Georgia PA

As part of the CACAT project's preparation activities, the Georgian team has developed a rich and meaningful contribution that combines research, analysis, and artistic expression. Their work is divided into two key components. First, the participants prepared a comprehensive research paper and visual presentation exploring the landscape of discrimination and inclusion in Georgia. This research highlights major issues affecting religious and ethnic minorities, foreigners, children with disabilities, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Drawing from real-life incidents, statistical data, and social analysis, the presentation sheds light on both the challenges and the grassroots efforts led by youth and NGOs to build a more inclusive society.

Discrimination and Inclusion Issues in Georgia

Georgia, a nation with a rich cultural tapestry, faces various challenges related to discrimination and inclusion. While progress has been made, certain groups continue to experience prejudice and limitations in accessing fundamental rights and opportunities.

Firstly, let's address religious and ethnic discrimination, which remains a concern in various Georgian cities, particularly affecting minority communities. For example, sources such as Georgia's public defender, local NGOs and various independent research institutions state that the Azeri community in the Kvemo Kartli region, specifically Marneuli and Bolnisi, frequently reports being marginalized in local self-government decision-making processes. This often translates to their voices not being adequately heard or considered in policies that directly affect their lives. Furthermore, there are documented restrictions on the construction or expansion of mosques, which infringes upon their religious freedom. This leads to feelings of exclusion and a sense of being second-class citizens.

Next, let's speak about Georgia's growing international presence. 2014 demographic research of Georgia's population shows that 13.2%(about 500k people) of the residents are not ethnically Georgian. 2025 Research of one of the Georgian investment banks - "TBC capital" - states that in 2024/25 there are 187.8k students in Georgian universities, 20% of which are foreigners(37.1 k). 55% of foreign students are from India, 7% are from Jordan, 6% are from Israel. Alongside that, Georgian National Tourism Administration in their "Georgia Tourism 2025" strategy emphasizes attracting visitors from countries with higher per-visitor expenditure. This influx of foreigners coming into Georgia has highlighted instances of discrimination against foreigners. For example, there was a case of harassment of an Indian Bolt Courier. A notable incident involved an Indian Bolt courier experiencing verbal abuse and discrimination, highlighting xenophobic sentiments present in some segments of society.

Next, we should highlight that children with disabilities in Georgia often face significant barriers to inclusion, particularly concerning accessibility and education. Public transportation, especially in regions outside the capital Tbilisi, is often not adapted for children with disabilities, limiting their mobility and participation in community life. Moreover, many public schools lack adapted infrastructure (ramps, accessible restrooms) and a sufficient number of special educators. This severely hinders their access to quality education, leading to educational disparities and social isolation.

Gender-based discrimination remains a pervasive issue in Georgia, despite legal frameworks aimed at promoting equality. Organizations like Union "Sapari" actively work to combat discrimination against women, focusing on issues such as domestic violence, gender-based violence, and women's political and economic empowerment. Their work often involves legal aid, advocacy, and awareness campaigns. The continued need for such organizations highlights the persistent challenges women face in achieving full equality.

Lastly, Discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community is a particularly sensitive and challenging issue in Georgia, often leading to violence and legal restrictions. The planned "March for Dignity" during Tbilisi Pride on July 5, 2021, was canceled after far-right and radical groups physically assaulted journalists and supporters of the LGBTQ+ community. This incident underscored the strong opposition and violence faced by the community. More recently, in September 2024, transgender woman Kesaria Abramidze was tragically murdered in her home, occurring just one day after the adoption of a law significantly restricting LGBTQ+ rights. These events highlight a concerning trend of escalating violence and institutionalized discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in Georgia.

Art and youth initiatives play a crucial role in addressing discrimination and promoting inclusion in Georgia. They provide platforms for dialogue, challenge societal norms, and empower marginalized communities. Young people are at the forefront of many anti-discrimination efforts. Youth organizations regularly organize workshops, discussions, and public campaigns on topics such as tolerance, diversity, and human rights. They often utilize social media to spread messages of inclusion and challenge hateful narratives. Youth-led projects might involve peer education, creating safe spaces for marginalized groups, or advocating for policy changes at local and national levels. For instance, youth groups have organized flash mobs to raise awareness about accessibility for people with disabilities or conducted online campaigns against hate speech. "Dance, Move, Act" project in Kutaisi is also a strong example of how combining art (dance, painting, photography) with youth-focused initiatives can directly address issues of discrimination and promote inclusion by creating opportunities, challenging perceptions, and building a more accepting community.

Despite the challenges, numerous individuals and organizations in Georgia are actively working to combat discrimination and foster a more inclusive society. Many local NGOs are dedicated to specific causes, such as Union "Sapari" for women's rights, organizations supporting people with disabilities to advocate for accessible infrastructure and inclusive education, and groups working for the rights of ethnic and religious minorities. These organizations often provide legal aid, psychological support, and advocacy services to victims of discrimination. There are numerous "local heroes" in Georgia – dedicated educators who champion inclusive education in their schools, community activists who tirelessly advocate for minority rights, and journalists who bravely report on discrimination, often at personal risk. For example, a school principal who goes above and beyond to ensure their school is accessible and welcoming for children with disabilities, or a grassroots activist who consistently organizes peaceful protests against hate speech, are vital to fostering positive change. Efforts to promote understanding and cooperation among different religious and ethnic groups are crucial. Local initiatives that bring together community leaders, youth, and cultural representatives from diverse backgrounds help to break down stereotypes and build bridges of communication.

The fight against discrimination and for greater inclusion in Georgia is an ongoing process. While real-life cases highlight the persistent issues, the growing number of dedicated organizations, youth initiatives, and individual heroes offer hope for a more equitable and tolerant future.

sources:

• https://tbccapital.ge/static/file/202507171837-finalge-education-sector-general-higher-jul-25.pdf 
• https://eu4georgia.eu/dance-move-act-bringing-inclusive-art-workshops-to-kutaisi/ 
• https://www.investor.ge/2024/05/28/how-georgia-is-going-green-to-transform-its-tourism-sector/ 
• https://iset-pi.ge/en/blog/3340-attracting-high-spending-international-tourists-to-georgia 
• https://www.scribd.com/document/777368338/Georgia-Beyond-Arrivals-Emerging-Opportunities-for-Georgian-Firms-in-Tourism-Value-Chains 
• https://1tv.ge/lang/en/news/national-tourism-administration-launches-europe-and-uk-marketing-campaign-to-elevate-georgias-global-profile/ 
• https://humanrightshouse.org/human-rights-houses/tbilisi/ 
• https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2024/georgias-anti-lgbtq-measures-raise-fears-of-hate-crimes-in-the-conservative-south-caucasus-nation/ 
• https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2025/country-chapters/georgia 
• https://1tv.ge/lang/en/news/suspect-arrested-in-premeditated-murder-of-transgender-woman-kesaria-abramidze/#:~:text=Kesaria%20Abramidze%20was%20tragically%20killed,%D0%9A%D0%B5%D1%81%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B0%20%D0%90%D0%B1%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%B8%D3%A1%D0%B5 
• https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/5/georgia-lgbtq-activists-cancel-pride-march-after-violence#:~:text=Tbilisi%20Pride%20said%20it%20could,Church%20leaders%20and%20anti%2DLGBTQ 
• https://www.coe.int/en/web/tbilisi/reinforcing-gender-equality-and-implementing-grevio-recommendations-to-combat-violence-against-women-and-domestic-violence-in-georgia#:~:text=Reinforcing%20gender%20equality%20and%20implementing,Georgia%20%2D%20Council%20of%20Europe%20Office 
• https://georgia.un.org/en/160140-time-end-violence-against-women-and-girls-georgia 
• https://1tv.ge/lang/en/news/public-defender-despite-legislation-guarantees-rights-persons-with-disabilities-face-challenges/ 
• https://www.unicef.org/georgia/reports/cost-raising-child-disabilities-georgia 
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309188687_ACCESS_AND_BARRIERS_TO_EDUCATION_ATTITUDES_AND_PERCEPTIONS_OF_ETHNIC_MINORITIES_LIVING_IN_GEORGIA 
• https://ombudsman.ge/eng/siakhleebi/sakhalkho-damtsvelis-spetsialuri-angarishebi-etnikuri-umtsiresobebis-tsarmomadgeneli-kalebisa-da-gogoebis-uflebriv-sakitkhebtan-dakavshirebit#:~:text=Public%20Defender's%20Special%20Report%20on,and%20Girls%20of%20Ethnic%20Minorities 
• https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-report-on-international-religious-freedom/georgia/ 
• https://www.geostat.ge/ka 

Presentation of this research can be found in the following file 

Posters from Georgian Team 

In addition to the research, the Georgian participants also created a series of powerful visual posters, using art as a tool to express messages of unity, tolerance, and human rights. These posters reflect the voices of young people standing up against discrimination through creativity and collective action. Together, these materials represent the commitment of Georgian youth to raise awareness, inspire dialogue, and promote social change. Both the research presentation and the posters will be available on this webpage as part of the CACAT project's effort to document and share impactful youth-led initiatives.