Kartli and Samtskhe Javakheti regions were invited as participants. The cycle of trainings aimed capacity building of journalist that will facilitate them to acquire official documents from public agencies, to appeal unjust denials and to request reparation of  damage independently. Training agenda was mainly concentrated on:1. The purpose and significance of public control;2. International standards of freedom of expression and rights of journalists;3. Procedures of requesting public information;4. Types of secret information;5. Appeal mechanisms;6. Reparation of damage and relevant liability; The primary method of the training included practical activities and role plays. At the end of the training, participants were involved in different artistic activities and plays dedicated to various issues. On December 10-artictic activity was dedicated to celebration of Human Rights International Day.

2007-12-12 20:00 See more

Deprivation of the Property Right in Georgia

Within the Human Rights Week GYLA organized the round table: “Right to Property in Georgia”. Report prepared by GYLA which reviews international obligations undertaken by the state and submits critical analysis of the applicable legislation were submitted at the presentation. Specific cases of deprivation of property, on which GYLA lawyers are working, were discussed at the meeting. At the end of the presentation discussion was arranged.

2007-12-11 20:00 See more

GYLA Commenced Human Rights Week with Freedom of Assembly

From December 10 until December 20 The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association will arrange the Traditional Human Rights Week. Today, on December 10- International Human Rights Protection Day, Giorgi Chkheidze – GYLA chairman assessed November 7 events. Giorgi Chkheidze introduced to the journalists the statement entitled “A month after November 7- Right to Assembly - Fundamental Right?” Initiated from today, including December 20 GYLA will arrange various events in the frames of the Human Rights’ Week.

2007-12-09 20:00 See more

10 pre-conditions for fair and free elections in Georgia.

The  NGOs  which are planning to observe  the Presidential Elections  on  January  5th , 2008, publicize the following  10 pre-conditions  for  fair and free elections in Georgia. 10 pre-conditions for fair and free elections in Georgia.

2007-11-11 20:00 See more

GYLA addresses to diplomatic corps in Georgia

Taking into account current situation in the country, GYLA today has ent letter to the Ambassadors and Heads of the foreign and international missions in Georgia. To see the letter, please follow the link From GYLA - Honorable Ambassadors

2007-11-07 20:00 See more

The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association expresses reacts regarding concluding observations and recommendations of the UN Human Rights Committee and appeals the State to their prompt and effective implementation

The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association expresses its opinion on the concluding observations and recommendations of the UN Human Rights Committee (UN HRC) with regard to the State report submitted by the Georgian Government (http://www.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrc/docs/CCPR.C.GEO.CO.3.CRP.1.pdf). The UN Committee is dedicated to assess how effectively the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the UN Covenant on the Civil and Political Rights are ensured and protected by the state party. The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association upholds the positive assessments of the Committee with regard to achievements in the sphere. At the same time, GYLA as a human rights protection NGO supports the position of the Committee in identification of the problems and agrees that Georgian Government should carry out prompt and adequate measure inter alia thereon: Effective Mechanisms against Torture – adopt effective legislative and procedural safeguards in the process of extradition, deportation and transfer, in order that deported persons were not tortured or subject to inhuman or degrading treatment and punishment. Combating violence - to reinforce state agencies’ activities in combating domestic violence, including effective investigation and victims’ protection (establishment of shelters) Right to life, excessive use of force – the Committee expressly indicates on the necessity to carry out prompt and effective investigations concerning deaths caused by use of excessive force by the police during arrests, special operations or in penitentiary system. GYLA upholds the Committee’s opinion concerning necessity for timely investigation of the facts that took place in 2006 in penitentiary institution #5. Furthermore, the Committee stresses the importance of trainings for law enforcement agencies with regard to criminal nature of the excessive use of power. Human treatment – the committee is concerned by the increasing number of prisoners in the penitentiary system and considers necessary immediate resolution of the problem; Independent and Corruption free judiciary – the committee indicates on the acute problem of judicial independence and considers necessary institutional amendments as well as adequate and timely reactions on any charges. Freedom of expression – rights of journalists – the Committee indicates on the facts of violence against journalists and appeals the state to their timely investigation. The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association appeals the state to prompt and effective consideration of the concluding observations and recommendations of the UN Human Rights Committee and is ready to cooperate on the issues. 

2007-10-31 20:00 See more