On August 20, 2019, Teimuraz Koridze, Head of the Eastern Division of the Office of the Public Defender, and representatives of the Kvemo Kartli Office - Irma Mchedlidze, Muradkhan Guseynov, and Mariam Gvidiani met with Zaur Dargal, the Mayor of Marneuli Municipality.

The meeting addressed challenges in Marneuli municipality such as infrastructure issues, women's rights, gender equality, women's involvement and participation in decision-making processes; parties also discussed situation of IDP rights and infrastructural problems in the IDP collective centers in the villages Shaumiani, Algeti, Azizkendi and Tazakendi.

The Mayor of Marneuli stated that he will undertake effective steps to address the needs of the IDP population, and will carry out a research to study women's involvement and women's needs locally. Parties of the meeting also discussed ways to resolve identified problems, deliberated upon the projects planned by the City Hall and agreed on future cooperation.

Considering the interests of local population, the Office of the Public Defender will continue to hold meetings with decision-makers in the future and will cooperate with the local authorities within the mandate of the Public Defender.

Lasha Lobzhanidze, the Deputy Mayor and Nino Dekanoidze, Head of Administration of the City Hall also attended the meeting.