On November 1, 2023, representatives of the Public Defender of Georgia, Ketevan Sokhadze, Mariam Tavdgiridze and Merab Doborjginidze, met with Mary Lawlor, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, as well as OrsolyaToth and Michael Phoenix, representatives of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The issues discussed at the meeting included the main challenges faced by human rights defenders, the special role of human rights defenders in a democratic society, the framework legislation of Georgia and important policy documents for the activity of human rights defenders.

When discussing the situation of human rights in the country, the importance of unwavering protection and realization of children's rights was emphasized. The Special Rapporteur expressed special interest in the problematic issues related to freedom of assembly, freedom of information and the rights situation of journalists. The rights of the LGBT+ community, including the challenges in terms of protecting their right to expression and the safety of human rights defenders working on the rights of the LGBT+ community, were also discussed at the meeting.

Other topics of discussion included the need for high-ranking officials to uphold the internationally recognized standards of human rights defenders, promote their activities and emphasize their positive role in society.

The Public Defender continues to study the challenges faced by human rights defenders, issues relevant recommendations and proposals, which are reflected in parliamentary and special reports.