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Georgia

Articles by Georgia

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IPPF condemns violence at Georgia’s LGBTIQ Pride event

The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) strongly condemns the violence directed towards the LGBTIQ community and media representatives earlier this month. IPPF calls on the Georgian authorities to investigate the violence, and hold all perpetrators accountable to the fullest extent of the law. IPPF is also concerned at reports of inaction by the police during the violence. On 5 July 2021, the participants of LGBTIQ Tbilisi Pride and their allies, as well as journalists covering the Pride, were unable to exercise their rights, and instead faced imminent threats to their safety. Violence against them resulted in severe injuries and the death of one journalist. Georgia’s national law prohibits all discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The country has ratified the core international human rights conventions that guarantee freedom and independence of media, and bans discrimination against LGBTIQ persons, the same way they forbid discrimination based on race, sex, religion, or political conviction. The right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression constitute key universal human rights and are assured under the Georgian Constitution.  These values are enshrined in the EU-Georgia Association Agreement and the European Convention on Human Rights. Under the Association Agreement with the EU, Georgia has committed to strengthen respect for democratic principles, the rule of law and good governance, human rights and fundamental freedoms, including media freedom and the rights of persons belonging to minorities, and to contribute to consolidating domestic political reforms. Nino Tsuleiskiri, Director of HERA XXI, IPPF’s Member Association in Georgia, commented: “The direct refusal of the Ministry of Interior to address the mounting violence has resulted in a tragic escalation of violence against media representatives in the past weeks. We call on the Georgian government and authorities to assume responsibility and ensure safe and stigma free environment for every citizen of Georgia.   The right to life, right to health, as well as access to safe and adequate services have been hampered by ongoing hate-motivated violent attacks on members and allies of LGBTIQ community in Georgia. All persons have a right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, which includes the underlying determinants of health and access to sexual health care for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all sexual concerns, problems and disorders in a stigma free environment.” Tor-Hugne Olsen, Head of the Sexual and Gender Center of the International Planned Parenthood Federation European Network (IPPF EN) added: “For people to attain the highest standard of health, they must first be empowered to exercise choice in their sexual and reproductive lives; they must feel confident and safe in expressing their own sexual identity – this is a human right. The attack on the LGBTIQ community in Georgia shows us that there is still much work to be done to ensure those rights are realized for all. Sexuality is a natural and precious aspect of life, an essential and fundamental part of our humanity and must be protected.” Intensified rhetoric against rights increases the vulnerability of Georgia’s democracy, which already faces significant disinformation challenges. No measures have been taken by the government of Georgia to prevent or deter hate driven speech, provide sufficient protection as violent acts against activists and journalists were carried out. IPPF calls on the Georgian authorities without delay to uphold the rule of law, to investigate police inaction and violation of the right to freedom of assembly, right to health, right to life, and the bodily integrity of journalists and to bring the perpetrators to justice. Law enforcement should act swiftly to protect those exercising their Constitutional rights to freedom of expression and assembly, to protect journalists exercising freedom of the press, and to publicly condemn violence. The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is a global service provider and advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all. For over 65 years, IPPF through it Member Associations and partners, has delivered high-quality sexual and reproductive healthcare. and advocated for the advancement of sexual and reproductive rights in over 140 countries.  Our Member Associations and partners are independent organizations that are locally owned, which means they can deliver care and advocate for sexual and reproductive rights, informed by local context and expertise, especially to the vulnerable and the under-served.  We advocate for a world where people are provided with the information, they need to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health and bodies. We stand up and fight for sexual and reproductive rights, and against those who seek to deny people their human right to bodily autonomy and freedom. We deliver care that is rooted in rights, respect, and dignity – no matter what. IPPF currently has 118 Member Associations and 13 partners.

Nino Tsuleiskiri is the Executive Director of HERA XXI. Credit: Jon Spaull/IPPF EN
21 April 2020

COVID-19 Impact: What we know so far – Georgia

An interview with Nino Tsuleiskiri, Executive Director of Association HERA-XXI, on the impact of COVID-19. How has Georgia been affected by coronavirus/COVID-19? By the end of the January, Georgia implemented procedures to address COVID-19. The first case in Georgia was confirmed on 26 February, and in March schools and education institutions were closed, borders were closed, and all institutions and companies started teleworking. Everything was closed except for grocery stores and pharmacies. The prime minister declared a state of emergency and from 30 March enacted a curfew. According to 17 April official statistics, the number of all confirmed cases are 370 and there have been 3 deaths.  What impact is coronavirus having on sexual and reproductive health services?  The Georgian government have put in a lack of measurements to guarantee people's safe and timely access to essential sexual reproductive health services, goods and information. At the same time, ultra-conservative parties are using the COVID-19 pandemic and the public health crises to strengthen their influence on society. They are distributing messages that stigmatize contraceptive usage and accessibility to safe abortion, using slogans such as "COVID-19 is the answer from god on abortion".  Women and girls face significant restriction in safely accessing essential sexual and reproductive health services, particularly safe abortion care, post abortion care, contraceptives and emergency contraceptives. Such discriminative attitudes impact individuals in an already stressful environment. In particular, the impact can be seen on women living in poverty, internally displaced people, and women at risk of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Many medical facilities and services are now working in accordance to an emergency schedule because of COVID-19 restrictions. Which services have been hit the worst? We have active communication with our partner clinics in four regions of Georgia. All of them are sexual and reproductive healthcare service providers. According to them, all services are available but they have had to change the way they are delivered. They have added safety procedures which includes pre-registration of patients, all sanitary procedures are in place, and doctors work on a preplanned schedule. Distribution of free contraception for vulnerable groups are provided. Association HERA-XXI manages the stock of contraception and have regular communication with partner clinics to ensure their continuity of service provision. What impact has there been on abortion services and post-abortion care? According to the information of our partner clinics, abortion services are provided without any obstacles or restrictions. However, we were informed that the number of women who seek abortion care has decreased.  Have you seen an increase in SGBV, and what are you doing to try to help women who are affected by it? Demand for legal counseling for SGBV services has increased, and domestic violence issues have become a more frequently asked topic in our counseling sessions. It's quite common for family duties at home to fall on women and girls, which is an additional stress and burden for them. Also, a lot of women have lost their official paid jobs, which means they will be confined to their homes along with their abuser. To combat some of these issues, we are preparing informational articles and infographics for the general public, and disseminating information to targeted population through social media. Are frontline staff still able to go into the community? Due to curfew and state emergency, all citizens are asked to stay home. Considering the situation, face-to-face communication has reduced, but we still have close online communication with community leaders and social workers They continue to provide information about online counseling and online consultation services of HERA-XXI. What will you be doing to keep providing services to people in Georgia? Association HERA-XXI provides telemedicine services, consultations and legal counseling services. Reproductive health specialists and gynaecologists provide free online counseling for clients and address the questions on modern methods of contraception, family planning, pregnancy, safe abortion, sexually transmitted infections and their prevention, sexual behaviour and more. We have recently added issues related to COVID-19 and pregnancy from delivery to breastfeeding. The service is completely free and confidential. Our online legal counseling on sexual and reproductive health and rights are provided by a lawyer. The counseling addresses the right to health, confidentiality and high quality service delivery, women’s rights and wellbeing, sexual and domestic violence. With COVID-19 we promote counseling on SGBV to protect and support isolated women from partner and domestic violence cases. To answer the ongoing challenges during this pandemic we have additional online consultations, and we are also organizing delivery of contraception to targeted populations, such as young people who are in need. Additionally, we actively use educational web pages on sexual and reproductive health and rights for parents and teachers through our digital online learning platform. Can you tell us about any innovative measures that have been introduced in Georgia to provide services in a different way than usual? Association HERA-XXI developed a youth-friendly environment and approaches 10 years ago. We introduced innovative services for teenagers, boys and girls from rural and remote areas, for young key population, students and young women and men. In order to make these services affordable, accessible and safe, online digital platforms were developed and adapted for online sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and legal counseling on SGBV. Due to COVID-19, HERA-XXI developed additional telemedicine services, online counseling and consultations on family planning, and contraceptive provision for vulnerable youth and women in emergency situations. What message do you have for people and your staff in Georgia when it comes to SRH services and coronavirus/COVID-19? Women, children and youth, in all of their diversity, have the need and right to access SRH services especially during a crisis. Family planning services and the delivery of contraception must be treated by the government as a life-saving intervention during crises. We also want continued access to the full range of SRH information that directly impacts women and girls' ability to exercise their right to determine their fertility and to maintain their health.

Association HERA XXI - Georgia

Based in Tbilisi, Georgia, Association HERA XXI is a women’s rights organization working from the feminist perspective. It has been actively working in the fields of healthcare, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and gender equality since 1998.

HERA XXI offers comprehensive education to vulnerable societal groups, makes quality SRHR services more accessible, promotes development of institutions of volunteerism and activism and enhances strengthening and engagement of youth and community groups. Evidence-based advocacy, partnerships, awareness-raising, and results-oriented monitoring are essential approaches for achieving HERA XXI’s programmatic goals.

Target groups: Girls and women of childbearing age; Girls and women living under the poverty line; IDP girls and women; Rural population; Girls and boys aged 14 to 25; High risk groups; Ethnic minorities; The following telephone and online/remote services can be received through the HERA XXI’s Call Center (Hot-line: 20 11 221):

  • Consultation with a doctor/reproductive specialist;
  • Legal consultation on sexual and reproductive rights and domestic violence;
  • Consultation of a Social Worker for Internally Displaced People (IDPs);
  • Online consultation service of a reproductive specialist and a legal consultant for young people - the service is available on the platform – www.youth-counseling.ge.

Advocacy The Association contributes to the improvement of the political, social and economic environment of the country by promoting universal access to sexual and reproductive health services, maternal health, comprehensive education on reproductive health and healthy lifestyles, improving legal environment of children’s rights in terms of SRHR, advocating youth policies at local, national and international levels, and increasing readiness and awareness of decision-makers regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights. 

pride flag

IPPF condemns violence at Georgia’s LGBTIQ Pride event

The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) strongly condemns the violence directed towards the LGBTIQ community and media representatives earlier this month. IPPF calls on the Georgian authorities to investigate the violence, and hold all perpetrators accountable to the fullest extent of the law. IPPF is also concerned at reports of inaction by the police during the violence. On 5 July 2021, the participants of LGBTIQ Tbilisi Pride and their allies, as well as journalists covering the Pride, were unable to exercise their rights, and instead faced imminent threats to their safety. Violence against them resulted in severe injuries and the death of one journalist. Georgia’s national law prohibits all discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The country has ratified the core international human rights conventions that guarantee freedom and independence of media, and bans discrimination against LGBTIQ persons, the same way they forbid discrimination based on race, sex, religion, or political conviction. The right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression constitute key universal human rights and are assured under the Georgian Constitution.  These values are enshrined in the EU-Georgia Association Agreement and the European Convention on Human Rights. Under the Association Agreement with the EU, Georgia has committed to strengthen respect for democratic principles, the rule of law and good governance, human rights and fundamental freedoms, including media freedom and the rights of persons belonging to minorities, and to contribute to consolidating domestic political reforms. Nino Tsuleiskiri, Director of HERA XXI, IPPF’s Member Association in Georgia, commented: “The direct refusal of the Ministry of Interior to address the mounting violence has resulted in a tragic escalation of violence against media representatives in the past weeks. We call on the Georgian government and authorities to assume responsibility and ensure safe and stigma free environment for every citizen of Georgia.   The right to life, right to health, as well as access to safe and adequate services have been hampered by ongoing hate-motivated violent attacks on members and allies of LGBTIQ community in Georgia. All persons have a right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, which includes the underlying determinants of health and access to sexual health care for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all sexual concerns, problems and disorders in a stigma free environment.” Tor-Hugne Olsen, Head of the Sexual and Gender Center of the International Planned Parenthood Federation European Network (IPPF EN) added: “For people to attain the highest standard of health, they must first be empowered to exercise choice in their sexual and reproductive lives; they must feel confident and safe in expressing their own sexual identity – this is a human right. The attack on the LGBTIQ community in Georgia shows us that there is still much work to be done to ensure those rights are realized for all. Sexuality is a natural and precious aspect of life, an essential and fundamental part of our humanity and must be protected.” Intensified rhetoric against rights increases the vulnerability of Georgia’s democracy, which already faces significant disinformation challenges. No measures have been taken by the government of Georgia to prevent or deter hate driven speech, provide sufficient protection as violent acts against activists and journalists were carried out. IPPF calls on the Georgian authorities without delay to uphold the rule of law, to investigate police inaction and violation of the right to freedom of assembly, right to health, right to life, and the bodily integrity of journalists and to bring the perpetrators to justice. Law enforcement should act swiftly to protect those exercising their Constitutional rights to freedom of expression and assembly, to protect journalists exercising freedom of the press, and to publicly condemn violence. The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is a global service provider and advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all. For over 65 years, IPPF through it Member Associations and partners, has delivered high-quality sexual and reproductive healthcare. and advocated for the advancement of sexual and reproductive rights in over 140 countries.  Our Member Associations and partners are independent organizations that are locally owned, which means they can deliver care and advocate for sexual and reproductive rights, informed by local context and expertise, especially to the vulnerable and the under-served.  We advocate for a world where people are provided with the information, they need to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health and bodies. We stand up and fight for sexual and reproductive rights, and against those who seek to deny people their human right to bodily autonomy and freedom. We deliver care that is rooted in rights, respect, and dignity – no matter what. IPPF currently has 118 Member Associations and 13 partners.

Nino Tsuleiskiri is the Executive Director of HERA XXI. Credit: Jon Spaull/IPPF EN
21 April 2020

COVID-19 Impact: What we know so far – Georgia

An interview with Nino Tsuleiskiri, Executive Director of Association HERA-XXI, on the impact of COVID-19. How has Georgia been affected by coronavirus/COVID-19? By the end of the January, Georgia implemented procedures to address COVID-19. The first case in Georgia was confirmed on 26 February, and in March schools and education institutions were closed, borders were closed, and all institutions and companies started teleworking. Everything was closed except for grocery stores and pharmacies. The prime minister declared a state of emergency and from 30 March enacted a curfew. According to 17 April official statistics, the number of all confirmed cases are 370 and there have been 3 deaths.  What impact is coronavirus having on sexual and reproductive health services?  The Georgian government have put in a lack of measurements to guarantee people's safe and timely access to essential sexual reproductive health services, goods and information. At the same time, ultra-conservative parties are using the COVID-19 pandemic and the public health crises to strengthen their influence on society. They are distributing messages that stigmatize contraceptive usage and accessibility to safe abortion, using slogans such as "COVID-19 is the answer from god on abortion".  Women and girls face significant restriction in safely accessing essential sexual and reproductive health services, particularly safe abortion care, post abortion care, contraceptives and emergency contraceptives. Such discriminative attitudes impact individuals in an already stressful environment. In particular, the impact can be seen on women living in poverty, internally displaced people, and women at risk of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Many medical facilities and services are now working in accordance to an emergency schedule because of COVID-19 restrictions. Which services have been hit the worst? We have active communication with our partner clinics in four regions of Georgia. All of them are sexual and reproductive healthcare service providers. According to them, all services are available but they have had to change the way they are delivered. They have added safety procedures which includes pre-registration of patients, all sanitary procedures are in place, and doctors work on a preplanned schedule. Distribution of free contraception for vulnerable groups are provided. Association HERA-XXI manages the stock of contraception and have regular communication with partner clinics to ensure their continuity of service provision. What impact has there been on abortion services and post-abortion care? According to the information of our partner clinics, abortion services are provided without any obstacles or restrictions. However, we were informed that the number of women who seek abortion care has decreased.  Have you seen an increase in SGBV, and what are you doing to try to help women who are affected by it? Demand for legal counseling for SGBV services has increased, and domestic violence issues have become a more frequently asked topic in our counseling sessions. It's quite common for family duties at home to fall on women and girls, which is an additional stress and burden for them. Also, a lot of women have lost their official paid jobs, which means they will be confined to their homes along with their abuser. To combat some of these issues, we are preparing informational articles and infographics for the general public, and disseminating information to targeted population through social media. Are frontline staff still able to go into the community? Due to curfew and state emergency, all citizens are asked to stay home. Considering the situation, face-to-face communication has reduced, but we still have close online communication with community leaders and social workers They continue to provide information about online counseling and online consultation services of HERA-XXI. What will you be doing to keep providing services to people in Georgia? Association HERA-XXI provides telemedicine services, consultations and legal counseling services. Reproductive health specialists and gynaecologists provide free online counseling for clients and address the questions on modern methods of contraception, family planning, pregnancy, safe abortion, sexually transmitted infections and their prevention, sexual behaviour and more. We have recently added issues related to COVID-19 and pregnancy from delivery to breastfeeding. The service is completely free and confidential. Our online legal counseling on sexual and reproductive health and rights are provided by a lawyer. The counseling addresses the right to health, confidentiality and high quality service delivery, women’s rights and wellbeing, sexual and domestic violence. With COVID-19 we promote counseling on SGBV to protect and support isolated women from partner and domestic violence cases. To answer the ongoing challenges during this pandemic we have additional online consultations, and we are also organizing delivery of contraception to targeted populations, such as young people who are in need. Additionally, we actively use educational web pages on sexual and reproductive health and rights for parents and teachers through our digital online learning platform. Can you tell us about any innovative measures that have been introduced in Georgia to provide services in a different way than usual? Association HERA-XXI developed a youth-friendly environment and approaches 10 years ago. We introduced innovative services for teenagers, boys and girls from rural and remote areas, for young key population, students and young women and men. In order to make these services affordable, accessible and safe, online digital platforms were developed and adapted for online sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and legal counseling on SGBV. Due to COVID-19, HERA-XXI developed additional telemedicine services, online counseling and consultations on family planning, and contraceptive provision for vulnerable youth and women in emergency situations. What message do you have for people and your staff in Georgia when it comes to SRH services and coronavirus/COVID-19? Women, children and youth, in all of their diversity, have the need and right to access SRH services especially during a crisis. Family planning services and the delivery of contraception must be treated by the government as a life-saving intervention during crises. We also want continued access to the full range of SRH information that directly impacts women and girls' ability to exercise their right to determine their fertility and to maintain their health.

Association HERA XXI - Georgia

Based in Tbilisi, Georgia, Association HERA XXI is a women’s rights organization working from the feminist perspective. It has been actively working in the fields of healthcare, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and gender equality since 1998.

HERA XXI offers comprehensive education to vulnerable societal groups, makes quality SRHR services more accessible, promotes development of institutions of volunteerism and activism and enhances strengthening and engagement of youth and community groups. Evidence-based advocacy, partnerships, awareness-raising, and results-oriented monitoring are essential approaches for achieving HERA XXI’s programmatic goals.

Target groups: Girls and women of childbearing age; Girls and women living under the poverty line; IDP girls and women; Rural population; Girls and boys aged 14 to 25; High risk groups; Ethnic minorities; The following telephone and online/remote services can be received through the HERA XXI’s Call Center (Hot-line: 20 11 221):

  • Consultation with a doctor/reproductive specialist;
  • Legal consultation on sexual and reproductive rights and domestic violence;
  • Consultation of a Social Worker for Internally Displaced People (IDPs);
  • Online consultation service of a reproductive specialist and a legal consultant for young people - the service is available on the platform – www.youth-counseling.ge.

Advocacy The Association contributes to the improvement of the political, social and economic environment of the country by promoting universal access to sexual and reproductive health services, maternal health, comprehensive education on reproductive health and healthy lifestyles, improving legal environment of children’s rights in terms of SRHR, advocating youth policies at local, national and international levels, and increasing readiness and awareness of decision-makers regarding sexual and reproductive health and rights.