OSCE-supported anti-torture action plan signed off by officials and NGOs in Georgia

TBILISI, 8 September 2003 - Top government officials and representatives of non-governmental organizations in Georgia agreed on a National Action Plan against Torture for 2003 to 2005.

The Plan, which is the result of a joint programme set up by the OSCE and the country's National Security Council launched this May, represents a comprehensive nation-wide approach against torture and inhumane treatment in Georgia. Its goal is to bring the country's legislation and practice into line with OSCE and other international standards.

"This is a major step ahead in combating torture in Georgia", said Hans Wesseling, Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to Georgia on the occasion of the presentation of the Action Plan. "The OSCE stands ready to support the Georgian government in the implementation of this plan".

Facilitated by the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the Action Plan has been developed in the course of a broad discussion process involving local law-enforcement bodies in eight regions of Georgia as well as organizations and individuals committed to combating torture.

"This Plan has been put through a unique, all-inclusive and transparent process", said Rusudan Beridze, Deputy Secretary of the National Security Council of Georgia. "I am looking forward to implementing it."

The Action Plan will be presented to Georgia's President and is expected to come into force by presidential decree within the next few days.

The OSCE Mission to Georgia will continue to provide technical and consultative assistance to the National Security Council in implementing the Action Plan until the end of 2005.