The USAID Rule of Law Program supports the Public Defender’s Office (PDO) to prepare its Strategic Litigation Action Plan for 2023-2024. As part of that support, on June 6-7, 19 PDO staff met to discuss ongoing cases and identify new priority areas for the Strategic Litigation Division in a meeting facilitated by the Rule of Law Program.

Deputy Public Defender Elene Ghudushauri delivered a welcoming speech, expressing gratitude for the Rule of Law Program’s support for the PDO and its Strategic Litigation Division. Ms. Ghudushauri highlighted the significance of such meetings in enhancing the effectiveness of the PDO's strategic proceedings. She also outlined the main priorities for constitutional proceedings, particularly emphasizing the need for effective protection of criminal procedural rights and freedom of expression.

Mikheil Sharashidze, Head of the PDO’s Strategic Litigation Division, provided updates on the implementation of the 2022 Strategic Litigation Action Plan and reported on complaints filed with the PDO. The new priority areas for the upcoming strategic plan include cases related to criminal justice and fair trial, equality, disability rights, children's rights, and social, civil, and cultural rights.

Eka Bokuchava, the Access to Justice Adviser of the USAID Rule of Law Program, emphasized that strengthening strategic litigation remains a key priority for the Rule of Law Program. Ms. Bokuchava expressed satisfaction that the review was taking place and highlighted the importance of addressing legislative challenges identified during the work process. The previous year demonstrated that active legal discussions on problematic issues submitted to the Constitutional Court significantly increases the chance of successful case resolution. She also expressed the Program’s commitment to strengthening coordinated cooperation between the PDO and the non-governmental sector and supporting initiatives that contribute to the development of the strategic litigation sector.

Representatives from various PDO units, including the Strategic Litigation Division, Criminal Law, National Prevention Mechanism, Gender Equality, Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Child Rights, and Civil, Political, Economic, and Social and Cultural Rights, attended the meeting. The participants discussed 19 potential thematic issues to be included in the new action plan.