Key priorities to improve the civil society environment:
Repeal all discriminatory and stigmatising legislation restricting freedom of expression and freedom of association for CSOs, media representatives, and vulnerable groups including the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence.
Once all discriminatory and stigmatising legislation restricting the freedoms of expression and association for CSOs, media representatives, and vulnerable groups is repealed:
- Conduct a comprehensive revision of the Code of Administrative Offences to remove unjustified restrictions on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression (for example, detaining individuals to prevent their participation or imposing administrative imprisonment without proper safeguards);
- Implement measures to protect CSOs and individuals associated with them from interference and attacks, ensuring accountability for any acts of violence or intimidation against them;
- Strengthen the regulatory framework governing the collection, processing and storage of personal data by government authorities, ensuring it meets international standards for privacy protection;
- Ensure that CSOs are free to seek, receive and use financial and material resources for the pursuit of their objectives, without undue restrictions and regardless of their source (domestic or foreign); and
- The government should design and implement effective oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability and transparency in law enforcement agencies’ handling of digital rights and privacy.
Past achievements:
CSO Meter monitoring and recommendations have already delivered the following results:
Delaying the Foreign Agents law: Since 2023, CSO Meter Hub members engaged in advocacy efforts, provided legal arguments in the campaign ‘No Russian Law’, mobilised civil society and informed the public about the law’s negative consequences. Through a dedicated webpage on CSOgeorgia, they reached over 72,000 viewers with essential information and recommendations during the protests.
Preventing restrictions in the context of anti-terrorism legislation: CSO Meter Hub members engaged with the Financial Monitoring Unit to discuss CSO self-regulation, transparency and civil society's role in preventing anti-money laundering and terrorism financing ahead of the 2023 FATF risk assessment process. In this process, civil society increased knowledge and connections with the Central Bank and the Bank Association of Georgia.
Continued international advocacy in the face of rising repression: Despite extreme restrictions and a volatile environment, civil society in Georgia stands as one of the last remaining democratic actors in the country. Organisations continue to coordinate efforts, support each other, communicate with international bodies and are preparing an appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.
Country context and important trends relevant to the civil society environment
In 2024, Georgia experienced a profound regression in its democratic trajectory. Legislative overreach, violent suppression of dissent, human rights violations, and international isolation marked this period. CSOs, historically a cornerstone of Georgia’s democratic development, faced unprecedented challenges as the government enacted repressive laws, stigmatised dissent, and constrained freedoms.
Georgia began 2024 at a crucial crossroads. Having secured European Union (EU) candidate status in December 2023, public expectations for comprehensive reforms were high. However, the Georgian government swiftly dashed these hopes.
In April/May 2024, the introduction and adoption of the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence (also known informally as the ‘foreign agents law’ or the ‘Russian law’), which labels organisations receiving more than 20 per cent of their funding from abroad as ‘agents of foreign influence’, was an early indication of the government’s trajectory. CSOs were quick to mobilise against the proposed law and widespread protests against the law erupted. These were met with numerous instances of gross violations of the right to peaceful assembly, including systematic violence by law enforcement officers. Activists, journalists, and politicians (and their family members) faced intimidation, psychological violence, and physical assaults.
Another concerning development was the adoption and enactment of the Law on Family Values and the Protection of Minors in September/October 2024. This legislation bans same-sex marriage, prohibits LGBTQ+ individuals from adopting children, and criminalises the public expression of non-heteronormative relationships. Human rights groups have warned that the law institutionalises discrimination and legitimises violence against LGBTQ+ individuals.
The October parliamentary elections were widely criticised for alleged irregularities, voter intimidation and manipulation. The ruling Georgian Dream party was declared the winner, a result contested by opposition parties, CSOs and international observers. Mass protests erupted, with tens of thousands of people gathering in Tbilisi to demand new elections and denounce the government’s perceived authoritarian practices. The President supported the protesters, declaring the elections fraudulent.
On 28 November 2024, the ruling Georgian Dream party announced the suspension of EU accession talks, sparking mass protests. Riot police employed tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets to disperse crowds. By early December, over 400 protesters had been detained, with numerous reports of physical abuse during custody. Several journalists were arrested and physically assaulted while covering the events.
In December, amendments to the Administrative Offences Code and the Law on Assemblies and Demonstrations significantly increased penalties, introduced new offences and broadened the grounds for administrative arrests. The provisions appear aimed at targeting protesters and justifying police searches and confiscations.
By maintaining an environment of unpredictability, the government has strategically destabilised the CSO sector, discouraging long-term planning and effective advocacy. CSOs, once the backbone of Georgia’s democratic progress, are now grappling with questions of sustainability, operational viability, and their ability to continue advocating for human rights, transparency, and democratic principles.