Statement by NGOs regarding the 6th anniversary of the 2008 Russo-Georgian war

On 8 August, 2014 was the 6th anniversary of the Russo-Georgian war. The 2008 August war is one of the most tragic events in the recent history of Georgia. We honor the memory of the soldiers who defended their country’s independence at the cost of their lives.

Exactly six years ago, in violation of the international law and agreements, Russia occupied Georgian territories followed by ethnic cleansing, burning down Georgian villages and displacing people from their homes. As a result of the conflict, 30,000 people were forced to leave their homes and live in IDP settlements for six years to-date. This continues despite the multiple resolutions of the UN General Assembly aspiring to estabilish the IDPs’ right to return.

Unfortunately, the occupation of Georgia by Russia continues in the form of borderization. It causes the worsening of living conditions for the local population.

The ceasefire agreement, signed with the help of the European Union, is still not observed: Russian military units remain on the territory of Georgia; barbed wires are exerted between various villages; people are not allowed to return to their permanent residences; property and movement rights of our citizens are violated every day; and people are detained for moving around in the conflict zone for everyday life purposes.

We, the civil society representatives, would like to thank the friendly states to Georgia, along with international organizations, for defending and respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia.

It is important to investigate all crimes committed in the 2008 war and restore the rights of the victims of the war. It is also important that the Georgian government continues the following: the active foreign policy of non-recognition of the occupied territories; the use of international mechanisms to pressure the Russian Federation;and improving living conditions and socio-economic conditions for the families of the deceased and victims of the war.

 

Civil Development Agency (CIDA)

Transparency International Georgia

Human Rights Centre

Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association

International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED)

Open Society Georgia Foundation