Georgian NGOs Held Meetings with the Representatives of International Criminal Court

During May 14-18, 2018, the annual strategic round table meetings took place between ICC and NGOs in Hague, Netherlands.

The meetings touched upon the issues of cooperation between the NGOs and the International Criminal Court (ICC), as well as challenges related to the ongoing investigations in various countries.

The Judges and Chief Prosecutor, Representatives of Registry and Office of Prosecutor and other sections of ICC attended the meetings. As for the NGO sector, the representatives of local NGOs from member countries of Rome Statute and international human rights organizations attended the meetings.

The representatives of Georgian Young Lawyers Association, Open Society Georgia Foundation, Human Rights Center, Georgian Center for Psychosocial and Medical Rehabilitation of Torture Victims, Article 42 of Constitution and Justice International participated in the meetings from Georgia. Georgian participants spoke about the ongoing investigation into the situation of Georgia regarding 2008 August conflict and the challenges related to the investigation. Special attention was drawn to the necessity of strengthening the ICC country office in Georgia and equipping it with additional resources, including human resources, as well as carrying out active information and awareness raising activities in Georgia, including with the victims and affected communities, regarding their rights in ICC proceedings. The representatives of Georgian NGOs highlighted severe socio-economic problems of victims and affected communities and called upon the Trust Fund of Victims to carry out programs within its assistance mandate in Georgia.

The participation of Georgian NGOs in the round table meetings was financially supported by Open Society Georgia Foundation.