PRESS-RELEASE JULY 16, 2010

The Annual Report of the RCT/EMPATHY 2009 was published and distributed during the Conference on UN International Day in Support of Victims of Torture. The Report “Country Related Specifics Toward to Victims of Torture and Members of Their Families in Georgia” – contains detail description of conducted activities in year 2009, with results and indicators related to the outcomes and results. As well as report contains the problems revealed in the field of torture prevention, documentation, investigation and persecution, together with problems of rehabilitation in the Country. The recommendations for fulfill implementation of the international standards on prevention of torture in Georgia are included in this report too.

Summary of the Report and outcomes in 2009:

During 12 months period, in year 2009, total Number of clients applied to the RCT/EMPATHY were: TN = 871; among them direct beneficiaries – total Number 573 persons; Long term rehabilitation was provided in 272 cases and in 267 cases were provided short – term rehabilitation and crisis intervention, among them in 25 cases first time was opened short term rehabilitation medical files and then was opened long term rehabilitation medical files. As well as about 59 cases were provided just mono and double therapy including art therapy and psychotherapy sessions. Indirect beneficiaries: TN = 298.

Developments in the Country: War 2008 follows – up developments: Specially should be noted that after August 2008 Russian – Georgian war the number of new torture victims – victims of ethnic discrimination, ethnic cleansing, war crimes – victims of violations of International Humanitarian Law were increased in Georgia. Consequently, number of new victims applied to the Centre “EMPATHY” from the Para military regions, military region in Abkhazia and from the so called “Buffer” zones were increased in year 2009. The mentioned above population and whole population of Georgia up today are under the pressure and threaten of the new aggression from the side of Russian Federation that increased the stress – related disorders among the risk and target population and makes difficulties during the rehabilitation course.

Positive Developments in the Country: It should be specially noted that in the end of 2009 the implementation of OP CAT was conducted in Georgia. The special relevant change in the Law Regarding Public Defender of Georgia was made and consequently the NPM with independent experts’ participation was established.

Developments at the RCT/EMPATHY: In May 2009 the special Memorandum of Collaboration between the RCT/EMPATHY and Georgian Ombudsman was signed, according to this memorandum the Public Defender applied to the RCT/EMPATHY for medical evaluation of cases of torture and ill – treatment, as well as for legal assistant. In the framework of this memorandum the actions on prevention of torture are implemented together, as well as the joint monitoring is provided in penal system of Georgia and in other close institutions. The RCT/EMPATHY experts are participating in preparation of the Public Defenders’ Reports, especially on Health in Prison. First report with participation of the medical experts of the RCT/EMPATHY was submitted to the Parliament in October 2009, second will be submitted in year 2010 March. It should be mentioned that 6 medical experts from the RCT/EMPATHY were appointed as the first Georgian NPM members in December 2009.

Special events and developments on prevention and documentation of torture: The special declaration with recommendations was elaborated and sent to the public officials. Declaration contains the special recommendations on implementation of international standards on prevention and documentation of torture, as well as on rehabilitation of torture victims, especially on implementation of the articles of the UN Convention against Torture … (articles 12, 13, 10, 14), implementation of principles of the Istanbul Protocol, UN OP CAT, standards of the International Humanitarian Law etc. Number of interviews and presentations was made in the TV channels.

The regional activities in the framework of this project were developed by the PRI for preparation of the regional training on issue of torture documentation and prevention. The RCT/EMPATHY is only organization in Georgia that provides medical reports according to the guidelines of the Istanbul Protocol.

Events: The 26 June Conference was held in 26 of June, 2009 that was organized by the Public Defender together with RCT/EMPATHY, other EU funded projects and organizations were involved as co – organizers in this event too. About 70 persons from international and national organizations, from Governmental structures and mass media were attended this Conference. The Conference was reviewed in Georgian Mass Media with TV Channels widely. Special reports was made by the Public Defender and the RCT/EMPATHY, as well as reports were made by the Ministry of Health and Young Lawyer’s Association, by the Georgian Medical association too