Public Defender Accuses Former Minister of Refugees of “Irresponsibility”

The Georgian Public Defender recently petitioned Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili about the indifferent and irresponsible attitude of Giorgi Kheviashvili, the former Minister of Refugees and Accommodation.

Deputy Public Defender Sofo Khorguani stated at a press briefing yesterday that the activities of the Ministry of Refugees and Accommodation have not improved conditions for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and can be demonstrated statistically. For example, this year 23,961 petitions were sent to the Ministry, while only 8,964 petitions received replies.

Khorguani said that, unfortunately, the number of the people with violated rights is increasing. The Ministry of Refugees and Accommodation has not taken any of the Public Defender’s recommendations under consideration. Kheviashvili has said that the Public Defender’s statements and his interviews on TV condemning the activities of the Minister and the Ministry amounted to a “black PR” campaign.

Khorguani also stated that the aim of the Ombudsman’s activities has never been groundless criticism of certain governmental bodies. In this particular case Public Defender Sozar Subari is speaking about the general violation of the rights of IDPs based on legal analysis of numerous materials and verified facts.

Khorguani pointed out that Subari is ready to cooperate with the Ministry of Refugees and Accommodation and the new minister in order to improve the living conditions for IDPs.

Source: Medianews