The News in Brief
Monday, December 4, 2023
Prepared by Messenger Staff
Herczynski Urges Inclusiveness and Constructive Approach for EU Candidacy Status
In two weeks, on December 14-15, the European Union leaders will meet in Brussels to decide on an enlargement package. This includes ten countries aspiring to join the EU, with Georgia being considered for the first time. EU Ambassador to Georgia, H.E. Pawel Herczynski, shared on Sunday that this is a particularly emotional moment for him.
The Ambassador stressed the significance of unity and collaboration to secure candidate country status for Georgia. He expressed optimism that the positive recommendation would be taken into consideration by the 27 EU member states.
"On November 8, the European Commission provided a positive recommendation to 27 states to grant Georgia candidate status. I sincerely hope that the 27 states will take into account this positive recommendation. Although we will have to wait two more weeks before knowing this decision, let's be patient and hopeful," he said.
Herczynski acknowledged the progress made in recent days and urged continued efforts for reforms, emphasizing the need for inclusiveness and a constructive approach from both the government and the opposition.
"Reforms are necessary for the current and future steps before Georgia becomes a full member of the European Union. I am glad that the government acted promptly and submitted the 9-step action plan to Brussels a few days ago. My colleagues at the European Commission will review this action plan, and they will provide feedback.
Everyone should work together to complete these nine steps, requiring inclusiveness from the government and a constructive approach from the opposition," he added.
Georgian Government Highlights Commitment to Protecting Rights of Persons with Disabilities
December 3 marks the International Day for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In a released statement, the Georgian Government reaffirmed its commitment to giving top priority to safeguarding the rights of individuals with disabilities and integrating their interests into state policies.
"It is important to highlight that in 2023, the state submitted a report on the rights of persons with disabilities to the UN Committee, outlining the legal status of persons with disabilities in the country. Subsequently, the committee issued recommendations to the state.
The interdepartmental coordination committee for the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, established at the initiative of the Prime Minister in 2021, will persist in promoting and coordinating the implementation of the recommendations received from the committee, working in conjunction with the Advisory Council of Persons with Disabilities.
As per the Law of On the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, public institutions continue to collaborate with organizations dedicated to the rights of persons with disabilities to develop and execute annual action plans.
On September 5, 2022, the Government of Georgia approved the second national strategy for the protection of human rights for 2022-2030, and on March 23, 2023, the strategy received parliamentary approval. This comprehensive document encompasses all fundamental rights and freedoms, with a specific focus on safeguarding the rights of vulnerable groups.
To achieve the outlined goals and objectives of the national strategy, efforts are underway to develop a national action plan for the protection of human rights covering the years 2024-2026. These policy documents give special attention to the rights of persons with disabilities, emphasizing tasks that ensure the equality and accessibility of persons with disabilities, with a particular focus on the needs and challenges faced by women with disabilities and persons with disabilities residing in the regions.
The state remains committed to caring for its citizens and ensuring a dignified life for all," the government's administration's statement reads.
Herczynski Urges Inclusiveness and Constructive Approach for EU Candidacy Status
The Ambassador stressed the significance of unity and collaboration to secure candidate country status for Georgia. He expressed optimism that the positive recommendation would be taken into consideration by the 27 EU member states.
"On November 8, the European Commission provided a positive recommendation to 27 states to grant Georgia candidate status. I sincerely hope that the 27 states will take into account this positive recommendation. Although we will have to wait two more weeks before knowing this decision, let's be patient and hopeful," he said.
Herczynski acknowledged the progress made in recent days and urged continued efforts for reforms, emphasizing the need for inclusiveness and a constructive approach from both the government and the opposition.
"Reforms are necessary for the current and future steps before Georgia becomes a full member of the European Union. I am glad that the government acted promptly and submitted the 9-step action plan to Brussels a few days ago. My colleagues at the European Commission will review this action plan, and they will provide feedback.
Everyone should work together to complete these nine steps, requiring inclusiveness from the government and a constructive approach from the opposition," he added.
Georgian Government Highlights Commitment to Protecting Rights of Persons with Disabilities
"It is important to highlight that in 2023, the state submitted a report on the rights of persons with disabilities to the UN Committee, outlining the legal status of persons with disabilities in the country. Subsequently, the committee issued recommendations to the state.
The interdepartmental coordination committee for the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, established at the initiative of the Prime Minister in 2021, will persist in promoting and coordinating the implementation of the recommendations received from the committee, working in conjunction with the Advisory Council of Persons with Disabilities.
As per the Law of On the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, public institutions continue to collaborate with organizations dedicated to the rights of persons with disabilities to develop and execute annual action plans.
On September 5, 2022, the Government of Georgia approved the second national strategy for the protection of human rights for 2022-2030, and on March 23, 2023, the strategy received parliamentary approval. This comprehensive document encompasses all fundamental rights and freedoms, with a specific focus on safeguarding the rights of vulnerable groups.
To achieve the outlined goals and objectives of the national strategy, efforts are underway to develop a national action plan for the protection of human rights covering the years 2024-2026. These policy documents give special attention to the rights of persons with disabilities, emphasizing tasks that ensure the equality and accessibility of persons with disabilities, with a particular focus on the needs and challenges faced by women with disabilities and persons with disabilities residing in the regions.
The state remains committed to caring for its citizens and ensuring a dignified life for all," the government's administration's statement reads.