U.S. Mission to International
Organizations in Geneva

U.S. Statement at the Universal Periodic Review of Georgia

37th Session
Geneva, January 26, 2021 

As Delivered by Charles Bentley

The United States welcomes the Georgian delegation.  We recommend Georgia:

1. Enhance public confidence in the integrity of electoral processes, including by fully implementing OSCE/ODIHR recommendations, and by reforming election-related institutions, in cooperation with opposition parties, civil society, and other stakeholders;
2. Strengthen respect for rule of law by fostering judicial independence through reforms to empower individual judges and prevent informal governance by an influential group of judges known as the “clan,” by depoliticizing the justice system, and by merit-based appointments; and
3. Credibly investigate the abduction and rendition of Afgan Mukhtarli, hold to account those responsible for these acts, and enact reforms to prevent a recurrence.

We recognize the reforms Georgia has enacted since its last UPR, but urge greater action to strengthen checks and balances, justice and accountability, and to create an enabling environment for media, political and religious pluralism.