PACE concerned about IDP evictions in Georgia

Georgia, Tbilisi, Sept. 2 / Trend N.Kirtzkhalia /

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) expressed concern today about the recent eviction of IDPs in Georgia. 

In a letter addressed to the Georgian authorities, PACE Migration, Refugees and Population Committee Chairman John Greenway expressed his concern about the way that the recent evictions of IDPs from four temporary shelters in Tbilisi were handled.

"Although the IDPs had the choice between resettlement and financial compensation, they were inadequately informed of their eviction and had little or no prior knowledge of where they were being settled," he said. "This did not allow them to make informed choices."

According to the statement, the resettlement of IDPs must be carried out in a voluntary manner in full compliance with national and international law and established human rights standards.

PACE Resolution 1648 calls upon the Georgian authorities to "ensure respect for the right of IDPs, whether displaced recently or by earlier conflicts, to freely choose whether they want to return home, integrate locally or resettle in another part of the country, and take measures to allow the displaced to participate fully in the planning and management of their return, resettlement and reintegration."

"Moreover, according to international standards, the state has the duty to provide conditions enabling the displaced to lead a normal life with equal and full access to living conditions, livelihoods, education and basic services," PACE said in a statement today.

The chairman asked the Georgian authorities not to proceed with the evictions until the relevant legal issues have been clarified, transparent eviction procedures have been established, and the conditions for sustainable resettlement have been created.

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