On November 16, 2023, Public Defender Levan Ioseliani, together with the Tolerance Center of the Public Defender and the UN Association of Georgia, held an event dedicated to the International Day for Tolerance.

In his welcoming speech, the Public Defender talked about the main trends, challenges and achievements in areas of religious freedom and civil integration in Georgia.

Tamar Sirbiladze, a representative of the USAID GeorgiaDemocracy, Rights and Governance Office, also delivered a speech.

The Tolerance Center report on “Freedom of Religion in Georgia - 30 Years” was presented by the head of the center, Beka Mindiashvili.

Rezo Bakhtadze, a representative of the Salvation Army, spoke about the 30^th anniversary of the establishment of the Salvation Army in Georgia.

Traditionally, an award ceremony of advocates of tolerance was held, where the award of the Council of Ethnic Minorities was presented to Dimitrios Karabalis, Head of the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia, the award of the Council of Religions was given to Prof. DR. Archil Metreveli, Head of the Institute for Religious Freedom at the University of Georgia, while the Tolerance Center awarded the Tbilisi Mural Fest, which did a great job in the city in 2023 to create a tolerant environment.

The event was attended by representatives of the Parliament, Government and state agencies, as well as embassies, international and local non-governmental organizations.

The International Day for Tolerance was held with the support of the USAID Unity Through Diversity Program.