On December 16-21, 2021, an online seminar was organized by the Public Defender’s Office for regional non-governmental organizations. The event aimed to enhance the knowledge, skills and capabilities of NGOs working in the regions in order to enable them to use the reporting mechanisms of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW).

The online seminar was led by international expert WathshlahNaidu (International Women’s Right Actions Watch Asia Pacific) and local expert Tamar Dekanosidze (Equality Now). The experts spoke about the importance of the UN human rights system. Participants were also introduced to various ways of using the CEDAW monitoring process by NGOs. Special attention was paid to the participation in the Universal Periodic Review process, as well as strategies for cooperating with partners and allies.

The meeting was attended by non-governmental organizations working in Shida Kartli, Kvemo Kartli, Guria, Mtskheta Mtianeti, Kakheti and Imereti regions. The Public Defender’s Office considers it important to enhance the capacities of NGOs working in the regions in terms of using CEDAW/UPR reporting procedures; accordingly, the Office will continue active cooperation with the NGOs in the future too.

The online seminar was supported by UN Women.