The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has published a new report, with a dedicated chapter focusing on the grave human rights situation in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region.

The report sets out a series of specific recommendations aimed at protecting the rights of people living in the affected areas:

Freedom of movement – The OHCHR calls for:

• the lifting of restrictions imposed along the administrative boundary lines;
• the reopening of all crossing points;
• the implementation of the above measures without delay.

·      Rights of ethnic Georgians and internally displaced persons (IDPs) – Effective and prompt responses to human rights violations, particularly those affecting ethnic Georgians and internally displaced persons living in the Gali and Akhalgori districts.

• Investigation of crimes and accountability – The OHCHR calls on the parties to investigate all alleged violations of the right to life, as well as all cases of torture and ill-treatment, and to ensure accountability.
• Work of international organisations – The report underscores the importance and necessity of promoting dialogue and ensuring that international organisations can operate freely and without obstruction.
• Combating discrimination and the right to education – The UN Human Rights Office places particular emphasis on the protection of vulnerable groups, calling on the parties to address discrimination and gender-based violence. It further urges them to ensure women and girls have safe access to social and healthcare services, enjoy equal economic, social and cultural rights, and have access to quality education, including education in their mother tongue.