Thank you, Mr Chair.
I am delivering this statement on behalf of Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and my own country the United Kingdom.
Our countries express our deep concern about Georgia’s Foreign Agents Registration Act which came into force on 31 May 2025. This legislation represents a serious setback for democratic governance, civil liberties, and Georgia’s stated European aspirations.
As ODIHR has said, the Act profoundly impacts the work of civil society and all those working to defend human rights in Georgia. It undermines the independence of civil society and political plurality as well as restricting media freedom.
In doing so it also threatens the independent institutions and fundamental freedoms which all OSCE participating States – including Georgia – have agreed are essential foundations of democracy and regional security.
ODIHR has confirmed that it stands ready to use its longstanding expertise to assist Georgia. We encourage Georgia to work with ODIHR, civil society and other international actors to bring their approach into line with international human rights standards as well as OSCE principles and commitments.
The Act risks further isolating Georgia from its partners, by directly contradicting the democratic values and human rights standards that must underpin Georgia’s European future.
Our countries reiterate our unwavering commitment to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and support for the people of Georgia in their pursuit of a democratic, open, and European future. We urge the Georgian government to repeal or substantially revise this law.
