A series of alarming incidents in Akhalgori over the past few months and an audit by the de facto government have revealed serious violations of children’s rights. Reports of violence against children and abuse of administrative resources in de facto South Ossetia’s children’s institutions require immediate intervention.

In recent months, reports have been published detailing the alarming situation in the Akhalgori children’s home. Allegations against the director of the home, Ilas Bezhanov, include systematic intimidation of experienced staff, hostile work environment, frequent alcohol consumption in the children’s living area, inappropriate behavior towards underage girls, and physical and psychological violence against minors. These allegations are supported by eyewitness’ testimonies and investigation.

Particularly alarming information about neglect and abuse of children have been reported in the last three months. In May, a nurse of the institution reportedly physically and psychologically abused a 9-year-old child. Particularly disturbing was the report of an intoxicated nurse abusing a sick child. The woman was fired, but the abuse of children continued. In June, civil society activist Tamar Mearakishvili exposed new cases of physical and psychological abuse of a minor by the director of the orphanage, Ilas Bezhanov. The de facto prosecutor general’s office launched an investigation and officially confirmed on July 7 that “unacceptable methods” had indeed been used at the Akhalgori orphanage.

The director of the orphanage denies the allegations in public video messages and portrays them as a dirty political campaign. It is also alarming that Mearakishvili, who exposed violence against children, is receiving threatening and insulting messages.

Despite the official confirmation of violence and the seriousness of the allegations in the child protection system, Bezhanov remains in his position as director of the orphanage. The de facto government is trying to downplay or ignore incidents in the child care system, which is also proved by the actions of the de facto minister of health, Thomas Jigkaev, when he forbade staff from disclosing the fact of suspicious injuries received by Bezhanov in a restaurant. The cases of harassment and intimidation of activists who speak about violence against children are also alarming. All this shows the ineffectiveness of the de facto government and the disregard for the priority of the interests of the child.

The mentioned facts clearly demonstrate serious violations of the fundamental rights of children in Akhalgori. By not holding perpetrators of violence against children accountable, the de facto government creates a dangerous environment for the health and safety of people, especially vulnerable groups.

It is important to make a clear call, both in the format of the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism, as well as on all international human rights platforms working on children's issues:

• To launch an effective investigation into the cases of violence in the territory of de facto South Ossetia; to hold accountable all those who participated in violence against children and deliberate mismanagement of the child care system.
• To establish strong oversight mechanisms in order to ensure the safety, well-being, and protection of all children in care, and to provide victims with the necessary support and protection.
• The de facto authorities should ensure the protection of all civil society activists and witnesses to violence.