On 18 December 2018, the Public Defender’s Office, together with the Office of the State Minister of Reconciliation and Civic Equality, hosted the International Conference on Political and Legal Implications of Human Rights Violations in Conflict-Affected Regions.

The aim of the conference was to analyze the situation ten years after the 2008 Russia-Georgia war, to discuss political and legal implications of human rights violations in the conflict-affected regions and to listen to the opinions of representatives of other Eastern European countries, such as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova, which are facing similar problems. Rapporteurs spoke about humanitarian challenges, the role of international partners, national and international human rights mechanisms and peaceful resolution of conflicts.

In her speech, Public Defender Nino Lomjaria talked about the devastating consequences of the tragic events of 2008 for political, economic and democratic development of Georgia and the difficulties faced by Georgia, as a country with an unresolved conflict. She emphasized the importance of close cooperation among human rights organizations, including the Public Defender's Office and civil society in preventing and resolving violent conflicts.

"The best way of resolving a conflict is to prevent it. This can be achieved by combating hatred, intolerance and impunity, protecting dignity, ensuring equality and respect, engaging people in the decision-making process and creating accountable institutions. I confirm that the Public Defender's Office is ready to remain a reliable and trusted partner in the process of achieving this goal," said Nino Lomjaria.

Speaking at the session held within the framework of the conference, Nino Lomjaria emphasized the role of the Public Defender in the process of documenting human rights violations in the conflict and post-conflict period and the importance of the protection of conflict-affected population. She briefly reviewed the importance of engagement of civil society in the negotiations process and talked about the lack of security of Georgian citizens or punishment of those who violated their right to life.

The Public Defender particularly highlighted the necessity of access to referral health care for the residents of the conflict-affected regions and joint efforts of the Public Defender and civil society in this direction. She noted she would keep track of the implementation of the governmental initiatives.

The event was attended by VadymChernysh, Minister of Temporarily Occupied Territories and Internally Displaced Persons of Ukraine, CristinaLesnic, Vice Prime Minister for Reintegration Issues of the Republic of Moldova, as well as representatives of the authorities, diplomatic corps accredited in Georgia, international organizations, civil society and academic circles.