A/HRC/17/11 29. Finally, the Head of the delegation called for a result-oriented constructive dialogue on human rights, avoiding the artificial politicization of the debate by some delegations. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 30. During the interactive dialogue, 54 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in chapter II of the present report. A number of delegations acknowledged the constructive engagement of the Georgian Government with the universal periodic review mechanism and commended the process of preparation of the national report which included the participation of the civil society and other stakeholders. They thanked the delegation for the detailed and informed presentation and for responses to advance questions. They noted with satisfaction that various achievements in the promotion and protection of human rights since independence notwithstanding remaining challenges. 31. Algeria welcomed the amendments to the Georgian Constitution, which strengthened the independence of the judiciary. It noted with appreciation that Georgia is party to the majority of human rights conventions and welcomed initiatives taken to institutionalize social dialogue. Algeria made recommendations. 32. The Russian Federation emphasized that human rights violations committed by Georgia against the population of Abkhazia and South Ossetia during and before 2008 conflict were yet to be investigated. Focusing on systemic human rights problems in Georgia, it pointed at the unwillingness of Georgia to objectively evaluate them. It reminded that Russia and a number of other States recognized the independence of the Republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and thus their human rights situation could not be discussed under the review of Georgia. Accusations that Russia was occupying the mentioned territories were false and unacceptable. It made recommendations. 33. Czech Republic noted reports of cases of illegal interference in journalists’ activities and that physical attacks and other forms of intimidation and pressure on journalists continued with impunity. It made recommendations. 34. Azerbaijan highlighted the “A” status of the Office of the Public Defender. Azerbaijan welcomed measures aimed at protecting the rights of children and addressing violence against women. Azerbaijan further noted important legal reforms, including amendments to the Constitution. Azerbaijan made recommendations. 35. Italy encouraged Georgia to continue reforms as well as its work with civil society. Italy also encouraged Georgia to consider the suggestions recently made by the Representative of the Secretary-General on human rights of internally displaced persons. It asked for an update on the measures to address the ownership and maintenance of places of worship and related properties claimed by religious minorities. 36. Brazil stated that the standing invitation of Georgia to special procedures indicates its commitment to the United Nations human rights system. It referred to challenges regarding IDPs, as well as poverty and gender-based violence. Brazil invited Georgia to elaborate on possible measures to address low representation of ethnic minorities in State institutions. Brazil made recommendations. 37. Slovenia took note of the concluding observations of the Human Rights Committee on the issue of conscientious objectors, in particular, the differences between the length of non-military alternative service and military service and asked what steps had been taken to address that difference. Slovenia made recommendations. 38. Estonia commended Georgia on improving legislation and on the standing invitation to special procedures. It requested clarification on how impartial implementation of the 2009 amendments to the Administrative Code and the Law on Assembly and Manifestation 6

Select target paragraph3

Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents