The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has raised alarms regarding the Georgian parliament’s recently approved Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), stressing that it threatens the operations of civil society in the nation. Maria Telalian, the ODIHR Director, expressed that this legislation significantly impacts the efforts of those advocating for human rights.
Although proponents of the Georgian FARA claim it mirrors the U.S. version, the ODIHR highlights its absence of vital legal protections that safeguard civil organisations from being misconstrued as tools of foreign influence due solely to receiving external funding. In contrast, the U.S. legislation provides clarity by requiring foreign-backed advocacy groups to register with authorities and make such information accessible to the public.
The ODIHR warns that the new law, combined with additional recent regulations, could further constrain civil society’s activities by stripping essential safeguards that allow them to function effectively. The ODIHR cautioned against adopting foreign legislation indiscriminately, urging careful evaluation of Georgia’s specific institutional and legal context.
Calling for a reevaluation of this law, the ODIHR is prepared to offer support in refining Georgia’s legislative framework via legal analysis and expert guidance. The organisation’s concerns resonate with widespread domestic and international criticism, with over 100 Georgian civil society organisations denouncing the law as a revamped Russian model aimed at suppressing independent media.
Furthermore, Human Rights Watch condemned the legislation, highlighting its criminalisation of civil groups and infringement on foundational human rights standards. Michael O’Flaherty, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, also implored Georgian authorities to revoke the Foreign Agents Law and replace it with legislation that adheres to human rights commitments.
The ODIHR warns that Georgia’s new Foreign Agents Registration Act might severely limit civil society’s operations. It highlights the lack of legal protections compared to the U.S. version, stressing the law’s potential to mislabel civil organisations. With broad condemnations from Georgian CSOs and international bodies, there are calls for the law’s reassessment and improved legal frameworks to protect human rights.
In summary, the ODIHR’s concerns about Georgia’s Foreign Agents Registration Act underscore its potential to hinder civil society activities significantly. By contrasting it with the U.S. legislation, the ODIHR highlights the absence of legal protections that could lead to misrepresentation of civil organisations. With calls for a reconsideration and careful legal review, it is clear that the international community is closely monitoring the implications of this law for human rights in Georgia.
Original Source: civil.ge
