The Regional Rule of Law Forum held by the USAID Rule of Law Program on November 20, 2023, brought together over 70 representatives from justice sector institutions, universities, civil society organizations (CSOs), and media in the Imereti and Adjara regions to discuss best practices, encourage cooperation and advance the development of the rule of law and human rights.

In his opening comment, John A. Pennell, USAID Mission Director in Georgia, emphasized the significance of the rule of law as a core democratic principle ensuring justice, fairness, and equal protection for all citizens. He also congratulated Georgians on the recent recommendation toward European candidate status, reaffirming United States support. Mr. Pennell stated, "Today, we are celebrating the achievements of the rule of law hub that was established with the support of USAID and all of you here in Batumi and also in Kutaisi. These hubs advocate for the rights of citizens, introduce new justice initiatives, and support innovative policies that strengthen access to justice. Since March 2022, the rule of law hub in Batumi has promoted a culture of collaboration between legal professionals, helped increase understanding of the justice system and legal rights, and facilitated the engagement of local law students, academic experts, and policy debates about the justice needs of Georgian citizens."

Merab Turava, Chairman of the Constitutional Court of Georgia, stated in his welcome address, "There is no doubt that this significant assembly of practicing lawyers and representatives from various branches and specializations within the legal profession fosters the development of a robust professional dialogue. This, in turn, is imperative for upholding the constitutional principles of the rule of law. Through the presentation of thematic reports and engaging discussions, the divide between legal theory and practical application diminishes. This approach elucidates the strategies for addressing legal challenges that arise in real-world cases. Such a process is indispensable for ensuring the effective functioning of a legal state."

David Asatiani, Chairman of the Georgian Bar Association (GBA), broadly spoke about the actions taken and results achieved by the GBA with USAID support. "We have a longstanding partnership with USAID, dedicated to enhancing the legal field. Our collaboration consistently prioritizes quality, results, ideals, and values."

David Simonia, Director of the Legal Aid Service (LAS), praised the forum as an effort to keep the justice sector informed about the latest trends and experiences in European countries and the U.S. He emphasized that such interactions contribute to the enhancement of justice and the implementation of best practices across the region and the entire country.

Rector of Kutaisi Akaki Tsereteli State University Shalva Kirtadze, and Chairperson of the Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association Branch (GYLA) in Adjara Tamar Tsulukidze, highlighted the initiatives their organizations had implemented with USAID Rule of Law Program support - work that was enhancing legal education and access to justice in the Imereti and Adjara regions.

The sessions, facilitated by key stakeholders of the USAID Rule of Law Program, involved sharing and discussing strategies for actively protecting and respecting the rule of law. These discussions focused on enhancing the community's understanding of the rule of law concept and addressing critical challenges and best practices in safeguarding the best interests of children, including an examination of the role of mediation in family cases.

The event was organized as part of the USAID Rule of Law Program's regional Rule of Law Hub initiative. The Rule of Law Hubs work to promote the rule of law and ensure access to justice.  The hubs strive to enhance citizen understanding and application of the law and advocate for laws and policies that prioritize justice and human rights. The hubs enhance the delivery of justice in their respective localities by establishing connections with various stakeholders, including local courts, law faculties, CSOs, branches of the GBA, LAS, Public Defender’s Offices and private sector entities.

Since their establishment in in Batumi and Kutaisi in 2022, the Rule of Law Hubs and their key stakeholders have successfully executed various projects targeting the enhancement of access to justice for all, by training students and legal professionals and informing the communities about their rights and the legal means available to protect those rights.  

The USAID Rule of Law Program supports Georgia to establish an independent, accountable, well-functioning, and people-centered justice system that underpins the country’s security, prosperity, and democracy.