The Democracy Research Institute applied to the Prime Minister and the Chairman of the Parliament with an initiative to alleviate the acute socio-economic problems in the villages located along the occupation line.

The situation in the mentioned villages has been complicated after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In 2023, representatives of the occupation forces killed two citizens of Georgia - Tamaz Ginturi and Vitali Karbaia. In Abkhazia, the annexation processes have been activated - the deployment of the military fleet in Ochamchire, the transfer of the territory of the Sokhumi airport and Bichvinta cottages to the actual ownership of the Russian state.

The on-site study of the problems of the villages by the Democracy Research Institute revealed that the most acute problem for the population is poverty and unemployment; In the conditions of borderization, the local population has to live in constant fear of kidnapping and illegal detention; Residents of some of the villages located along the occupation line cannot enjoy freedom of movement; Pre-school institutions and schools do not function in most of the villages; Internal roads are damaged in some of the visited settlements; The population is worried about the lack of land; There is a shortage of irrigation and drinking water in the villages; Pharmacies and medical centers are not functioning.

The result of all of the above is population migration; Villages are getting empty of young people. Therefore, additional efforts are needed to solve the socio-economic and infrastructural problems in the villages located along the occupation line. Along with efforts to be made at the local level, it is also important to regulate the issue at the legislative level.

The Democracy Research Institute appeals to the Prime Minister and the Speaker of the Parliament: