On April 11, 2014, Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA) filed an application in the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) on behalf of 19 dwellers of Dvani Village against the Russian Federation. In September-October 2013, Russian and Ossetian “border guards” installed barbed wire for the purpose of marking the so-called border, pushing the boundary line 400-600 meters into the Georgian territory, leaving agricultural land plots of up to 50 families in Dvani on the territory controlled by the Ossetian authorities. If the process of installment of the barbed wire continues, houses of three households in Dvani will also be left on the other side of the so-called border. In its application filed in the ECHR, GYLA is arguing violation of the right to use property without interference, with respect to land plots and houses of Dvani dwellers.

 

At present, up to 80 hectares of agricultural land plots under the ownership of Dvani population remains beyond the barbed wire. Dvani dwellers cultivated the land plots up until October 2013, using the income earned to feed their families and cattle. Some families used to sell their crops, as the only source of their income. After losing access to these land plots, families suffered significant loss considering that the barbed wire prevents them from cultivating the lands.

 

In addition to the land plots, three families in Dvani Village are now from accessing their homes after the installment of barbed wire. These houses remain on the territory controlled by the Georgian authorities but the area has already been marked and under the instructions of Russian border guards the households have already demolished their homes and removed all objects.

 

In addition to violation of the right to use property without interference (Article 1 of Protocol No1 of the ECHR), GYLA also argues violation of respect for home (Article 8 of the ECHR), the right to free movement (Article 2 of Protocol No4) and the right to effective legal remedy (Article 13 of the ECHR). 

The process of installment of barbed wire started in 2011 and was intensified in February 2013. Currently, the installment of barbed wire has affected 23 borderline Georgian villages. GYLA continues to actively monitor the process and plans to file in the ECHR on behalf of population from other villages who have been significantly victimized by the installment of barbed wire.