Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Eighty-ninth session
25 April-13 May 2016
Item 6 of the provisional agenda
Consideration of reports, comments and information submitted by States parties under article 9 of the Convention
List of themes in relation to the combined sixth to eighth periodic reports of Georgia (CERD/C/GEO/6-8)
Note by the Country Rapporteur
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The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination decided at its seventy-sixth session (A/65/18, para. 85) that the Country Rapporteur would send to the State party concerned a short list of themes with a view to guiding and focusing the dialogue between the State party’s delegation and the Committee during the consideration of the State party’s report. This document contains a list of such themes. This is not an exhaustive list; other issues may also be raised in the course of the dialogue. No written replies are required. |
1.Legal and institutional framework, policies and programmes for implementation of the Convention (arts. 1, 2, 4, 6 and 7)
(a)Further information on the Law of Georgia on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination and its compliance with article 1 of the Convention. Information on measures taken to raise awareness of the rights and standards contained in the law (see CERD/C/GEO/CO/4-5, para. 10; CERD/C/GEO/6-8, paras. 91-96);
(b)Information on the State party’s courts invoking and applying the provisions of the Convention. Updated information on cases involving racial discrimination, including dissemination of ideas based on racial superiority or hatred, incitement to racial discrimination and acts of violence or incitement to such acts (CERD/C/GEO/CO/4-5, para. 12; CERD/C/GEO/6-8, para. 103). Information on cases where racial motivation has been considered as an aggravating circumstance (CERD/C/GEO/6-8, para. 197);
(c)Further information on the prohibition of organizations that promote and incite racial discrimination, as required by article 4 (b) of the Convention (CERD/C/GEO/CO/4-5, para. 11; CERD/C/GEO/6-8, para. 102);
(d)Information on the human and financial resources at the disposal of the Public Defender of Georgia. Further information on the complaints received by the Equality Department of the Public Defender’s Office and remedies provided to victims (CERD/C/GEO/6-8, para. 96);
(e)Information on the impact of training sessions for law enforcement personnel, particularly with regard to their conduct vis-à-vis members of ethnic and ethno-religious minorities and in dealing with cases of racial discrimination. Information on outcome of cases involving discriminatory attitudes and disproportionate use of force by law enforcement officials (CERD/C/GEO/CO/4-5, para. 13; CERD/C/GEO/6-8, paras. 111121).
2.Discrimination against national or ethnic minorities (arts. 2-7)
Demographic data on the ethnic composition of the population and its geographical distribution, including numerically smaller groups such as Kists, Kurds, Jews, Greeks and Assyrians (CERD/C/GEO/CO/4-5, para. 19). Information on the representation of ethnic minorities in the executive branch, parliament, political parties and other public bodies;
Updated information on the situation of internally displaced persons (CERD/C/GEO/CO/4-5, para. 20; CERD/C/GEO/6-8, paras. 152-165);
Information on the situation of ethno-religious minorities and on the alleged increase of intolerant discourse and discriminatory acts against ethno-religious minorities. Information on measures taken to respond to such acts, including investigations and prosecutions, as well as efforts to promote and protect the right to freedom of religion;
Further information on the situation of Roma, including representation in public life, enrolment of Roma children in schools, and access to adequate housing and health care. Information on efforts to address societal prejudice, stereotyping and marginalization of Roma (CERD/C/GEO/CO/4-5, para. 17; CERD/C/GEO/6-8, para. 142);
Further information on the implementation of the right of all citizens to receive general education in their native language (CERD/C/GEO/CO/4-5, para. 15; CERD/C/GEO/6-8, para. 204).
3.Situation of non-citizens, including migrants, asylum seekers, refugees and stateless persons (arts. 5 and 7)
Data on foreigners and their situation in the State party;
Information on the situation of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees, in particular in relation to access to education, housing, health services and employment (CERD/C/GEO/CO/4-5, para. 22; CERD/C/GEO/6-8, paras. 178-184);
Further information on the situation of stateless persons and measures taken to facilitate their access to free legal aid and representation to obtain citizenship (CERD/C/GEO/CO/4-5, para. 21; CERD/C/GEO/6-8, paras. 166-171);
Updated information on the situation of persons deported by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in 1944, including the number of persons who have yet to obtain citizenship, and any compensation provided for their loss of property (CERD/C/GEO/CO/4-5, para. 18; CERD/C/GEO/6-8, paras. 143-151).