In the period from October 30 to November 3, 2023, employees of the Criminal Justice Department of the Public Defender’s Office, together with the regional division, held the third stage of meetings with public schools students on the theme: “Children and the Police”. The meetings were held in Imereti, Guria, Adjara, Lechkhumi, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Shida Kartli and Kakheti regions of Georgia.

The goal of the project is to provide schoolchildren with detailed information about their rights, especially their relationship with the police.

The meetings involved 1325 students from 46 public schools.

At the meetings, attention was paid to the protection of children's rights during various police operations. Schoolchildren were explained what rights and responsibilities they have during the procedures of questioning, identification (taking photos of children by the police), inspection, etc. They were also informed of the authorized agencies that they should contact in case of violation of their rights.

The Public Defender’s Office will continue to hold informative and educational meetings in order to inform citizens, including minors, of their rights as properly as possible.

The Public Defender particularly welcomes the high interest of children in civic education and thanks them for their active participation in the meetings. We also thank teachers and school administrations for their effective cooperation and support for the implementation of the project.