On December 21 and 22, 2024, the USAID Rule of Law Program held its final public talk series of the year in Kutaisi and Batumi. The events featured human rights expert, Giorgi Burjanadze, who talked about the evolution of human rights in Georgia and the challenges currently faced by the country. Over 70 participants, including lawyers, students, civil activists, and ordinary citizens, took part in a conversation about the significance of human rights protection and its impact on Georgia's democratic development.

Burjanadze, who served as Georgia’s Deputy Public Defender from 2017 to 2022, began by emphasizing that human rights are deeply rooted in the nation’s history. He pointed out that the first constitution of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, adopted in 1921, already enshrined universally recognized human rights, making it one of the most progressive constitutions of its time.

While acknowledging the political turbulence Georgia has experienced, Burjanadze emphasized the significant strides the country has made in human rights protection over the past three decades. However, he expressed concern that recent events, such as violent repression of peaceful protesters, indicate a decline in the protection of human rights, with civil liberties being severely eroded. Furthermore, Burjanadze highlighted concerns regarding the Georgian judiciary, which, in its current state, is unable to serve as a fair and impartial mediator.

The audience was highly engaged, asking questions about recent legislative amendments to the Administrative Offences Code of Georgia, particularly those allowing police arrests based on suspicion. They also discussed changes to the Public Service Law, under which the head of a primary structural unit and their deputy will no longer be considered professional civil servants; instead, they will be appointed through an administrative contract, significantly diminishing the labor rights protections for these individuals. Younger participants were eager to understand how these amendments align with human rights standards and how such developments might impact Georgia’s progress toward achieving the Euro-Atlantic integration enshrined in the country's constitution.