A/HRC/36/65 the dividing line.26 On 27 February 2017, in response to questions on the announced closing of crossing points along the Inguri River, the Secretary-General’s spokesperson underscored that this would be detrimental to the freedom of movement and overall wellbeing of the local population, including schoolchildren, on both sides of the Administrative Boundary Line, especially for people living in Gali district. 54. According to other various sources, the reduction in the number of crossing points is likely to affect the right to education of many children, as attending school in their native language on Tbilisi-controlled territory is one of the main reasons why they cross the Administrative Boundary Line, travelling by bus for 15 to 20 kilometres in each direction and being dependent on strict time schedules. 55. Some sources also highlighted the risk that cases of deprivation of liberty by Russian Federation border guards may increase, especially at “unauthorized” crossing points. The closure of crossing points also reportedly limits opportunities to carry goods, both for personal consumption and for trade, and has negatively affected the enjoyment of social and economic rights, especially those of Gali residents. The crossing points in question used to be used for non-emergency medical transfers, which are no longer possible. 56. According to the Government of Georgia, at the end of 2016, the so-called border zone in the “lower zone” of Gali district was expanded, further restricting freedom of movement for the residents of the villages located within that zone and for those living in the rest of Abkhazia. So-called “borderization” 6. 57. In May 2014, following her mission to Georgia, the former High Commissioner, Ms. Pillay, noted that since May 2013, razor wire and other forms of fencing, as well as additional watchtowers and other monitoring equipment, had been set up by Russian Federation border guards along a stretch of the Administrative Boundary Line with South Ossetia. She stressed that that practice further impeded the right to freedom of movement for internally displaced persons, and the enjoyment of the rights to property, water, health, education and access to religious and cultural sites. She underscored that the impact on local villagers on both sides of the wire was devastating. 58. According to the Government of Georgia, as of 15 May 2017 the total length of razor wire, barbed wire fences and other artificial obstacles reached nearly 52 kilometres along the Administrative Boundary Line with South Ossetia, and 48 kilometres along the Administrative Boundary Line with Abkhazia. 59. Reportedly, these measures have shifted the line of control deeper into Georgiancontrolled territory and have created tensions in villages surrounding the Administrative Boundary Line. 60. According to various sources, the installation of razor wire, barbed wire fences and other artificial obstacles along the administrative boundary lines with Abkhazia and South Ossetia considerably obstructs freedom of movement and economic activities, and exacerbates the perception of insecurity. In some instances, it physically divides families; it also prevents access to agricultural land and water supplies, as well as to churches and cemeteries. 7. Deprivation of liberty and allegations of torture and ill-treatment 61. According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, “no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment” (art. 5) and “no one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile” (art. 9). All related allegations should be promptly addressed and properly documented. 62. OHCHR has been receiving allegations of deprivation of liberty of ethnic Georgians in connection with crossing the Administrative Boundary Line. According to recent reports, 26 See www.ungeorgia.ge/eng/news_center/media_releases?info_id=507#.WR1X3-uGPcs. 11