11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Approximately 240,000 ethnic Georgians remained displaced; 105,000 IDPs occupied collective centers in hotels, hospitals, and other civil buildings throughout the country; UNHCR reported that collective centers were not well adapted to serve as homes ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 22578]

"

Approximately 105,000 IDPs occupied collective centers in hotels, hospitals, and other civil buildings throughout the country, particularly concentrated in Tbilisi, Zugdidi, Kutaisi, Kobuleti, and Gori. The remaining 135,000 lived in private homes with relatives or friends. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that collective centers were not well adapted to serve as homes, and a foreign government continued its housing voucher program for vulnerable IDPs living in collective centers in Kutaisi."

Document(s): Open document

11.10.2007 - Source: Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (formerly Global IDP Project)

IDPs mention numerous barriers to receiving health care; it is easier to benefit from the services of the IDP polyclinics than hospitals used by the general public ("New IDP strategy awaits implementation; a profile of the internal displacement situation") [ID 21476]

"“Though many IDP children and their families have medical policies, and certainly use them when possible, they nevertheless mentioned numerous barriers to receiving health care. Even with these policies, IDPs mention having to wait months to get assistance for their children. Many medications and procedures still carry costs which either prohibit access to treatments by the poorest IDPs or result in families incurring serious debt to heal themselves and their children. Additionally, IDPs mentioned that it is easier to benefit from the services of the IDP polyclinics than hospitals used by the general public as they have often been refused care at these medical institutions. This is perhaps due to health care providers and IDPs themselves having had poor information as to the patient’s rights guaranteed by their health policies […]. Doctors also may have refused to provide treatment in fear that they would not be reimbursed later by the government. Unable to claim social help, families often go into debt to take care of medical expenses. This debt may take years to pay off and may put stress on their social networks and relations.[…]"

Document(s): Report

11.10.2007 - Source: Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (formerly Global IDP Project)

Report on internal displacement (background, causes, patterns), physical security, freedom of movement, subsistence needs (health, nutrition and shelter), patterns of return/resettlement and humanitarian access ("New IDP strategy awaits implementation; a profile of the internal displacement situation") [ID 21477]

Document(s): Report

06.2007 - Source: Freedom House

Most of the internally displaced persons are unable or unwilling to return because they fear for their safety ("Freedom in the World 2007") [ID 20543]

"Travel and choice of residence are limited by the ongoing separatist dispute. Approximately 200,000 ethnic Georgians who fled Abkhazia during the early 1990s are living in western Georgia, primarily in the Zugdidi district bordering Abkhazia. Most of these internally displaced persons are unable or unwilling to return because they fear for their safety. As much as 85 percent of the Abkhaz population holds Russian passports and receive social benefits as Russian citizens."

Document(s): Open document

15.03.2007 - Source: Institute for War and Peace Reporting

New restitution law came into force, promising compensation for refugees who suffered losses as a result of the conflict in South Ossetia of 1990-92; implementation of the law still far off ("Ossetia’s Abandoned Refugees") [ID 19184]

Document(s): Open document

15.03.2007 - Source: Institute for War and Peace Reporting

On January 1, 2007, a new restitution law came into force in Georgia, promising compensation for refugees who suffered losses as a result of the conflict in South Ossetia; set-up of a commission which would allocate the compensation money failed ("Ossetia’s Abandoned Refugees") [ID 20306]

"On January 1, 2007, a new restitution law came into force in Georgia, promising compensation for refugees who suffered losses as a result of the conflict in South Ossetia of 1990-92, which ended in South Ossetia de facto seceding from Georgia.

However, implementation of the law, which would dramatically improve the lives of the refugees, is still far off, as the two sides have failed to set up a commission which would allocate the compensation money.

The de facto authorities in South Ossetia have called the law a “PR action” and complained that they were not consulted when it was drawn it up.

Georgia’s government did not provide for the compensation payments in its 2007 budget and appears to be waiting for as yet unspecified assistance from the international community.

And the refugees themselves, the intended beneficiaries of the scheme, say they have not even heard of it."

Document(s): Open document

13.02.2007 - Source: Council of Europe - European Commission against Racism and Intolerance

Situation of internally displaced persons has not really improved; they are mainly dependent on government aid; that aid is inadequate to cover their basic needs; no direct discrimination against IDPs reported ("Second report on Georgia: Adopted on 30 June 2006 and made public on 13 February 2007 [CRI(2007)2]") [ID 19176]

"ECRI regrets that since the adoption of its first report, in June 2001, the situation of internally displaced persons has not really improved. Conditions are not yet right for peaceful return to either of these regions. ECRI notes, however, that in recent years people of Georgian origin have opted to return to the Gali region of Abkhazia (on this question see, below, “Areas currently not under the effective control of the Georgian authorities“). The others are scattered throughout the country and experiencing great difficulties, being especially vulnerable to the economic and social crisis which the country is undergoing and to the resultant high unemployment. Displaced persons have the same rights as other Georgians and no direct discrimination against them has been reported to ECRI. In addition there are various official and private schemes to help them socially and as regards access to employment. However they are mainly dependent on government aid, including the small monthly allowance paid to them. That aid is inadequate to cover their basic needs. They also face difficulties in integrating, although they are allowed to vote and stand for election in the places where they are living. While they rightly hope to be able to return home as soon as possible, which means that their present places of residence are temporary, ECRI believes that it must at all times be possible for them to feel fully part of the Georgian population. It is thus important that the majority community and the authorities should regard them as such."

Document(s): Open document

18.01.2007 - Source: International Crisis Group

IDP’s access to housing, land, jobs, social services and healthcare is inadequate; numbers of the displaced are disputed; Georgian ministry of refugees registered 209, 013 displaced from Abkhazia in 2005 ("Abkhazia: Ways Forward; Europe Report N°179 – 18 January 2007") [ID 18996]

"For Georgia, the most important conflict resolution task after status is the return of IDPs and refugees to Abkhazia. Most IDPs seem committed to return to their pre-war homes. They are among Georgia’s poorest and most vulnerable, with inadequate access to housing, land, jobs, social services and healthcare. Until recently the government did little to help with integration but in December 2006 it presented a draft national strategy for IDPs, which it pledged to carry out with an accompanying action plan. The latter acknowledges that IDP integration should be assisted without prejudice to the right of return. However, IDPs in general continue to be poorly represented in governmental bodies, political parties, the media and NGOs.[…]  

The numbers of the displaced are disputed. The 1989 Soviet census put the ethnic Georgian population of Abkhazia at 239,872. Almost all were forced to leave in 1993. In 2005, the Georgian ministry of refugees and accommodation, with UNHCR support, registered 209,013 displaced from Abkhazia, which includes some of the approximately 45,000 Gali returnees who wish to maintain their IDP status and the meagre benefits it provides. Ministry staff no longer stands by the 2005 figures and say the real number is 247,612.182 Abkhaz call this inflated and say there are no more than 160,000 displaced from Abkhazia currently in Georgia. "

Document(s): Open document

10.2006 - Source: International Federation for Human Rights

Several Internally Displaced Persons evicted by Special Operation Group and Criminal Police in Batumi ("Note: Situation of Human Rights in Georgia") [ID 18502]

"The situation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) is also a preoccupying issue.  

On June 28, 2006, after the deadline of the ultimatum delivered to IDPs by the local government which expired on the same day, many IDP were evicted, by Special Operation Group and Criminal Police, from the hotel "Meskheti", a hotel used to accommodate IDP in the city of Batumi. Three days before, criminal police started to increase their raids in front of the hotel building. They were registering each family on every floor. Later, Mrs. Mamuka Nakashidze, the Ministry of Healthcare in Adjaria, prolonged the deadline and offered the IDPs an alternative shelter in Makhinjauri. The building was being left without windows or doors.  

According to HRIDC, there were several ambulances near the hotel Meskheti and some of the victims were rushed to hospital. Journalists were forbidden to enter the hotel. However, the HRIDC journalist managed to get on the thirteenth floor. Each floor was full of the Special Operation Group members and policemen. Police members were giving the people a hand in getting rid of the domestic appliances by throwing them out the windows. Mr. Gela Siradze the lawyer of IDPs is going to sue in the General Prosecutor's Office. Mr. Levan Varshalomidze, the governor of the Adjaria autonomous republic and Ada Marshania deputy of Abkhazia Supreme Council, despite IDP's insisting for 4 days, did not meet them. Mrs. Marshania personally asked the criminal police not to raid the civilians. People were also waiting for the Ombudsman, Mr. Sozar Subar but in vain. Only his representative, Mr. Sopo Khorguani arrived in Batumi on the next day and stated that serious violations took place. "

Document(s): Open document

10.2006 - Source: International Federation for Human Rights

According to the Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of IDPs, IDPs live in miserable conditions and have limited access to land, housing and employment; returnees are targets of serious crimes ("Note: Situation of Human Rights in Georgia") [ID 18503]

"During his mission to Georgia in December 2005, the Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons, said he was “shocked by the miserable living conditions of many IDPs.” He denounced the fact that IDPs had “limited access to land, housing and employment, and are therefore more susceptible to poverty than the rest of the population” and that “returnees continue to be the targets of serious crimes such as armed attacks, abductions, forced disappearances, robberies, including the confiscation of agricultural products, and explosions.”"

Document(s): Open document

15.09.2006 - Source: International Crisis Group

Political representation of Abkhaz IDPs in Georgian Parliament is null; this October IDPs will have first opportunity to participate in elections; several NGOs were formed by IDPs to advocate their rights ("Abkhazia Today; Europe Report N°176") [ID 17237]

"As IDP’s political influence through the government-inexile diminishes, their ability to express themselves through the regular political process becomes more crucial. The first countrywide local elections since the Rose Revolution provide an opportunity in October 2006 for IDPs to actively participate in political life. [...] Until 2001, IDPs were banned from voting in local government elections, as they were not considered permanent residents in their municipalities. [...] Now, however, they are part of the standard electoral register. Currently there are no MPs in the Georgian parliament explicitly representing the IDPs. Until late 2004, Abkhazia and the IDP community were represented in the parliament by eight MPs, who had been elected in 1992. Article 127 of the 2001 election code allowed these to stay in the parliament “until the jurisdiction of Georgia is fully restored in Abkhazia and necessary conditions are established for elections of Members of the Parliament of Georgia”. Amendments in September 2004 abolished Article 127. Since then those seats have been vacant. IDPs do not have their own political parties, and IDP issues rarely are featured in political party programs. Several strong, local NGOs have been created by IDPs to advocate their rights and provide assistance. In 2002 a Caucasus-wide coalition of IDP NGOs (Gringo) was set up. The government in exile has a TV station that transmits weekly, a radio station, and a newspaper (the Voice of Abkhazia) with a very small circulation. It also maintains an information website. IDPs do not formally take part in either the Geneva or Sochi processes. However they are active in other contacts."

Document(s): Open document

15.09.2006 - Source: International Crisis Group

Monthly allowances for IDPs amount to $ 8 and food is rarely distributed; IDP`s children access to education is restricted due to their poor financial situation; health care is provided by special medical mobile teams, but IDPs are often unaware of it ("Abkhazia Today; Europe Report N°176") [ID 17238]

"IDPs benefit from targeted allowances and social services but sums are miserly, and in the past were hollowed out by corruption. The Saakashvili administration has ended the worst corruption, and allowances are paid on time, but despite promises there have been no increases. The monthly allowance of less than $8 does not cover an individual’s monthly food needs, and food is rarely distributed by local or international agencies. Although IDP children are entitled to free education at state schools and to certain higher education benefits, access to education is poor and illiteracy is increasing. Many families cannot afford textbooks, adequate clothing or shoes. A Zugdidi-based NGO estimates that the number of IDP children without access to education is as high as 20 per cent in collective centres of the Samegrelo region.  According to the government in exile’s healthcare ministry, there are 33 IDP-exclusive health facilities. In addition 21 larger collective centres in Samegrelo, Imereti and Tbilisi have clinics. Special medical mobile teams periodically conduct on-site screening and treatment of IDPs. But IDPs are often unaware of their healthcare benefits, and quality treatment is largely inaccessible, mostly due to cost. An IDP general health insurance system was abolished recently because the government wants a single strategy for all vulnerable citizens. One of the most crucial IDP social issues is employment. Although unemployment is high – 15.7 per cent – for the general population, it is much greater, 40 per cent among IDPs in collective centres. The law tasks local authorities to “assist IDPs in job placements” with consideration of their profession and qualification but 3,000 staff cuts over a few months in the exile structures have added to the unemployed."

Document(s): Open document

01.08.2006 - Source: World Organisation Against Torture

Report on violence against women (legal background, institutions and structures promoting women’s rights, violence in the family, violence in the community, internally displaced women) ("Violence against Women in Georgia") [ID 15870]

"Since 2005 medical aid for IDPs has been abolished. Services to them are provided through municipal programmes. According to the law emergency help is either free of charge or the state covers 60-70% of expenses. For this reason 2 hospitals are allocated in Tbilisi. However in one of them, Republican Hospital, the chief doctor declared that only Tbilisi inhabitants should be provided with free emergency medical services and that municipal aid did not apply to IDPs. There are worse cases happening in the regions."

Document(s): Open document

30.06.2006 - Source: Civil Georgia

Abhaz president called on Georgian authorities to improve social conditions of Georgian internally displaced persons (IDPs) and added that Abkhaz authorities will not let Georgian IDPs enter Abkhaz territory ("Bagapsh Calls on Tbilisi to Improve Social Conditions of IDPs") [ID 15557]

Document(s): Open document

29.06.2006 - Source: Civil Georgia

Adjaria: Internally displaced persons (IDPs) protesting against authorities' rehousing plan in Batumi due to lack of compensation ("IDPs Protest Rehousing Plan in Batumi") [ID 15555]

Document(s): Open document

08.06.2006 - Source: Institute for War and Peace Reporting

IDPs now living in Black Sea hotels had to move until 20 May to make way for a hotel project; 500 families have not agreed to the compensation package and have not moved ("Refugees Unhappy with Georgian Hotel Project") [ID 15541]

Document(s): Open document

24.03.2006 - Source: UN Human Rights Council (formerly UN Commission on Human Rights)

Voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons is regulated by 1994 Quadripartite agreement and 1996 Law of Georgia on Forcibly Displaced Persons; IDPs are entitled to free use of public utilities, monthly allowances and lately they have regained right to vote in elections; repossession of their properties is being solved ("Report of the Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons; mission to Georgia, Addendum [E/CN.4/2006/71/Add.7]") [ID 17114]

"14. In 1994, the Georgian and Abkhaz sides (the Parties), together with the Russian Federation and UNHCR, signed the Quadripartite agreement on voluntary return of refugees and displaced persons, based inter alia on “the right of all citizens to live in and to return to their country of origin”as enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. [...] The Agreement obliges the Parties to ensure, inter alia, that returnees will be protected from harassment, that they have their expired identity and residence documents extended and their lost property restituted or, if not possible, will be duly compensated, to which end the establishment of a property claims mechanism was envisaged. [...]The Agreement remains the only document relevant to the return of IDPs and refugees signed by the parties. [...]   15. The 1996 Law of Georgia on Forcibly Displaced Persons - Persecuted Persons defines the legal status of IDPs in Georgia, establishes their legal, economic and social entitlements, and aims at ensuring respect and realization of their rights and legal interests,such as free choice of residence within Georgia. Benefits include the use of public utilities free of charge at the temporary residence of IDPs, as well as monthly financial allowances from the Government. Those recognized as particularly vulnerable are entitled to free medical services.The law further envisages the return of private property to returnees and/or compensation for damages thereof, and obliges national and local authorities to “create necessary social and economic conditions for the safe living of the Persecuted Person at his/her place of permanent residence”. Despite these positive aspects, the law and ensuing policies of the former Government focused on return as the only desirable solution and created many obstacles to the local integration of those IDPs who were willing to start a new life away from their pre-war communities.   16. Legislative improvements in recent years have restored the right of IDPs to vote in local and parliamentary elections and to stand for elections themselves. In 2003, the Constitutional Court declared that legal provisions making it impossible for IDPs to acquire property without losing their national IDP status were unconstitutional.33 A Draft Georgian Law on Rehabilitation and Restitution of Property of Victims of the Georgian-Ossetian Conflict, recently submitted by the Government of Georgia to the international community for comments, is an indication of its willingness to facilitate the repossession of property and thereby the sustainable return of displaced persons. [...] Numerous NGOs run projects beneficial to or expressly targeting IDPs, such as income-generation projects, medical assistance and psychosocial rehabilitation, extra-curricular education for IDP children, promoting human rights awareness and vocational training."

Document(s): Open document

24.03.2006 - Source: UN Human Rights Council (formerly UN Commission on Human Rights)

IDPs are deterred from returning back home because property restitution is not resolved; recently government has privatized collective centres in Georgia, providing them to IDPs for housing or investment; situation in collective centres is not meeting adequate living standards; more than 96,970 IDPs live in these centres ("Report of the Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons; mission to Georgia, Addendum [E/CN.4/2006/71/Add.7]") [ID 17116]

"31. Some 96,970 IDPs (43.76 per cent of all registered IDPs) are living in one of the more than 1,500 remaining collective accommodation centres. The abject poverty in these centres is, by contrast to the situation of IDPs living in host families, well-documented and familiar also to the Government. Around 70 per cent of these centres do not meet minimum standards, with inadequate access to clean water, unsafe electric systems, and insufficient insulation. Representative visited some of these centres where IDPs have been living for over a decade, often without receiving any support from the Government or the international community. He was concerned about the absence of running water in some of the places he visited, the badly unhygienic conditions and the exposure of inhabitants to the cold, as no repairs to doors, windows and crumbling walls had been undertaken. The Representative hence concluded that these conditions were clearly not in accordance with the right to an adequate standard of living, including the right to adequate housing, as provided for by guiding principle 18. On top of that, some collective centres were located in relative isolation, forcing children to walk several kilometres to school and complicating access to health care particularly for the elderly. [...] 37. Land and property issues strongly influence the decisions of IDPs whether or not to return and are also at the heart of the authorities’ approaches to promoting returns, particularly concerning South Ossetians displaced from other places in Georgia. Much of the latter’s property is now reportedly occupied by others, with some real estate having changed owners multiple times. Previous attempts by the Government of Georgia to draft legislation regulating the restitution of property of displaced South Ossetians were deemed unacceptable by the Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetian de facto authorities and found incompatible with international standards by United Nations legal experts.Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetian de facto authorities fear that even when an adequate property restitution law will finally be adopted in Georgia, many South Ossetians would experience major difficulties to regain houses through a cumbersome legal process, and would thus continue to be unable to return.   38. Remaining houses in the Gali district are often damaged and many remain empty, with repossession problems resulting mainly from the lack of (access to) construction material and skills as well as the insecurity prevailing in the region. Nevertheless, leading Georgian government officials, in an effort to prevent future problems, plan to take stock of all property left behind by IDPs on the Abkhaz side, in order to ensure that lawful property owners are not deprived of their entitlement in their absence, thus keeping open the possibility for repossession. 39. The Government’s recent strategy to privatize collective centres in Georgia and assist IDPs to acquire private apartments aims at providing them with property for use as private housing or business investment in lieu of the accommodation they were forced to abandon. Civil society representatives shared with the Representative their fears that, due to the absence of a comprehensive privatization policy, particularly vulnerable groups among IDPs might lose out in the process and would consequently find themselves in even more precarious situations."

Document(s): Open document

06.02.2006 - Source: Council of Europe - Parliamentary Assembly

Number of displaced persons is put at 237,069; under Georgian legislation displaced person`s status is granted regardless of citizenship; New Approach policy launched to help displaced persons integrate, especially by creating work opportunities, is bearing fruit ("Refugees and displaced persons in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia [Doc. 10835]") [#43664], [ID 6099]

"9. In Georgia, the figures are also vague and legislation has been slow to adapt. The number of displaced persons is put at 237,069, a figure which shows little variation. According to statistics gathered during the visit to Georgia, this figure includes 224,938 persons from Abkhazia alone, who are unevenly distributed between the regions of Georgia, with a very strong presence in the Tbilisi and Samegrelo (Mingrelia) areas. The number of persons displaced from the former autonomous oblast of South Ossetia is put at 12,131; the same remark may be made about their distribution between the regions of Georgia, with very high densities in Tbilisi and Kartli. The Georgian legislation in force since 1998 does not take account of citizenship in determining a displaced person’s status. Any person forced to leave his or her home for a number of reasons and who moves within the territory of the country is eligible for displaced person status, granted by the Ministry of Refugees and Settlement. [...]
16. [...] the Georgian Government and various UN agencies have launched a new policy for improving the overall living conditions of displaced persons, known as the "New Approach". [...] The assistance programmes that were set up did very little to help displaced persons to restructure their lives and take responsibility for themselves, without placing a burden on their host communities. The result was in fact worse because displaced persons’ conditions not only did not improve, but weighed so heavily on local communities [...]
17. One example of this is the plight of the local population and displaced persons in Tskhaltubo, formerly one of Georgia’s leading health resorts. A large number of displaced persons live there – especially elderly people, women and children – in extremely precarious conditions (often with no water or electricity), virtually hidden from the view of the local population. These people have hardly any resources, and the only substantial aid comes from time to time foreign charitable and humanitarian organisations. The town is suffering from a lack of interest on the part of investors, who are put off by the large numbers of displaced persons. [...] Your Rapporteur did, however, find it highly symbolic that the elected head of the local council is himself a displaced person. This is proof of solidarity in misfortune.
18. It was to remedy this type of situation, therefore, that the New Approach was launched. A fund of over one million dollars was created, with contributions from the agencies mentioned above. 20 grants are to be awarded on a competitive basis to selected micro-projects. For example, an abandoned tea factory in the Tskhaltubo area has been bought up and restored to working order. It provides work for several dozen displaced persons, who at the same time receive new accommodation, distinguished by the fact that it is mobile, and a small loan enabling them to grow crops and raise cattle or run a farmyard. In this way, displaced persons enjoy temporary integration without this preventing a future return to their ancestral home.
19. This new-style development assistance in Georgia seems to be bearing fruit, so much so that displaced persons in Tskhaltubo who had initially refused to leave the sanatorium to embark on this new life are apparently now taking an interest in the project. [...]
20. A presidential commission set up to carry out policy reform and gradually take over the aid programmes is working in collaboration with the Fund’s technical experts. [...] In the meantime, private business on some occasions also substantially contributes to providing assistance for displaced persons. Thus, hundreds of displaced persons housed provisionally in the "Abkhazia" and "Iveria" hotels in Tbilisi were able to buy homes in Tbilisi or in the provinces after these hotels were bought by private interests (who therefore "footed the bill" for the relocation of these displaced persons). Some isolated similar solutions have been achieved in other objects occupied by displaced persons. However, as a rule, the buildings of the kind are not attractive enough for investors.

III.2 Specific problems raised during the visit to western Georgia

22. The situation in Zugdidi, in Mingrelia, is particularly difficult in human terms. Here, 120,000 displaced persons are living in public buildings (mainly factories) which are in an advanced state of dilapidation. [...] In addition to the lack of running water and electricity, the groundwater was polluted, thus adding to the risk of an epidemic at a time when tuberculosis is again prevalent in Georgia. These people are left in a deplorable state of neglect, in some cases, tragically, by members of their own families, the most able-bodied of whom seek refuge elsewhere. And that was by no means the worst. Like all displaced persons, the people living there receive a monthly allowance of 11 lari, or about 5 euros. Those IDPs who live outside of collective centres, receive a monthly allowance of 14 lari. This sum being far from sufficient to meet all their needs, displaced persons run up debts which they are often unable to repay.
23. [...] The electricity bill which is supposed to cover the needs of displaced persons is paid directly by the government, however, as some representatives of local governments claim, the sums paid substantially exceed the cost of electricity consumed. [...] the electricity supplied by various private companies is often cut off, or else there is no power at all. Displaced persons are asking for the corresponding sum to be paid to them directly, while the local authorities are asking for it to be transferred to them. However, the government is reluctant to change the existing system in order to prevent corruption [...] The government, for its part, is in favour of installing meters in the places where displaced persons live – a measure [...] rejected by the electricity companies – and calculating the amount to be paid by it on the basis of actual consumption; it expects this measure to put an end to electricity supply problems. [...]

IV. Main political and legislative problems still outstanding

38. Georgia is faced with a serious problem of funding together with a dilemma between the desire of forcibly displaced persons to return to their homes and the lack of the necessary security for such returns to take place. So far, the New Approach [...], which is concerned with the temporary integration of displaced persons, has not been formally embodied in any legal text [...] legislative steps are being taken to amend the law on IDPs."

Document(s): Open document

01.2006 - Source: Human Rights Center

Thousands of Georgians who fled from Abkhazia and South Ossetia live in difficult economic conditions; since statuses of the regions are not recognized, the IDPs are regarded as awaiting return ("Next Stop – Belarus?; Human Rights Report 2005; Georgia") [#43007], [ID 6100]

For documentation of individual cases please refer to the original document

"Many thousands of Georgian families have fled their homes in Abkhazia and South Ossetia as a result of the hostilities in those regions. Having abandoned their property and much of their belongings, many of them find themselves in a very difficult socio-economic situation. Although government does provide them with support, this often is insufficient to make up for the losses and to build a normal life. The situation is aggravated by the fact that their status is not really settled. As officially the separate statuses of the two regions are not recognized, the refugees are still regarded to be temporarily evicted from their lands and awaiting return. Seeing the unlikelihood of this happening in the near future, such indecisive policy only prolongs the hardships of these people and does not bring them any closer to a final settlement."

Document(s): Open document

31.12.2005 - Source: ReliefWeb

Georgia Employment and Infrastructure initiative started a Community Activity Network, which runs a database with information on development initiatives in Georgian communities; economic and social infrastructures and enterprise development are the main g ("Georgia: Humanitarian and development update Dec 2005 (UN Country Team in Georgia)") [#42042], [ID 6021]

"Georgian Employment and Infrastructure Initiative - One Year in Georgia
On 15 December 2005, CHF International organized Georgia Employment and Infrastructure Initiative (GEII) results and coordination event. The purpose of the event was to expose stakeholders to results of the GEII project in the first year, community leaders, and and GEII's new coordination mechanism, the Community Activity Network (CAN) Database. During the year, the programme has outreached to more than 700 communities, mobilized and trained 193 communities, launched/completed 250 projects targeting 200,000 beneficiaries and organized a study tour to Serbia.Total value of community projects is US$2,522,417, covering the following fields: economic infrastructure, social infrastructure and enterprise development. GEII implements its activities in Samtskhe-Javakheti, Kvemo Kartli, Kakheti, Mtskheta-Mtineti, Shida Kartli, Racha-Lechkhumi, Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti and Imereti regions. The goal of the development of the Community Activity Network (CAN) database is to promote NGO-Government community coordination and partnership. […] The CAN database is a public searchable web-based resource enabling NGOs, government and other stakeholders to post information about Georgian communities with which they work and projects they are undertaking. […] The database is an essential resource for the strategic coordination of development initiatives. CHF encourages all development agencies (including government, NGOs, CBOs and community groups) to enter information on any recent development initiatives taken place in Georgian communities nation-wide. […] The CAN database can be accessed at www.chf.ge."

Document(s): Open document

31.12.2005 - Source: ReliefWeb

During his mission in Georgia, the Representative of UN Secretary-General on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons expressed dissatisfaction at misery of some of the IDPs; he suggested that existing legislation be revised and integration of IDPs reinforced ("Georgia: Humanitarian and development update Dec 2005 (UN Country Team in Georgia)") [#42042], [ID 6101]

"The Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons, Mr. Walter Kälin completed an official mission to Georgia which took place from 21 to 24 December 2005 […] Mr. Kalin expressed his great dissatisfaction seeing the misery some IDPs are still living in, more than a decade after the main hostilities ceased. Many of the more than 200,000 IDPs have no income and are dependent on meager state benefits, and so cannot afford basic necessities of life. The Representative noticed that host communities often faced similar hardship, as unemployment is generally high and poverty widespread. However, according to him, internally displaced persons have to cope with additional problems not encountered by the wider population. He noted that IDPs are largely marginalized and isolated, do not know what the future will bring for them, and continue to suffer from the psychological effects of the war.
Georgian Government officials informed the Representative about the commitment of IDPs to return to their areas of origin, and acknowledged that whether or not to do so would be their free choice. […]
Existing legislation aspects of which might de facto negatively affect the welfare and rights of IDPs may need to be revised. In practical terms, integration would mean offering adequate accommodation to IDPs in order to close collective centres, as well as creating economic opportunities allowing them to sustain themselves. Their participation in public life, including elections, needs to be promoted and improved. In his opinion, supporting IDPs to lead a normal life does not exclude, but actually reinforces the option of eventual return. […]
The full report of his findings and recommendations will be presented at the 2006 UN Commission on Human Rights."

Document(s): Open document

28.12.2005 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Abkhazia: UN called on authorities to protect rights of internally displaced ethnic Georgians who fled Abkhazia and want to return there ("UN Urges Abkhaz Authorities To Protect Ethnic Georgians") [#41015], [ID 6022]

Document(s): Open document

19.10.2005 - Source: UN Security Council

According to Georgia`s Ministry of Refugees and Accommodation number of internally displaced persons fell from 241,032 in November 2004 to 214,018 in June 2005 ("Report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Abkhazia, Georgia [S/2005/657]") [#38393], [ID 6023]

"12. Between December 2004 and June 2005, the Ministry of Refugees and Accommodation of Georgia, with financial and technical support from UNHCR, verified the number of internally displaced persons in Georgia. According to the results, which were made public on 25 August, the number of internally displaced persons in Georgia had decreased since November 2004 from 241,032 to 214,018, with 201,634 of them being from Abkhazia, Georgia."

Document(s): Open document

10.2005 - Source: UK Home Office

There are still 230,000 IDPs from Abkhazia, 12,200 from South Ossetia and 2,600 refugees from Chechnya; in 2004 Georgian government was unable to facilitate return of South Ossetian refugees home ("Operation Guidance Note: Georgia") [#39388], [ID 6102]

"3.6.2 Treatment. The 1992 ethnic conflict in South Ossetia created tens of thousands of IDPs and refugees. In 1997, the UNHCR began a programme to return IDPs and refugees; however, both sides created obstacles that slowed the return. During 2004, the South Ossetian separatists continued to obstruct the repatriation of ethnic Georgians to South Ossetia, although some families returned. The Government recognised the right of Ossetian refugees to return to their homes but was unable to facilitate returns, due to its limited authority in South Ossetia. Government opposition to the return of illegally occupied homes has prevented the return of Ossetian refugees to Georgia proper. Approximately 2,700 persons continued to be displaced as a result of hostilities at the end of 2004. [...]
3.6.4 The internal conflicts in Abkhazia and South Ossetia remain unresolved and although ceasefires were in effect in both areas, sporadic incidents of violence occurred in Abkhazia, the neighbouring region of Samegrelo, and South Ossetia. These conflicts and the problems associated with approximately 230,000 IDPs from Abkhazia, 12,200 from South Ossetia, and 2,600 refugees from Chechnya pose a continued threat to national stability. In spite of these considerable numbers of IDPs from the separatist regions, there is no evidence that ordinary South Ossetians or Abkhazians are discriminated against or ill-treated by either state or non-state agents in other regions of Georgia."

Document(s): Open document

12.04.2005 - Source: Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (formerly Global IDP Project)

Report on internal displacement (background, causes, patterns), physical security, freedom of movement, subsistence needs (health, nutrition and shelter), patterns of return/resettlement and humanitarian access ("Profile of internal displacement: Georgia") [#31252], [ID 6024]

Document(s): Open document

05.11.2004 - Source: Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (formerly Global IDP Project)

Report focused on internally displaced in the OSCE area ("Trapped in displacement: Internally displaced in the OSCE area") [#27448], [ID 6025]

Document(s): Open document

25.08.2004 - Source: Institute for War and Peace Reporting

Tbilisi: Abkhaz refugees, who have lived in the Hotel Iveria since they fled the war in Abkhazia, are facing eviction ("Georgian Refugees Face Eviction") [#25140], [ID 6026]

Document(s): Open document

28.04.2004 - Source: Institute for War and Peace Reporting

Saakashvili recently announced that he wanted a complete re-count of the number of people displaced by the 1992-93 war in Abkhazia, saying that the current number of refugees - 260,000 - is grossly inflated ("Georgia's Refugee Recount") [#21783], [ID 6027]

"Georgia's new president Mikheil Saakashvili stunned supporters and critics alike with a recent announcement that he wanted a complete re-count of the number of people displaced by the 1992-93 war in Abkhazia.

Saakashvili's declaration was a bolt from the blue, and is the most dramatic sign yet of a general shift by his new administration towards a more conciliatory line with the breakaway republic.

"The current number of refugees - 260,000 - is grossly inflated," Saakashvili told a cabinet meeting on April 5, as he ordered government agencies to carry out a proper audit of the true number of internally displaced persons, IDPs, currently living in Georgia."

Document(s): Open document

20.08.2003 - Source: BBC News

17 refugee women (from the separatist region of Abkhazia) seized a hostage in Tbilisi for several hours threatening to set themselves on fire; the protest ended when officials promised to help them with their housing situation ("Georgian refugees free hostage") [#15393], [ID 6028]

Document(s): Open document

22.07.2003 - Source: Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation

Statements of interview partners with regard to the general situation of IDPs ("Reisebericht Georgien 18. - 25. Mai 2003") [#14436], [ID 6029]

"Nach Angaben des vom Norwegischen Flüchtlingsrat (NRC), Global IDP Project,
herausgegebenen Berichts zur Situation von Binnenvertriebenen in Georgien, wird die Zahl
der Binnenflüchtlinge auf 280.000 (bei einer Gesamtbevölkerung von ca. 5,2 Mio) geschätzt.36 Die meisten der Flüchtlinge sind laut OSZE als Opfer von so genannten
„ethnischen Säuberungen“ zu betrachten.37 Etwa 90 Prozent der intern Vertriebenen
(249.000) in Georgien sind ethnische GeorgierInnen, die ihre ursprünglichen Wohnorte
während der gewaltsamen Konflikte zwischen Abchasien und Georgien 1992 - 1993
verlassen mussten. Die Zahl der Binnenvertriebenen aus Süd-Ossetien wird auf ca. 12.000
geschätzt.38
Der Norwegische Flüchtlingsrat (Norwegian Refugee Council – NRC) sei neben Tbilisi auch in
Westgeorgien und im Pankisi-Tal tätig. Dagegen seien intern Vertriebene aus Südossetien
nicht vom Mandat des NRC umfasst. Schwerpunkte würden in den Bereichen psychosoziale
Betreuung, Menschenrechtserziehung, Sensiblisierung für Genderfragen und traumatisierte
Personen liegen. In Suchumi unterstütze NRC ein Ausbildungszentrum für (intern
vertriebene) Lehrer. Von einer Rückkehr intern Vertriebener nach Abchasien könne
eigentlich nicht gesprochen werde. Im Übrigen würden sich die georgischen Behörden
weigern, Rückkehrbewegungen, die ohnedies nur in minimalem Ausmaß ([saisonal] nach
Samegrelo, Gali region) stattfänden, als solche zu akzeptieren. Während die abchasischen
Behörden von 40.000 bis 60.000 Rückkehrern sprächen, würden diese Zahlen von Tbilisi als
viel zu hoch bezeichnet werden. Bei den meisten Rückkehrern handle es sich eigentlich um
Pendler, die tagsüber in Abchasien arbeiten würden und die Nacht in Georgien verbrächten.
Die Lage in Abchasien sei nach wie vor äußerst instabil. Nachdem 1998 mit der
Unterstützung freiwilliger Rückkehrer begonnen wurde, sei es erneut zum Ausbruch von
Feindseligkeiten gekommen, die den Rückzug internationaler Organisationen zur Folge
gehabt hätten. In der Gali Region, die de facto unter georgischer Kontrolle stehe, betreibe
NRC lediglich ein human rights education programme. Darüber hinaus gebe es vor Ort die
oben angeführte Lehrer-NGO und eine Beratungsstelle für intern Vertriebene. In Kutaisi
habe NRC im Rahmen eines shelter rehabilitation-Programms mehrere Einfamilienhäuser für
intern Vertriebene errichtet, die an Planung und Ausführung beteiligt worden seien.
Schließlich habe NRC im Pankisi-Tal ein Frauenzentrum mit einem Kindergarten errichtet, in
dem Englisch- und Computerkurse angeboten würden. Grundsätzlich seien für NRC folgende
Bereiche prioritär: Unterbringung, Nahrungsmittelverteilung, Erziehung und Rechtsberatung.
Das “Georgian center for treatment and rehabilitation of torture victims”, die “Foundation
for development of human resources” und das “International centre for conflict resolution”
hätten als implementing partners gewonnen werden können."

Document(s): Open document

22.07.2003 - Source: Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation

Economic and social situation of IDPs ("Reisebericht Georgien 18. - 25. Mai 2003") [#14436], [ID 6030]

"Die allgemeine wirtschaftliche und soziale Lage intern Vertriebener aus Abchasien sei sehr
schlecht. IDPs seien deutlich stärker von Arbeitslosigkeit betroffen als die übrige Bevölkerung.
Wenn überhaupt, könnten sie nur mit einem Job als Parkplatzwächter rechnen oder im
Klein(st)gewerbe aushelfen. Was die Wohnsituation angeht, so würden die überwiegende
Mehrheit der Binnenflüchtlinge in so genannten Kollektivzentren (collective centres) leben,
von denen sich die meisten in einem katastrophalen Zustand (insbesondere die
Sanitäranlagen und Küchen) befänden. Auch würde laut UNHCR noch mit Holz geheizt
werden, was darüber hinaus zu einem sehr ungesunden Klima in den Gebäuden beitrage.
UNOCHA/UNDP verweisen in ihrem Bericht vom Juni 2003 über die Rechte von
Binnenvertriebenen darauf, dass viele intern Vertriebenen bereits seit elf Jahren in praktisch
nicht mehr bewohnbaren Gebäuden leben. Darüber hinaus gebe es Informationen darüber,
dass die zuständigen Behörden illegale Mieten von intern Vertriebenen verlangten. Nach
Ansicht von UNOCHA/UNDP komme der Staat seiner Verpflichtung, für die adäquate
Unterbringung der Binnenvertriebenen zu sorgen, nicht nach und verletzte damit nicht nur
georgisches, sondern auch internationales Recht.39 In privaten Kollektivzentren seien intern
Vertriebene darüber hinaus mit Räumungsversuchen der Betreiber konfrontiert, um die
Gebäude gewinnbringender zu nutzen. Eine Räumung dürfte dem Gesetz nach allerdings
erst dann verfolgen, wenn die Eigentümer alternativen Wohnraum zur Verfügung stellten.
NRC zufolge müssten IDPs allerdings weder in Zelten noch auf der Straße leben.
Laut UNOCHA/UNDP sei die Regierung dazu verpflichtet, allen intern vertriebenen Personen
monatlich eine finanzielle Beihilfe zu zahlen, unabhängig davon, ob die betreffende Person in
einem Beschäftigungsverhältnis stehe oder arbeitslos sei. Die Unterstützungsleistung betrage
allerdings deutlich weniger als das festgesetzte Existenzminimum.40 Die Höhe der Beihilfe
richte sich nach Art der Unterbringung. So bekämen Binnenvertriebene, die privat
untergekommen seien, pro Monat 14 Lari, Personen in den Kollektivzentren erhielten 11
Lari.41 Laut NRC stehe diese Beihilfe jedem Familienmitglied zu. Die Auszahlung der
staatlichen Unterstützung für minderjährige Kinder setzte deren Registrierung voraus. Die Auszahlung von Beihilfen und Pensionen werde nach Ansicht des NRC durch Korruption
(auch solcher auf höchster Ebene) beträchtlich erschwert. Im Rahmen der jährlichen
Neuregistrierung der IDPs würden vom zuständigen Ministerium Listen der Begünstigten
erstellt, die anschließend zur Überprüfung an die Behörden in den Regionen weitergeleitet
werden. Im Lauf dieses langwierigen Prozesses würden viele Namen aus den Listen
gestrichen werden, wobei meist nicht klar sei, wer dafür die Verantwortung trage. Auch die
häufig fehlerhafte Schreibweise der Namen der Begünstigten trage zu Problemen bei der
Auszahlung bei.
Um in den Genuss der monatlichen Beihilfen zu kommen, müssten sowohl der
Personalausweis (ID-Card) als auch die so genannte IDP-Card, die den Vertriebenenstatus
des/der Karteninhabers/in bescheinigt, vorgelegt werden.42 Viele intern Vertriebene würden
noch über Sowjetpässe verfügen, aus denen der Ort der ursprünglichen Registrierung
hervorginge. Da diese Rubrik in den georgischen Personalausweisen nicht mehr vorgesehen
sei, würden viele IDPs lieber auf die monatlichen Beihilfen verzichten, als das einzige
Dokument abzugeben, mit dem sie ihre Herkunft belegen könnten.43
Während intern Vertriebene auf Gemeindeebene kein passives Wahlrecht hätten, käme
ihnen das aktive Wahlrecht seit dem letzen Jahr uneingeschränkt zu.
Die abchasische IDP-community zeichne sich durch besonders enge familiäre Bindungen aus,
weshalb die Lage von behinderten, allein erziehenden und älteren IDPs wenigstens nicht
schlechter sei, als jene der restlichen Bevölkerung.
UNHCR reduziere seine Hilfsprogramme für IDPs in Westgeorgien. Man unterstütze aber vor
allem die Rehabilitierung von Schulen (Heizung, Fenster etc.) und andere Maßnahmen zur
Verbesserung der Infrastruktur in den Herkunftsregionen der Binnenvertriebenen. Trotzdem
habe es bislang nur sehr wenig Rückkehrer gegeben. UNHCR sei der Ansicht, dass möglichst
erst nach Verbesserung der politischen Situation mit einer Rückführung begonnen werden
könne. Eine Rückkehr nach Süd-Ossetien würde UNHCR nur dann unterstützen, wenn sich
die Rückkehrerwilligen in ihren ursprünglichen Herkunftsorten niederließen. Auf die Art wolle
man das Wiederaufleben ethnischer Konflikte vermeiden. UNHCR unterstütze Familien, die auf Wiederansiedlung warten: 110 Lari pro Monat für 1
Person, 160 für zwei, 200 für 3 und 250 für 4 Personen."

Document(s): Open document

22.07.2003 - Source: Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation

Access to health care for IDPs ("Reisebericht Georgien 18. - 25. Mai 2003") [#14436], [ID 6031]

"Der Gesundheitszustand vieler IDPs sei – nicht zuletzt infolge einseitiger oder unzureichender
Ernährung – laut NRC deutlich schlechter als der der Allgemeinbevölkerung. Was die
gesetzlichen Regelungen über die staatliche Gesundheitsfürsorge für Binnenvertriebene
betrifft, so soll auch hier auf den im Juni 2003 von einer gemeinsamen Arbeitsgruppe von
UNOCHA und UNDP herausgegebenen Bericht über die Rechte von intern Vertriebenen
verwiesen werden. UNOCHA/UNDP zufolge genießen intern Vertriebene den gleichen
Zugang zur Gesundheitsversorgung und die gleichen medizinischen Standards bei der
Behandlung wie die Allgemeinbevölkerung. Obzwar ein Teil der Binnenvertriebenen in den
Genuss von Versicherungspolizzen kämen, welche kostenlose medizinische Versorgung mit
einmaliger Übernachtung, Gesundheitsdienste, Verschreibung von Basismedikamenten und in
einigen Fällen stationäre Behandlung abdecke, bleibe der Mehrheit der intern vertriebenen
Personen diese Rechte verwehrt, da entweder sie oder das zuständige medizinische Personal
über diese Unterstützungsleistungen nicht vollständig informiert sind. UNOCHA/UNDP geben
an, auf mehreren Reisen in Regionen mit einer großen Vertriebenenpopulation zahlreiche
Verletzungen des Rechts auf Zugang zur Gesundheitsversorgung für intern Vertriebene
festgestellt zu haben.44
Was beispielsweise die Fortsetzung einer im Ausland begonnenen Psychotherapie angehe,
sei dies nach Ansicht von NRC zwar nicht völlig ausgeschlossen, angesichts der geringen
Anzahl zur Verfügung stehender Betreuungsplätze aber sehr unwahrscheinlich."

Document(s): Open document

22.07.2003 - Source: Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation

Access to education for IDP children ("Reisebericht Georgien 18. - 25. Mai 2003") [#14436], [ID 6032]

"Ebenso wie die Normalbevölkerung hätten Binnenvertriebene laut NRC keine Probleme beim
Zugang zu Volks- und Mittelschulen. Obgleich der Schulbesuch offiziell kostenlos sei, hätten
intern Vertriebene genauso wie Kinder der Allgemeinbevölkerung für Unterrichtsmaterialien
und Lehrer zu zahlen. Nach Angaben von UNOCHA/UNDP sehe der Gesetzgeber neben
dem kostenfreien Zugang zu staatlichen Sekundärschulen Unterstützungsleistungen im
Bereich der höheren Bildung vor. Dennoch sei unter intern vertriebenen Kindern eine
zunehmende Analphabetisierung zu beobachten. Dies könne man vor allem auf die
fehlenden finanziellen Mittel der IDP-Familien zurückführen. So könnten sich viele Familien beispielsweise nicht den Kauf von Schulbüchern leisten oder ihre Kinder mit entsprechender
Kleidung oder Schuhwerk ausstatten, um ihnen den Schulbesuch zu ermöglichen.45"

Document(s): Open document

22.07.2003 - Source: Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation

Legal framework conditions ("Reisebericht Georgien 18. - 25. Mai 2003") [#14436], [ID 6033]

"Intern Vertriebene seien nach Ansicht des NRC häufig nicht über die bestehende
Gesetzeslage informiert und wüssten daher auch nicht, worauf sie Anspruch hätten. Dies sei
nicht zuletzt auf die Desinformationspolitik der Regierung zurückzuführen.46 Die Behörden
würden beispielsweise unter den intern Vertriebenen das Gerücht verbreiten, dass diese
Grund und Boden nur unter der Voraussetzung der Meldung in der Grundstücksgemeinde
erwerben könnten, was der Gesetzeslage schlicht widerspräche. Auf diese Weise werde den
Betroffenen suggeriert, dass sie durch den Erwerb von Grund und Boden ihren
Vertriebenenstatus verlören.47
Um die internationale Gebergemeinschaft von der Dringlichkeit finanzieller Unterstützung zu
überzeugen, versuche die Regierung die Zahl der intern Vertriebenen so hoch wie möglich
zu halten. Hier sei vor allem auch auf die Möglichkeit der Weitergabe des
Vertriebenenstatus an EhepartnerInnen und Kinder zu verweisen. In diesem Zusammenhang
betont UNOCHA/UNDP, dass Ehepartner ihren Vertriebenenstatus auch nach der Scheidung
beibehalten können. Darüber hinaus kann auch in den Fällen, wenn nur ein Elternteil
Vertriebenenstatus genießt, bei beiderseitigem Einverständnis dem Kind der
Vertriebenstatus zuerkannt werden.48
Im Gegensatz zur restlichen Bevölkerung gälten IDPs als an ihrem früheren Wohnort
gemeldet. Dessen ungeachtet stehe IDPs – etwa zum Zweck des Erwerbs von Grund und
Boden – eine befristete Meldung („temporary registration“) am aktuellen Wohnsitz offen. Die
georgischen Behörden seien allerdings bestrebt, befristete Meldungen von intern
Vertriebenen möglichst hintan zu halten.
Wer georgisches Territorium verlasse, gehe nach Angaben des NRC grundsätzlich des IDPStatus
verlustig. Da die georgischen Behörden allerdings an möglichst hohen IDP-Zahlen
interessiert seien, um auf diese Weise den Gebietsanspruch auf Abchasien zu unterstreichen,
sei nach Auffassung des NRC nicht davon auszugehen, dass Rückkehrern der IDP-Status
vorenthalten werde. Allerdings könne nicht ausgeschlossen werden, dass die freigewordenen Plätze in den Kollektivzentren inzwischen anderen intern Vertriebenen zugeteilt worden
seien, was Rückkehrer in eine Existenz bedrohende Lage bringen könnte. Nach Angaben von
UNHCR hätten abgelehnte AsylwerberInnen nach ihrer Rückkehr keinen Anspruch mehr auf
die Unterbringung in einer der Sammelunterkünfte."

Document(s): Open document

04.06.2003 - Source: Amnesty International

On living conditions of Internally Displaced Persons; reportedly IDP's have no full access to medical care; frequent attacks on Georgian returnees to Abkhazia (German) ("Stellungnahme v. 4.6.2003 an VG Sigmaringen - A 4 K 10303/02 -") [#14093], [ID 6034]

Document(s): Open document

29.05.2003 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Project to return internally displaced Georgians to the Gali region could be crucial to reviving peace talks ("29.05.2003 - RFE/RL: Georgian-Abkhaz Peace Process Focuses On Security In Border Region") [ID 6104]

"A political settlement between Georgia and separatist Abkhazia remains far off. But officials involved in the latest UN efforts to advance the peace process say a project to return internally displaced Georgians to the province could be crucial to reviving peace talks. The UN mission in Georgia has completed a study of security needs in the Gali region and there is expected to be growing pressure on the two sides to reach a deal. But progress is likely to be slow, in part due to political divisions among Abkhaz leaders.[...]"

Document(s): 29.05.2003 - RFE/RL: Georgian-Abkhaz Peace Process Focuses On Security In Border Region

15.05.2003 - Source: Prima News

Ministry of Justice forced a group of Georgian refugees from Abkhazia out of their temporary accommodation at the Geology Institute in Tbilisi ("Georgia’s justice ministry evicts refugees") [#15871], [ID 6035]

Document(s): Open document

13.11.2002 - Source: Refugees International

Refugees International: Humanitarian Situation of IDPs ("Hope Slipping For Georgia’s IDPs") [#9728], [ID 6039]

"The displaced population is scattered throughout Georgia. Most have settled in urban areas, in available buildings in the Samegrelo (bordering Abkhazia) and Imereti regions in the west and in Georgia’s capital city, Tbilisi. Originally the host populations accepted the IDPs and Chechen refugees with open arms, but, with time, the large IDP influx has put a strain on the host community. In one location several resort hotels once used by vacationers are now used to house IDPs. Thus, the host population’s livelihood has been taken away and there are not enough resources to accommodate everyone. The economic collapse of Georgia following the dissolution of the USSR left many people in a bad situation – not just the IDPs. The majority of IDPs are dependent on State assistance – often distributed with a delay. One aid worker reported, “It is clear the IDPs’ situation is getting worse and worse.”

The Georgian government officially sanctioned some of the housing, while at other locations IDPs squat in deserted buildings. In either case, the housing is crowded and in disrepair. One aid worker told RI, "You can’t rehabilitate something that needs to be rebuilt." In some buildings, exposed wiring has started fires and burned holes in the walls. One building RI visited had lost a piece of its ceiling, fatally injuring someone passing underneath. At another location, IDPs reside very close to an area where nuclear waste was recently unearthed. These conditions, coupled with a lack of water and expensive heating costs, make their accommodations nearly uninhabitable. In addition to inadequate shelter, there is a diverse array of needs among the displaced population. In the last few years both international and local aid agencies, where not hampered by insecurity, have attempted to make a transition from assistance to integration and development through the “New Approach Policy.” [...]
Another problem is corruption. “It’s too hard to find anyone honest in government,” RI was told repeatedly. For fear of companies importing products duty free under the guise of humanitarian aid, the Georgian government has imposed an import tax. Also, the Georgian government has found other ways to profit from NGOs. RI learned that international organizations have to buy data from the Ministry of Statistics even though foreign aid constitutes 25 percent of the economy. One NGO requested RI, “Tell the world to wake up and push the Georgian government to allow NGOs to work freely"

Document(s): Open document

04.06.2002 - Source: Council of Europe - Parliamentary Assembly

Council of Europe: The total number of internally displaced persons and IDPs and refugees in Georgia accounts for approximately 250 – 270 000 ("Situation of refugees and displaced persons in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia [Doc. 9480]") [#7836], [ID 6036]

"60. The total number of internally displaced persons and IDPs and refugees in Georgia accounts for approximately 250 – 270 000[8] refugees and displaced persons. The principal cause of the current refugee/IDPs situation is to be found in the conflicts in South Ossetia in 1991-92 which resulted in 50 000 displaced people, and in Abkhazia in 1992-93 which uprooted approximately 200 000. A small number of refugees (approximately 8 000 people) has been staying in Georgia since the outbreak of the recent conflict in Chechnya."

Document(s): Open document

04.06.2002 - Source: Council of Europe - Parliamentary Assembly

Council of Europe: Distribution and humanitarian situation of internal displaced persons ("Situation of refugees and displaced persons in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia [Doc. 9480]") [#7836], [ID 6038]

"62. The displaced population is scattered throughout Georgia. The vast majority (72%) live in the urban areas and in particular in Tbilisi (88 680 persons) and Samegrelo-Imereti (144 500 persons) areas in Western Georgia. They are mainly peasants who find it very difficult to adapt to urban conditions.

63. Most of the displaced (60%) live in private accommodation with host families. Usually they pay for accommodation. There have been reports of eviction. About 40% live in collective centres, mainly former hotels, hospitals and public buildings in very precarious conditions. Approximately half of these buildings are in poor or very poor condition with roofing, sewerage and glazing in need of urgent repair. Water systems not designed with a capacity for the number of people now using them have been strained and also need repair. Overcrowding, limited access to facilities, such as toilets or kitchens, and the conditions of accommodation which are especially bad in collective centres are common problems.
[...]
65. Unemployment rate among the displaced population is twice to three times higher than for the local population. In rural areas, displaced rely partly on the land plots provided by the State for temporary use but the land provided is often of poor quality and too distant from accommodations. A survey by the Norwegian Refugee Council concluded that over 50% of the IDP households consistently lacked adequate clothing, and 70% were without enough food.

66. The vast majority of the displaced population has been dependent on State assistance. IDPs are entitled to social aid especially in the form of a small monthly financial assistance which is far below the minimum survival food basket cost and is often distributed with a delay. Other forms of assistance include positive discrimination on the labour market, allocation of land plots, and free and partially free access to various service benefits. However, the increasing transfer of public services to the private sector reduces the right of the displaced to a free access to these services to almost nothing."

Document(s): Open document

04.06.2002 - Source: Council of Europe - Parliamentary Assembly

Council of Europe: Return of refugees from Abkhazia ("Situation of refugees and displaced persons in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia [Doc. 9480]") [#7836], [ID 6105]

"76. For those willing to return, prospects are not clear. Political dialogue between the Abkhaz authorities and the Georgian Government under the auspices of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General has not resulted in any agreement between the two parties regarding the future status of Abkhasia within Georgia. The 1999 Act of Independence has made the possible solution even more illusory.

77. The Abkhaz authorities however have tolerated the return of ethnic Georgians to the Gali district since 1999. Between 30 000 and 60 000 persons have returned to their homes mainly on a seasonal basis and are commuting with the place of displacement in Georgian controlled area after the harvest. These people complain that they receive no help to reconstruct their houses. It seems that many of them would be able to do on their own if they received construction materials.

78. However, the main obstacle to durable returns is the lack of security in the Gali district, mainly as a result of banditry and confrontations between Abkhaz forces and uncontrolled Georgian groups. Displaced persons remember that the violence which broke out in 1998 resulted in the renewed displacement of some 30 000 returnees. Tensions have risen again recently in the security zone between Abkhazia and Georgia when a helicopter carrying UN monitors was shot down in October 2001. There were also new reports on shelling of villages on both sides. The international forces composed of Russian soldiers are perceived by the displaced population as partial and hostile towards returnees.

79. Antipersonnel mines are another major concern. The majority of landmines are located near the Inguri river separating Georgia and Abkhazia. Outside Abkhazia, mines pose dangers to civilians in Georgia mainly in areas near the border with Abkhazia and near Russian military bases which have been mined. There continue to be reports of armed groups from Georgia laying antipersonnel mines in the Abkhazia region.

80. Another problem concerns the use of the Georgian language in Gali district schools. However, the authorities have recently shown some signs of flexibility regarding the matter."

Document(s): Open document

04.06.2002 - Source: Council of Europe - Parliamentary Assembly

Council of Europe: Poor economy and precarious security situation explain the insignificant level of return movements ("Situation of refugees and displaced persons in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia [Doc. 9480]") [#7836], [ID 6106]

"81. Although of a smaller scale, internal displacement from and within South Ossetia (also referred as the Tskhinvali region) has not proved easier to solve. The war in 1991-1992 displaced up to 30 000 ethnic Georgians from the area and pushed 37 000 ethnic Ossetians to North Ossetia in the Russian federation[9].

82. Under the auspices of the OSCE and UNHCR, an agreement was reached regarding the return of refugees and internally displaced persons in 1997. Since then the authorities in South Ossetia and in Georgia have done little to facilitate the return of ethnic Georgians to South Ossetia or ethnic Ossets to Georgia. The poor economy in South Ossetia and lack of will to enforce property rights in South Ossetia or elsewhere in Georgia explain the insignificant level of return movements so far. The absence of political will to return has discouraged donors from supporting development and transitional assistance programmes while funding for humanitarian assistance is decreasing.

83. With respect to security conditions, though active hostilities have long since ended and the ceasefire continues to hold, security incidents of a criminal nature pose risks to returnees, the local population and international personnel. Ethnically targeted incidents of harassment and violence were reported and are a particular risk in ethnically mixed villages, to which returns have begun.

84. The presence of UNHCR in the region (since 1997) was widely regarded, by returnee communities, the local population, the authorities and international personnel alike, as having made a major contribution to the security of returnees and the population at large, as well as to a general climate of reconciliation and confidence building.

85. The Georgian and South Ossetian sides have achieved substantial agreements on joint action against criminality. A joint Law Enforcement Coordination Body was formed in February 2000 with a Peacekeeping Force, South Ossetian, and local Georgian law enforcement authorities participating.

86. In addition to protection and physical security, repair and restitution of property is another prerequisite for return. UNHCR has been repairing or rehabilitating shelters for returnees since 1997 (more than I 000 shelters). However, UNHCR and NRC have scaled back their shelter rehabilitation

87. On the other hand, the local authorities in Georgia have not enforced the property rights of ethnic Osset potential returnees currently displaced in South Ossetia and refugees in North Ossetia whose pre-war place of residence was in Georgia proper. One of the major obstacles to their return is the issue of property restitution. It is reported that legal claims by returnees to their homes and property are usually denied and even when they are successful in obtaining a judicial eviction order, it is frequently not implemented by local officials. According to estimations, the property rights of as many as 60 000 - 80 000 persons could have been violated."

Document(s): Open document

06.2002 - Source: US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants

US Committee for Refugees: More than 264,000 persons remained internally displaced in Georgia at the end of 2001 ("World Refugee Survey 2002 - Georgia") [#10678], [ID 6037]

"In addition, more than 264,000 persons remained internally displaced in Georgia at year’s end. The overwhelming majority (about 252,200) were ethnic Georgians di