LocationsUNDP and Germany Partner with Civil Society for Awareness Campaign
Fostering Environmental Justice in Georgia
August 8, 2024
Photo: UNDP/Giorgi Shengelia
Recognizing the human right to a clean and healthy environment, safeguarded by the UN resolutions and the Constitution of Georgia, UNDP, and the German Government joined forces with the civil society organization ‘GEO – Georgia’s Environmental Outlook’, to launch an environmental justice information campaign.
From February through July 2024, the campaign spread across nine municipalities, engaging diverse social groups of different ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, and ethnic origins. Up to 300 people attended in person, while the online reach exceeded 300,000.
The campaign featured various events and activities, including workshops for youth, journalists, civic activists, and human rights defenders; information sessions for local communities; and discussions with professional lawyers. Articles, videos, and animated infographics were shared across Georgia’s media and digital platforms, spreading crucial messages about protecting environmental rights.
A key event was a thought-provoking forum in July, featuring well-known environmental activists, human rights defenders, community leaders, and prominent journalists. This forum provided an engaging platform to discuss specific environmental cases, emphasise citizen participation, and explore ways to advance environmental justice in Georgia.
"Disadvantaged communities often bear the brunt of environmental injustices, affecting both their surroundings and livelihoods. It is essential for everyone to fully understand their environmental rights and know how to defend them."Esther Lena Wagner, Deputy Head of Mission, the Embassy of Germany to Georgia
“In 2022, the United Nations acknowledged that a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is a universal human right. This landmark decision highlights that the well-being of humanity hinges on making health and the environment our top priorities. In partnership with the German Government and Georgian civil society, our environmental justice campaign draws public attention to urgent environmental challenges and informs people how to protect their environmental rights through accessible legal mechanisms.”Nils Christensen, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Georgia
“Georgia’s Constitution guarantees the right to a clean and healthy environment, access to environmental information, and participation in environmental decision-making. However, the actual implementation of these critical rights remains challenging. Public awareness, meaningful participation, and active engagement are among the most effective ways to move forward to achieving environmental justice for all.”Khatuna Gogaladze, Head of ‘GEO – Georgia’s Environmental Outlook’
Background Information:
Through the US$1.62 million 'Improving the Rule of Law and Access to Justice for All' project, UNDP and Germany enhance the capacities of rule of law institutions and promote legal empowerment and socio-economic resilience among disadvantaged communities in Georgia. Inclusive access to justice is one of the areas covered by the project.
Media Contacts:
- Sophie Tchitchinadze, UNDP, +995 599 196907, sophie.tchitchinadze@undp.org
- Elene Sakvarelidze, UNDP, +995 599 003944, elene.sakvarelidze@undp.org
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