On the basis of Paragraph B of Article 21 of the Organic Law of Georgia on the Public Defender of Georgia, the Public Defender of Georgia has addressed the Administrator of the Abasha District with a recommendation to take into account the age, health condition, and social status of citizen Natela Tsanava and provide her with a shelter.

The Public Defender of Georgia received an application of citizen Natela Tsanava in connection with providing her with a shelter. The application and the enclosed documents make it clear that 68-year-old Natela Tsanava is a single woman with a severe health condition; she does not have a home and is temporarily living in a relative’s house in Abasha. The house does not have a wall on one side; in addition, the ceiling is so damaged that rain leaks into the house; the floor is also damaged.

The source of Natela Tsanava’s monetary income is the state old age pension and the subsistence allowance. The aforementioned confirms that Natela Tsanava is living under extremely hard socioeconomic conditions and that she does not have the monetary means necessary for providing herself with alternative accommodation independently.

The documents enclosed with the case ascertain that Natela Tsanava addressed the Administration of the Abasha Municipality on several occasions with a request to be provided with a shelter, though the applicant’s request was denied. The Administration named the lack available accommodation as the reason of denial.

The Public Defender considers that, in the given case, the Administration of the Abasha Municipality has violated the right to be provided with shelter recognized by the state.

Local government bodies have special responsibility towards homeless families. Specifically, failure of a respective state body to provide homeless persons with appropriate accommodation constitutes a violation of obligations taken under both the national legislation and international treaties.