2019-02-01
The Prime Minister's Human Rights Assistant on Human Rights and Gender Equality Sopo Japaridze opened today's meeting of the Interagency Commission on Gender Equality, Violence against Women and Domestic Violence by discussing secret recordings of private affairs.
The Chair of the Commission welcomed the Prime Minister's statement on secret recordings and the law enforcements' response to the incident. Sopo Japaridze also spoke about possible ties that often link these offenses to creating additional obstacles for women's political participation.
The Interagency Commission discussed implemented, ongoing, and planned measures to be taken in relation to gender equality, women's empowerment, violence against women, and domestic violence.
Sopo Japaridze presented the commission's annual performance report, which was discussed in detail with the members of the commission by Member of the Parliamentary Gender Equality Council Irine Pruidze.
The commission discussed the implementation of certain obligations under the 2018-2020 Government Action Plans. In particular, representatives of Georgia's Interior Ministry, Ministry of Refugees, Labor, Health and Social Affairs, and State Fund for Protection and Assistance of (Statutory) Victims of Human Trafficking LEPL presented information on updating the national referral mechanism, furthering the sustainability and effectiveness of the Social Service Agency LEPL, introduction of electronic homing devices for violent offenders, and improving the performance of the group for identifying victims (survivors) of violence against women and domestic violence.
The meeting of the Interagency Commission also discussed the engagement of the civil sector in the meetings of the commission and the establishment of a cooperation platform with local municipalities.
The meeting agenda of the Interagency Commission also included communication for behavioral Impact (COMBI), and the presentation of the outcomes of the project EU Supporting the Interagency Commission on Gender Equality, Violence against Women, and Domestic Violence.
In conclusion, the commission discussed future activities related to submitting reports to different international mechanisms. The Interagency Commission's meeting at the Administration of the Government was attended by representatives of international organizations.