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GYLA Applies to the Ministry of Interior Affairs of Georgia and the Ministry of the Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Accommodation and Refugees of Georgia

2011-07-22 13:17
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The Georgian Young Lawyers' Association has learned that on July 12, 2011, based on the application of the director of Park Place JSC, the police started evition of IDPs from the building located at 80 Chavchavadze Ave (former Hotel Vake) in Tbilisi. It should be noted that the building has the status of a compact settlement place and internally displace persons registered in the building have been living there since 1991.

Under the Interior Minister's N747 ordinance dated May 24, 2007, upon submission of an IDP card (certifying lawful ownership), the police has to stop procedures for eviction of IDPs from places of compact settlement. With GYLA's assistance, IDPs applied to the Ministry of Interior Affairs; however, we are still unaware of measures undertaken in response to the application. 

Furthermore, it should be considered that at the same time, under the Standard Operational Procedures (SOP) for Vacating Buildings/Relocating IDPs for the Purpose of Providing IDPs with Durable Housing Solutions, the Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Accommodation and Refugees of Georgia (MRA) delivered individual notices to IDPs that listed July 25 as an estimated eviction date. 

In light of the fact that IDPs have not concluded written agreements with the Park Place JSC and the ongoing dispute has not been taken to court yet, GYLA believes that the police is not authorized for the eviction.

It should be noted that in similar cases, the law of Georgia on Internally Displaced Persons categorically prohibits eviction of IDPs before restoration of jurisdiction on the corresponding territory of Georgia. Furthermore, under the law, disputes that involve issues related to housing should be settled by court. 

Therefore, GYLA calls on the Interior Ministry to act in compliance with the applicable law and stop procedures for eviction of IDPs from the building located at 80 Chavchavadze Ave. GYLA also calls on the MRA to protect interests of IDPs and refrain from authorizing their eviction before the willing consent is reached between the Park Place JSC and IDPs.