Rule of Law and Human Rights

Is Law of Georgia on Occupied Territories Enforced?

After the Russian-Georgian war of August 2008, and the recognition of the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia by the Russian Federation, Georgia adopted a Law on Occupied Territories, which limited the ability of foreign citizens to travel and conduct economic activities on the occupied territories. 

Statistics on Animal Cruelty in Georgia

Georgia recently saw a number of videos depicting violent treatment of animals spread through social networks and the media. These videos have left the public wondering about whether perpetrators have been held responsible.

IDFI’s Assessment of the Proposed Constitutional Amendments

On April 22, 2017, the Constitutional Commission voted on and approved the draft text of constitutional amendments. The draft constitution includes some positive changes, but also a number of significant shortcomings.

The Global Principles on Protection of Freedom of Expression and Privacy

Resolution of the European Freedom of Information Commissioners and Ombudspersons

On February 23-24, 2017, at an international conference held in Berlin, the European Freedom of Information (FOI) Commissioners and Ombudspersons signed a joint resolution calling on governments in Europe to protect freedom of information and strengthen the role of information commissioners and ombudspersons in their states.

Court Decisions in Georgia: How to Negotiate the Minefield Between Access and Respect for Privacy

The academic paper prepared by the Director of the Center for law and Democracy (Canada), Toby Mendel discusses the ways of balancing  the interests of  freedom of information and privacy.  The document is based on the challenges faced by Georgia in regards with access to court decisions, which has become subject of active international discussion as a result of the activities conducted by IDFI. With the aim of addressing existing challenges the paper presents the case law of the European Court of Human Rights. 

IDFI in the US Department of State's Country Reports for 2016

The US Department of State published the Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2016. The reports are based on data provided by US Embassies, as well as International Missions and reviews the human rights situation in 200 countries, including Georgia.

Supreme Court Rules in Favor of IDFI in a Case against the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development

The Supreme Court of Georgia declared the appeal of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development (MOESD) against the Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI) inadmissible.

Institute for Development of Freedom of Information Opinions on Constitutional Amendments

IDFI prepared the recommendations to be included in the Constitution of Georgia. The recommendations refer to the three main topics: 1. Adding the guiding principle of Good Governance in Article 5 of the Constitution. 2. Integrating the definition of freedom of internet in Article 24 of the Constitution; and 3. New formulation of Article 41 of the Constitution and the right on ‘good administration’; the obligation to regulate topics of access to information by an Organic Law.

Public Defender Recommends Ministry of Justice to Cease Violating IDFI’s Rights

On January 31^st, 2017, the Public Defender of Georgia held that the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and 11 legal entities of public law (LEPL) operating within its system violated the right of N(N)LE Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI). According to the Public Defender, the state entities failed to fulfil their legal obligation to disclose public information.