UN Human Rights Office expresses concern over restrictive laws in Georgia

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has voiced concern over restrictive laws passed by the Georgian Parliament, warning that they pose a threat to fundamental freedoms.

In a statement on X, OHCHR said: “We are concerned by the restrictive laws & regulations passed by parliament this week, which amplify existing risks to freedoms of expression & association, equality & civic space, & stifle political pluralism. We urge Georgia to uphold its #IHRL obligations.”

On April 1, Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream, passed several controversial laws restricting media and civil society organizations, including the Foreign Agents Registration Act. The legislation requires organizations receiving foreign funding to register as “foreign agents,” a move widely criticized as an attempt to suppress independent voices.

President Mikheil Kavelaashvili, elected by Georgian Dream, signed the laws on the same day.

On April 2, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice President Kaja Kallas, and European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, condemned the laws and criticized the Georgian government’s approach.

#Georgia: We are concerned by the restrictive laws & regulations passed by parliament this week, which amplify existing risks to freedoms of expression & association, equality & civic space, & stifle political pluralism. We urge Georgia to uphold its #IHRL obligations.

— UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) April 3, 2025