The FINANCIAL — When delivering his remarks at the High-level Thematic Debate (Maintenance of International Peace and Security) within the framework of the UN General Assembly, the Georgian Foreign Minister once again drew the international community’s attention to grave human rights violations in the occupied territories, according to MFA of Georgia.
“The human rights and humanitarian situation in the occupied regions remains volatile. The civilian population is deprived of the minimal safeguards for the protection of their universally recognized rights, including the right to free movement and education in native language. The barbwire fences and other artificial obstacles, installed by the Russian occupation forces along the occupation line, continue to significantly affect the everyday life of the local population and restrict their civil, social, economic and cultural rights” – the Minister said.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili also spoke about the necessity of establishing monitoring mechanisms in Georgia’s occupied regions: “The situation raises particular concern given that no international monitoring mechanisms are allowed in the occupied regions. Representatives of international organizations are denied access despite numerous efforts. Notably, the former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navy Pillay, after being refused access, concluded that the Tskhinvali region has become “a black hole” and “one of the most inaccessible places on earth, with no access permitted for international agencies” – Giorgi Kvirikashvili noted.
According to the Georgian Foreign Minister, Georgia attaches particular emphasis to the trust building and mending bridges with citizens residing in the occupied territories. “We fully acknowledge that reconciliation to bring end to the conflict requires hard work and commitment from all sides, and we are ready to do our share” – The Minister added.
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