On October 16, 2012, incoming PM Mr. Bidzina Ivaniashvili nominated incoming cabinet of ministers, including Mr. Davit Darakhvelidze as a candidate for the office of the Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Accommodation and Refugees of Georgia.

Non-governmental organizations are concerned that during election campaign in Ambrolauri District the ministerial candidate used hate speech and racist remarks, as well as aggressive language in relation to media. These remarks are in conflict with European values and the Euro-Atlantic integration course that have been declared as Georgia foreign policy priority, and violate fundamental human rights and freedoms.

In this light, NGOs are requesting the prime ministerial candidate to review this nomination for the post of the Minister of Internally Displaced Persons from the Occupied Territories, Accommodation and Refugees of Georgia and to be more careful and principled while selecting candidates for various public offices. Public servants in return should act more responsible when making public remarks and refrain from using hate speech and racist remarks.

Signatories:

Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association

Article 42 of Constitution

Transparency International Georgia

International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy

Charter of Journalistic Ethics of Georgia

Georgian Regional Media Association

Multinational Georgia

Green Alternative

Open Society Georgia Foundation

Information Technologies

Center for Strategic Research and Development

Citizens:

Natia Kuprashvili

Lasha Tughushi