On January 12, 2017, Public Defender of Georgia Nino Lomjaria met with Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia Giorgi Gakharia. The problematic issues of human rights, the necessity of establishing an independent investigative mechanism and developing new drug policy, the Public Defender's recommendations to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the format of future cooperation and other important issues were discussed at the meeting.

"We emphasized the need for carrying out reforms in the police system and strengthening human rights education, and expressed support in terms of involvement and assistance of the Public Defender in these processes. Of course, we talked about the recent high-profile and problematic incidents as well," said Public Defender Nino Lomjaria.

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Natia Mezvrishvili noted that in order to strengthen inter-agency cooperation and improve the human rights situation in the country, the Ministry gradually fulfils the recommendations issued by the Public Defender for the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The Public Defender of Georgia promised to assist the Minister of Internal Affairs in taking measures aimed at improving the quality of investigation of the cases of domestic violence, violence against women, trafficking, discrimination and crimes committed against/by juveniles.

The meeting was attended by the deputies of the Public Defender, Tamar Gvaramadze, Giorgi Burjanadze and Ekaterine Skhiladze, as well as the deputies of the Minister of Internal Affairs, Natia Mezvrishvili and Nino Javakhadze.