The public defender advises Koba Subeliani to emphasize certain aspects of the eviction process of IDPs

The public defender shares the inevitability of the long-term eviction of IDPs, issued by the government order (according to 2009-2012 state strategy concerning the IDPs). The ombudsman addresses the Ministry of IDPs from the Occupied Territories, Accommodation and Refugees to emphasize on the certain aspects of the eviction process.

The public defender and his office followed each process of eviction. The public defender thinks that there is a danger that the refugees will develop distrust towards the Ministry that will complicate the implementation process of the future plans. According to the monitoring, several types of problems are revealed.

“The IDPs, as a rule, were warned 5 days before the eviction. The IDPs indicated that often the warning was given in an oral form. The short term for eviction does not give the IDPs a chance to empty the buildings. The situation is hardened by the fact that the IDPs of different categories live in the buildings. And the Georgian legislation ensures different kinds of treatment and legal guarantees for each category,” – states the public defender.

According to the public defender, the IDPs do not have any information about the alternative residence places or alternative residence place does not satisfy the minimal standards of living conditions.

“According to the explanations of the IDPs, the eviction process itself has an abusive nature. Often, the verbal assault takes place. Incidents of improper treatments are reported. Sometimes, the IDPs note even about a physical assault. I think that more communication is needed between the relevant authorities and the IDPs. The IDPs should have precise understanding and information from the Ministry of IDPs, Accommodation and Refugees,” – states George Tugushi.

According to the public defender, also, it is important to give the IDPs an opportunity to preliminary visit the alternative place and make an informed choice.

The public defender is continuing the monitoring of the eviction process. Besides, the public defender addressed the Ministry of IDPs, Accommodation and Refugees and requested the necessary information for conducting the legal study of the process.