On December 10, 2016, the Public Defender presented this report on human rights and freedoms to the diplomatic corps, international organizations and civil society.

The civilized world marks Human Rights Day on December 10. By the decision of the UN Human Rights High Commissioner's Office, the main message of this year is: “Stand up for Someone's Rights Today”.

The report reviews this year’s significant achievements and problems in the field of human rights; implementation of the basic principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights will be impossible if the problems mentioned in the report are not solved.

The report underlines the positive changes carried out in the penitentiary system, as well as the remaining problems; drawbacks in the investigation of ill-treatment by police; reduction of the use of detention as a pre-trial measure; violation of the right to a fair trial and delay in the introduction of electronic distribution of cases in the court; inaction of the Prosecutor’s Office with regard to the cases of violation of private and family life.

The report also reviews the systemic problems in terms of provision of tolerant and equal atmosphere for various minorities; primary registration of real estate ownership rights; improper protection of cultural heritage; necessity for creation of labor inspection mechanism; improper system of environmental impact assessment; protection of children from violence, poverty, poor living conditions and living or working on the street; various needs of people living along the occupation line, as well as eco-migrants, internally displaced persons from South Georgia and recruits.

The report refers to the necessity for a number of legislative changes and ratification of several international documents.