CoE Commissioner Calls On Georgian Parliament to Reject New Funding Restrictions ‘Stifling Civil Society’

2026-02-02 - 10:17

Michael O’Flaherty, Council of Europe commissioner for human rights, called on Georgia’s disputed Parliament to reject legislative amendments that would further tighten restrictions and penalties on recipients of foreign funding. “I am concerned by the proposed amendments to seven different laws, which, if adopted, would impose significant restrictions on civil society organisations,” the Commissioner said in a February 2 statement, as Georgia’s disputed Parliament, with the opening of the spring session, began deliberating the changes. “These proposals are inconsistent with Georgia’s obligations under international law to guarantee the right to freedom of association,” O’Flaherty added. “I ask the Parliament to reject these amendments and call on the authorities to reaffirm their commitment to protecting civic space and fundamental freedoms.” The amendments, proposed on January 28, among other measures, would expand the definition of a grant to cover virtually any transaction between parties or individuals “in monetary or in-kind form” if authorities believe it serves political goals or the agenda of foreign actors. “This definition is too broad and risks subjecting the ordinary and legitimate activities of civil society to undue state scrutiny, effectively undermining public advocacy and participation in democratic life,” the Commissioner noted. The rules, which already require foreign organizations to obtain government approval before disbursing grants to local groups, would now also apply to organizations operating outside Georgia “whose activities involve substantive engagement with issues related to Georgia,” as well as to foreign organizations hiring experts and local branches of international or foreign organizations. Noncompliance could result in a sentence of up to six years in prison. “These changes amplify a series of restrictive laws and regulations adopted since 2024, which have severely undermined civil society in Georgia,” the Commissioner further noted, reiterating that the laws raise “serious questions regarding their compatibility with the criteria of legality, legitimacy, necessity and proportionality, as well as with the principle of non-discrimination” under the European Convention on Human Rights. “A vibrant civil society is a cornerstone of any democratic society. I call upon Georgian authorities to respect their obligations under the ECHR and other human rights instruments. They should guarantee the right to freedom of association and end all forms of harassment and intimidation directed at human rights defenders and civil society actors,” Commissioner O’Flaherty said. The Georgian Dream-dominated Parliament is set to pass the changes through a normal, non-accelerated procedure. Also Read: 17/12/2025 – CoE Commissioner Presses Georgian Prosecutors on Accountability for Protest Crackdown 27/05/2025 – CoE Commissioner Urges Georgia to Curb Police Abuse, Revise Legislative Changes