ÿWPCd þzŒíTex²‘DM>†o(bW›ri´’(j]h¸JöÏïVc@_¹¦¨sGñ¨IA†ù¤¦_‡ÎKØA ÍfhªªäçåzUÕC(› òÝpÔ<@x?¨h«ü¡ sƒN}Æ4Œ5~€5µý@r?¿:4[Û˜}Ý?GÉè8¨Àd[‘¹Z~ÑJ„ëïö…7ƒž¾,-à&…7¼Ï9"î‹y?»Ò}­U)xÎË_οT6÷ºá¡q¿“©,Yˆ{1|vßšõ#§ÆxH'’º­èÐ*Å0œòÌ!Øwxªð_Å·…ÁFóãúæÆ{W¹ÁÚÉ÷-;F¢¬mq§X"ÏnDþI(›åC(‘¡@Øb‰ît ,Uƒ¢kÝŠ§®øà°„ÑÕý…Ôæö0Cy–fc_ð/ÌŪtKØ•2Õâ¤2QÔ¶F§–¶.›pgù}fÚ'Æ׃ÜÔ^­G|\f“+wé̆ˆ m_ Ñ^¼KRFïkQH7SBWëå ôÌ˦¾Iêóp¢1Ùá}9ÛswØ3çM“[™p^èIà \¸ôä‚X˜2pê‹ãŠ°ôÕO4XÈ«ŠŠkú{fÜÌÕ•oXáå#ÁüUN½ %  0:^ KwW4[o~ m€ 1‡— 72 1uP 72Å 0c÷ZNb˜HP LaserJet 4000 Series PCL 5e,,,,0&Öd9 Z‹6Times New Roman RegularX(üœ$¡¡ÔUSUS.,ÔÃ1 !½¾. ¸Ô 3|x ÿU‹ÿÀÀÀ(5hCEKQW]cioAutoList11.1.1.1.1.1.1.1. 1.3#37=CIQYag­­1.a.i.(1)(a)(i)1)a) i)(;3£$´´Ô2#ÔÚ  Ú0Ú  Ú.Ô3  Ôà0  à Ý ƒüœ!ÝÔUSUS.,ÔÝ  ÝÔ_ÔÓ  Óà@··'ìàò òÔ€¼CÍ»XXÔGEORGIAó óˆÐ ° ÐÔ€XUªX»¼CÍÔÌÌò òCCPR€€A/52/40€(1997)ó óÐ ¨ø ÐÌÌ228.€€The€Human€Rights€Committee€considered€the€initial€report€of€Georgia€(CCPR/C/100/Add.1)Ð x È Ðat€its€1564th€to€1566òòthóó€meetings€(fifty-ninth€session),€held€on€26€and€27€March€1997,€and€at€itsÐ h ¸ Ð1583rd€meeting,€on€9€April€1997,€adopted€the€following€concluding€observations.Ð X ¨ ÐÌÓ€ (5h83 Ó1.€€òòIntroductionóóÐ 8ˆ  ÐÌ229.€€The€Committee€notes€with€interest€the€initial€report€submitted€by€Georgia€and€welcomes€theÐ h  Ðdialogue€it€has€had€with€a€high-level€delegation.€€It€notes€with€satisfaction€that€the€delegation€ofÐ X  ÐGeorgia€was€able€to€supplement€the€report€and€provide€clarifications€concerning€the€legal€provisionsÐ øH  Ðin€force€and€their€scope,€and€on€the€reform€that€is€under€way,€which€has€enabled€the€Committee€toÐ è8 Ðhave€a€somewhat€clearer€picture€of€the€human€rights€situation€in€Georgia.Ð Ø( ÐÌ2.€€òòFactors€and€difficulties€affecting€the€implementation€of€the€CovenantóóÐ ¸ ÐÌ230.€€The€Committee€notes€that€Georgia€is€still€experiencing€the€influence€of€the€totalitarian€past,Ð ˜è Ðwhich€has€created€feelings€of€mistrust€and€insecurity€among€the€citizens.€€In€addition,€the€State€partyÐ ˆØ Ðis€still€suffering€from€the€effects€of€conflicts€in€South€Ossetia€(1992)€and€Abkhazia€(1993-1994),Ð xÈ Ðwhich€gave€rise€to€serious€violations€of€human€rights,€including€massive€population€displacements,Ð h¸ Ðand€the€Government€is€having€difficulty€exercising€its€jurisdiction€in€those€areas€in€respect€of€theÐ X¨ Ðprotection€of€human€rights.Ð H˜ ÐÌ3.€€òòPositive€aspectsóóÐ (x ÐÌ231.€€The€Committee€notes€the€assurances€given€by€the€head€of€State€that€the€enjoyment€of€humanÐ  X Ðrights€would€become€a€priority€in€Georgia.Ð ø H ÐÌ232.€€The€entry€into€force€of€the€1995€Constitution€-€even€though€it€does€not€fully€reproduce€theÐ Ø"(  Ðrights€guaranteed€under€the€Covenant€-€and€the€establishment€of€the€Constitutional€Court,€to€whichÐ È#! Ðany€citizen€alleging€a€violation€of€his€constitutional€rights€can€have€recourse,€are€viewed€by€theÐ ¸$ " ÐCommittee€as€encouraging€signs.Ð ¨%ø # ÐÌ233.€€The€Committee€notes€with€satisfaction€the€abolition€of€the€internal€passport€(òòpropiskaóó),€whichÐ ˆ'Ø"% Ðwas€an€impediment€to€freedom€of€movement€as€provided€for€under€article€12€of€the€Covenant.Ð x(È#& ÐÌ234.€€The€reform€of€the€Criminal€Code€and€the€Criminal€Procedure€Code,€coupled€with€theÐ X*¨%( Ðrestructuring€of€the€òòProkuraturaóó€with€the€aim€of€limiting€its€role€to€that€of€a€prosecuting€bodyÐ H+˜&) Ðstripped€of€the€prerogatives€which€it€formerly€enjoyed€and€which€enabled€it€to€interfere€in€judicialÐ 8,ˆ'* Ðdecisions,€are€viewed€by€the€Committee€as€signs€of€progress.Ð (-x(+ Ї235.€€While€regretting€the€under-representation€of€women€in€the€organs€of€government€and€theÐ ° Ðinequalities€which€persist€in€the€economic€and€social€spheres,€the€Committee€is€pleased€thatÐ  ð Ðdiscrimination€against€women€before€the€law€and€in€education€has€lessened.Ð à ÐÌ236.€€The€Committee€welcomes€the€State€party's€efforts€to€afford€more€active€protection€for€theÐ pÀ Ðhuman€rights€of€minorities€with€a€view€to€guaranteeing€them€the€free€expression€of€their€cultures€andÐ ` ° Ðuse€of€their€languages.Ð P   ÐÌ4.€€òòPrincipal€subjects€of€concernóóÐ 0 € ÐÌ237.€€The€Committee€deplores€the€fact€that€no€remedies€were€available€to€victims€of€events€occurringÐ `  Ðin€1992,€1993€and€1994,€enabling€them€to€seek€redress€for€violations€of€their€rights€as€provided€underÐ P  Ðarticle€2€of€the€Covenant.€€In€that€connection,€the€Committee€notes€that€the€State€party€was€boundÐ ð@  Ðby€the€provisions€of€the€Covenant€from€the€date€on€which€the€country€became€independent,€andÐ à0  Ðhence€also€during€the€period€preceding€its€declaration€of€accession,€since€it€must€be€considered€toÐ Ð  Ðhave€succeeded€to€the€obligations€undertaken€by€the€former€Soviet€Union,€of€which€it€was€an€integralÐ À Ðpart€until€it€proclaimed€its€independence.Ð ° ÐÌ238.€€The€Committee€regrets€that€the€Covenant,€although€directly€applicable€under€domestic€law,€isÐ à Ðnot€invoked€before€the€courts.€€In€addition,€it€considers€that€the€failure€to€nominate€anyone€to€the€postÐ €Ð Ðof€Ombudsman,€which€was€established€in€May€1996,€denies€an€effective€remedy€to€persons€allegingÐ pÀ Ða€violation€of€their€fundamental€rights.Ð `° ÐÌ239.€€The€Committee€regrets€that,€in€spite€of€the€elimination€of€inequalities€before€the€law,€womenÐ @ Ðcontinue€to€be€the€victims€of€unequal€treatment€and€discrimination€in€the€political,€economic€andÐ 0€ Ðsocial€spheres.€€It€further€notes€with€concern€that€methods€of€contraception€other€than€abortion€areÐ  p Ðvery€difficult€to€obtain.Ð ` ÐÌ240.€€The€Committee€fears€that€the€moratorium€that€has€been€instituted€on€the€carrying€out€of€deathÐ ð@ Ðsentences€is€a€weak€palliative.€€In€spite€of€the€reduction€in€the€number€of€offences€carrying€the€deathÐ à0 Ðpenalty,€those€offences€are€still€too€numerous€and€some€of€them€do€not€come€within€the€category€ofÐ Ð  Ðthe€most€serious€crimes€envisaged€in€article€6€of€the€Covenant.€€The€Committee€also€deplores€theÐ À! Ðfact€that€some€capital€sentences€appear€to€have€been€imposed€in€cases€in€which€confessions€wereÐ °"  Ðobtained€under€torture€or€duress€or€following€trials€in€which€the€guarantees€provided€under€articleÐ  #ð! Ð14€of€the€Covenant€were€not€respected,€particularly€the€right€to€have€a€case€reviewed€by€a€higherÐ $à" Ðcourt€(art.€14,€para.€5,€of€the€Covenant).Ð €%Ð # ÐÌ241.€€The€Committee€is€deeply€concerned€about€cases€of€torture€inflicted€on€individuals€deprived€ofÐ `'°"% Ðtheir€liberty,€including€torture€used€to€extract€confessions.€€It€deplores€the€fact€that€those€cases€andÐ P( #& Ðother€acts€of€torture€usually€go€unpunished€and€that€in€many€cases€lack€of€confidence€in€theÐ @)$' Ðauthorities€keeps€the€victims€from€lodging€complaints.Ð 0*€%( ÐÌ242.€€The€Committee€deplores€the€abuse€of€pre-trial€detention€and€police€custody.€€The€limits€placedÐ ,`'* Ðon€those€measures€by€the€Constitution€are€often€not€observed€in€practice,€in€disregard€also€of€theÐ -P(+ Ðprovisions€of€article€9€of€the€Covenant.Ð ð-@), Ї243.€€The€Committee€is€deeply€concerned€about€the€disastrous€prison€situation;€crowding,€poorÐ ° Ðsanitary€conditions€and€lack€of€medical€care€have€resulted€in€a€high€rate€of€infectious€disease€and€aÐ  ð Ðvery€alarming€mortality€rate,€in€particular€among€juvenile€detainees.€€The€Committee€stresses€thatÐ à Ðthe€State€party€does€not€comply€with€the€provisions€of€article€10€of€the€Covenant,€according€to€whichÐ €Ð Ðall€persons€deprived€of€their€liberty€shall€be€treated€with€humanity€and€with€respect€for€the€inherentÐ pÀ Ðdignity€of€the€human€person.Ð ` ° ÐÌ244.€€The€Committee€is€concerned€at€the€continuing€close€relationship€between€the€procurator€andÐ @  Ðthe€judges;€it€fears€that,€in€the€absence€of€any€statute€enforcing€the€independence€of€the€judiciary,€theÐ 0 € Ðimpartiality€of€decisions€cannot€be€guaranteed€and€that€the€executive€may€exert€pressure€on€theÐ  p  Ðjudiciary.Ð `  ÐÌ245.€€The€Committee€notes€with€disquiet€that€court€proceedings€do€not€meet€the€conditions€requiredÐ ð@  Ðby€article€14€of€the€Covenant;€for€example,€although€the€law€provides€for€access€to€the€assistance€ofÐ à0  Ðcounsel,€in€practice€this€is€made€difficult€because€of€excessive€bureaucracy.Ð Ð  ÐÌ246.€€The€Committee€regrets€that,€despite€the€elimination€of€the€òòpropiskaóó,€obstacles€to€freedom€ofÐ ° Ðmovement€remain€within€the€country.€€It€notes€with€concern€that€there€continues€to€be€a€great€dealÐ  ð Ðof€corruption€in€this€area.Ð à ÐÌ247.€€The€Committee€emphasizes€that€the€vague€and€overly€general€characterizations€of€crimes€andÐ pÀ Ðthe€difficulty€of€determining€their€constituent€elements€(insubordination,€sabotage,€etc.)€have€allowedÐ `° Ðpolitical€opponents€of€the€Government€to€be€prosecuted.Ð P  ÐÌ248.€€The€Committee€regrets€that€because€of€the€absence€of€legislation€concerning€the€exercise€ofÐ 0€ Ðfreedom€of€association,€it€has€not€been€possible€to€establish€free€trade€unions€so€that€workers€mayÐ  p Ðexercise€their€rights€under€article€22€of€the€Covenant.Ð ` ÐÌ249.€€The€Committee€is€concerned€at€the€increase€in€the€number€of€children€affected€by€poverty€andÐ ð@ Ðsocial€dislocation€and€the€concomitant€increase€in€the€number€of€street€children,€delinquents€and€drugÐ à0 Ðaddicts.Ð Ð  ÐÌ5.€€òòSuggestions€and€recommendationsóóÐ °"  ÐÌ250.€€The€Committee€invites€the€Government€to€provide€all€individuals€under€its€jurisdiction€withÐ $à" Ðan€effective€remedy€and€compensation€for€violations€of€their€human€rights€found€to€have€occurredÐ €%Ð # Ðsince€independence€in€1991.Ð p&À!$ ÐÌ251.€€The€Committee€recommends€that€the€State€party€appoint€an€ombudsman€as€soon€as€possibleÐ P( #& Ðand€that€procedures€be€established€to€give€effect€to€the€Committee's€findings€under€the€OptionalÐ @)$' ÐProtocol.€The€Committee€urges€the€Government€to€ensure€the€legitimacy€and€authority€of€theÐ 0*€%( ÐCommittee€for€Human€Rights€and€Ethnic€Relations€and€to€define€the€relationship€between€thatÐ  +p&) ÐCommittee€and€the€Ombudsman.Ð ,`'* ÐÌ252.€€The€Committee€urges€the€authorities€to€continue€the€moratorium€on€executions€and€to€continueÐ ð-@), Ðthe€serious€efforts€that€have€been€made€towards€abolishing€the€death€penalty.Ð ° ÐÌ253.€€The€Committee€recommends€that€the€State€party€undertake€systematic€and€impartialÐ à Ðinvestigations€into€all€complaints€of€ill-treatment€and€torture,€bring€to€trial€persons€charged€withÐ €Ð Ðviolations€as€a€result€of€those€investigations,€and€compensate€the€victims.€Confessions€obtainedÐ pÀ Ðunder€duress€should€be€systematically€excluded€from€judicial€proceedings€and,€given€the€admissionÐ ` ° Ðof€the€State€party€that€torture€had€been€widespread€in€the€past,€all€convictions€based€on€confessionsÐ P   Ðallegedly€made€under€torture€should€be€reviewed.Ð @  ÐÌ254.€€The€Committee€recommends€that€detention€and€pre-trial€detention€should€be€carried€out€inÐ  p  Ðaccordance€with€the€requirements€of€the€Constitution€and€the€Covenant.€€It€stresses,€òòinter€aliaóó,€thatÐ `  Ðall€persons€who€are€arrested€must€immediately€have€access€to€counsel,€be€examined€by€a€doctorÐ P  Ðwithout€delay€and€be€able€to€submit€promptly€an€application€to€a€judge€to€rule€on€the€legality€of€theÐ ð@  Ðdetention.Ð à0  ÐÌ255.€€The€Committee€urges€the€State€party€to€take€urgent€steps€to€improve€the€situation€in€prisons,Ð À Ðin€particular,€sanitary€conditions.€€It€invites€the€State€party€to€reduce€the€use€of€imprisonment€as€aÐ ° Ðpunishment€for€minor€violations€and€of€pre-trial€detention€for€excessive€periods.Ð  ð ÐÌ256.€€The€Committee€recommends€that€the€authorities€put€an€end,€once€and€for€all,€to€the€restrictionsÐ €Ð Ðon€freedom€of€movement€within€the€country€and€on€the€right€to€leave€the€country.Ð pÀ ÐÌ257.€€The€Committee€urges€the€State€party€to€enact€a€law€guaranteeing€the€independence€of€theÐ P  Ðjudiciary€and€providing€for€its€total€autonomy€vis--vis€the€procurator€and€the€executive.Ð @ ÐÌ258.€€The€Committee€urges€the€State€party€to€guarantee€the€rights€set€forth€in€article€14€of€theÐ  p ÐCovenant,€in€particular€by€remedying€the€deficiencies€with€regard€to€the€exercise€of€the€right€toÐ ` Ðdefence€and€the€right€to€appeal.€The€creation€of€an€independent€legal€profession€is,€in€theÐ P ÐCommittee's€view,€a€necessary€precondition€for€the€effective€enjoyment€of€such€rights.Ð ð@ ÐÌ259.€€The€Committee€earnestly€recommends€that€the€State€party,€in€connection€with€the€revision€ofÐ Ð  Ðthe€Penal€Code,€repeal€those€provisions€which€make€it€possible€to€prosecute€political€opponents€forÐ À! Ðtheir€beliefs€under€cover€of€upholding€the€law.Ð °"  ÐÌ260.€€The€Committee€invites€the€State€party€to€enact€laws€making€it€possible€for€trade€unions€to€beÐ $à" Ðformed€and€to€carry€out€their€activities€freely€in€defence€of€the€rights€of€workers.Ð €%Ð # ÐÌ261.€€The€Committee€urges€the€State€party€to€take€urgent€steps€to€protect€children,€in€accordance€withÐ `'°"% Ðthe€provisions€of€article€24€of€the€Covenant.Ð P( #& ÐÌ262.€€The€Committee€recommends€that€educational€and€training€programmes€be€drawn€up€with€aÐ 0*€%( Ðview€to€developing€a€culture€of€respect€for€human€rights€in€all€sectors€of€the€population,€òòinter€aliaóó,Ð  +p&) Ðjudges,€the€security€forces€and€prison€personnel.€Those€programmes€should€also€emphasize€thatÐ ,`'* Ðwomen€are€entitled€to€full€enjoyment€of€their€fundamental€rights.Ð -P(+ ÐÔ_ÔÐ ð-@), Ð263.€€The€Committee€recommends€that€the€report€of€the€State€party,€together€with€these€concludingÐ ° Ðobservations€adopted€by€the€Committee,€be€widely€disseminated€and€that€the€text€of€the€CovenantÐ  ð Ðbe€disseminated€in€all€languages€commonly€used€in€the€country.Ð  à ÐÔCEUS.,Ôò òÔ_ÔCCPRÔ_Ô€€A/57/40€vol.€I€(2002)ó óÐ ° ÐÌò ò(78)€Georgiaó óÐ à ÐÌ(1)à  àThe€Committee€considered€the€second€periodic€report€of€Georgia€(Ô_ÔCCPRÔ_Ô/C/GEO/2000/2)Ð pÀ Ðat€its€1986th€and€1987th€meetings,€held€on€18€and€19€March€2002.€€At€its€2001st€and€2002ndÐ ` ° Ðmeetings,€held€on€28€March€2002,€it€adopted€the€following€concluding€observations.Ð P   ÐÌòòIntroductionóóÐ 0 € ÐÌ(2)à  àThe€Committee€welcomes€the€detailed€report€and€its€timely€presentation€by€the€State€party.€Ð `  ÐIt€regrets,€however,€that€although€information€is€provided€on€legislation€relating€to€the€CovenantÐ P  Ðobligations,€the€necessary€information€on€the€practical€implementation€of€the€Covenant€is€lacking.Ð ð@  ÐÌòòPositive€aspectsóóÐ Ð  ÐÌ(3)à  àThe€Committee€appreciates€the€significant€progress€achieved€in€Georgia€since€the€submissionÐ ° Ðof€its€previous€report.€€That€progress€is€the€basis€for€a€positive€political,€constitutional€and€legalÐ  ð Ðframework€for€the€implementation€of€rights€enshrined€in€the€Covenant.Ð à ÐÌ(4)à  àThe€Committee€commends€the€State€party€for€its€abolition€of€the€death€penalty€and€theÐ pÀ Ðratification€of€the€Second€Optional€Protocol€to€the€Covenant.Ð `° ÐÌ(5)à  àThe€Committee€welcomes€the€creation€of€the€Rapid€Reaction€Group,€the€function€of€whichÐ @ Ðis€to€visit€police€stations€and€other€places€of€detention€to€carry€out€investigations€promptly€inÐ 0€ Ðresponse€to€complaints.Ð  p ÐÌòòPrincipal€subjects€of€concern€and€recommendationsóóÐ P ÐÌ(6)à  àThe€Committee€expresses€satisfaction€at€the€creation€of€a€Constitutional€Court,€but€it€remainsÐ à0 Ðconcerned€that€current€procedures€impede€access€to€the€Court.Ð Ð  ÐÌà0  àThe€State€party€should€reform€the€procedures€for€access€to€the€Constitutional€Court€in€orderÐ °"  Ðto€guarantee€full€protection€of€the€human€rights€enshrined€in€the€Covenant.Р#ð!(#(# ÐÌ(7)à  àThe€Committee€expresses€its€concern€at€the€still€very€large€number€of€deaths€of€detainees€inÐ €%Ð # Ðpolice€stations€and€prisons,€including€suicides€and€deaths€from€tuberculosis.€€The€Committee€alsoÐ p&À!$ Ðremains€concerned€about€the€large€number€of€cases€of€tuberculosis€reported€in€prisons.Ð `'°"% ÐÌà0  àThe€State€party€should€take€urgent€measures€to€protect€the€right€to€life€and€health€of€allÐ @)$' Ðdetained€persons€as€provided€for€in€articles€6€and€7€of€the€Covenant.€€Specifically,€the€StateÐ 0*€%( Ðparty€should€improve€the€hygiene,€diet€and€general€conditions€of€detention€and€provideÐ  +p&) Ðappropriate€medical€care€to€detainees€as€provided€for€in€article€10€of€the€Covenant.€€It€shouldÐ ,`'* Ðalso€ensure€that€every€case€of€death€in€detention€is€promptly€investigated€by€an€independentÐ -P(+ Ðagency.Ðð-@),(#(# Ð(8)à  àThe€Committee€remains€concerned€at€the€widespread€and€continuing€subjection€of€prisonersÐ ° Ðto€torture€and€cruel,€inhuman€or€degrading€treatment€or€punishment€by€law-enforcement€officials€andÐ  ð Ðprison€officers.Ð à ÐÌà0  à(a)à ` àThe€State€party€should€ensure€that€all€forms€of€torture€and€similar€ill-treatment€areÐ pÀ Ðpunishable€as€serious€crimes€under€its€legislation,€in€order€to€comply€with€article€7€of€theÐ ` ° ÐCovenant;ÐP  (#(# Ðà0  àÐ (#(# Ðà0  à(b)à ` àThe€State€party€should€also€set€up€an€effective€system€to€monitor€the€treatment€of€allÐ 0 € Ðprisoners,€in€order€to€ensure€full€protection€of€their€rights€under€articles7€and€10€of€theÐ  p  ÐCovenant;Ð` (#(# ÐÌà0  à(c)à ` àThe€State€party€should€also€ensure€that€all€complaints€of€ill„treatment€are€properlyÐ ð@  Ðinvestigated€by€an€independent€authority,€that€those€responsible€are€brought€to€justice€andÐ à0  Ðthat€victims€are€appropriately€compensated;ÐÐ (#(# ÐÌà0  à(d)à ` àImmediately€upon€first€being€deprived€of€liberty€and€during€all€stages€of€detention,Ð ° Ðfree€access€to€a€lawyer€and€to€doctors€should€be€ensured;Рð(#(# ÐÌà0  à(e)à ` àAll€statements€obtained€by€force€from€detained€persons€should€be€investigated€andÐ €Ð Ðmay€never€be€used€as€evidence,€except€as€evidence€of€torture;€andÐpÀ(#(# Ðà0  àÐ (#(# Ðà0  à(f)à ` àThe€State€party€should€provide€training€in€human€rights,€particularly€on€theÐ P  Ðprohibition€of€torture,€to€police€and€prison€officers.Ð@(#(# ÐÌ(9)à  àThe€Committee€is€concerned€at€the€length€of€the€period€(up€to€72€hours)€that€persons€can€beÐ  p Ðkept€in€police€detention€before€they€are€informed€of€the€charges€against€them.€€It€is€also€concernedÐ ` Ðat€the€fact€that,€until€the€trial€takes€place,€the€accused€cannot€make€a€complaint€before€a€judgeÐ P Ðregarding€abuse€or€ill-treatment€during€the€period€of€detention.Ð ð@ ÐÌà0  àThe€State€party€should€ensure€that€detainees€are€informed€promptly€of€the€charges€againstÐ Ð  Ðthem,€in€accordance€with€article€9€of€the€Covenant.€€Detainees€should€be€given€theÐ À! Ðopportunity€to€make€a€complaint€before€a€judge€regarding€any€ill-treatment€during€theÐ °"  Ðinvestigation€phase,€as€required€by€articles€7€and€14€of€the€Covenant.Р#ð!(#(# ÐÌ(10)à  àThe€Committee€expresses€its€concern€at€the€fact€that€a€person€may€be€detained€andÐ €%Ð # Ðimprisoned€or€prevented€from€leaving€his€or€her€residence€because€of€non„fulfilment€of€contractualÐ p&À!$ Ðobligations.Ð `'°"% ÐÌà0  àThe€State€party€should€bring€its€civil€and€criminal€legislation€into€line€with€articles€11€andÐ @)$' Ð12€of€the€Covenant.Ð0*€%((#(# ÐÌ(11)à  àThe€Committee€expresses€its€concern€at€the€difficulties€that€detainees€and€persons€chargedÐ ,`'* Ðwith€an€offence€have€in€gaining€access€to€lawyers,€particularly€court„appointed€lawyers.€€AlthoughÐ -P(+ Ðthe€law€provides€for€the€latter,€budgetary€problems€are€obstructing€the€enjoyment€of€this€right.Ð ð-@), Ðà0  àThe€State€party€should€ensure€the€full€enjoyment€of€the€right€to€be€represented€by€a€lawyerÐ ° Ðin€accordance€with€article€14,€paragraph€3€(d),€of€the€Covenant;€this€includes€appropriateÐ  ð Ðbudgetary€provisions€for€an€effective€system€of€legal€aid.Ðà(#(# ÐÌ(12)à  àThe€Committee€expresses€its€concern€at€the€existence€of€factors€which€have€an€adverse€effectÐ pÀ Ðon€the€independence€of€the€judiciary,€such€as€delays€in€the€payment€of€salaries€and€the€lack€ofÐ ` ° Ðadequate€security€of€tenure€for€judges.Ð P   ÐÌà0  àThe€State€party€should€take€the€necessary€measures€to€ensure€that€judges€are€able€to€carry€outÐ 0 € Ðtheir€functions€in€full€independence,€and€should€ensure€their€security€of€tenure€pursuant€toÐ  p  Ðarticle€14€of€the€Covenant.€€The€State€party€should€also€ensure€that€documented€complaintsÐ `  Ðof€judicial€corruption€are€investigated€by€an€independent€agency€and€that€the€appropriateÐ P  Ðdisciplinary€or€penal€measures€are€taken.Ðð@ (#(# ÐÌ(13)à  àAlthough€the€Committee€recognizes€that€some€progress€has€been€made€in€efforts€to€achieveÐ Ð  Ðequality€for€women€in€political€and€public€life,€it€remains€concerned€at€the€low€level€ofÐ À Ðrepresentation€of€women€in€Parliament€and€in€senior€public€„€and€private„sector€jobs.Ð ° ÐÌà0  àThe€State€party€should€take€appropriate€measures€to€fulfil€its€obligations€under€articles3€andÐ à Ð26€in€order€to€improve€the€representation€of€women€in€Parliament€and€in€senior€positions€inÐ €Ð Ðthe€public€and€private€sectors€as€provided€in€article€3€of€the€Covenant.€€The€State€partyÐ pÀ Ðshould€also€consider€measures,€including€educational€ones,€to€improve€the€situation€ofÐ `° Ðwomen€in€society.ÐP (#(# ÐÌ(14)à  àThe€Committee€notes€with€concern€that€domestic€violence€against€women€remains€a€problemÐ 0€ Ðin€Georgia.Ð  p ÐÌà0  àThe€State€party€should€take€effective€measures,€including€the€enactment€and€implementationÐ P Ðof€appropriate€legislation,€training€of€police€officers,€promotion€of€public€awareness€and,€inÐ ð@ Ðmore€concrete€terms,€human€rights€training€to€protect€women€against€domestic€violence,€inÐ à0 Ðaccordance€with€article€9€of€the€Covenant.€€The€State€party€should€provide€concreteÐ Ð  Ðinformation€on€the€situation€of€domestic€violence.ÐÀ!(#(# ÐÌ(15)à  àThe€Committee€remains€concerned€at€the€continuation€of€practices€which€involve€traffickingÐ  #ð! Ðin€women€in€Georgia.Ð $à" ÐÌà0  àThe€State€party€should€take€measures€to€prevent€and€combat€this€practice€by€enacting€a€lawÐ p&À!$ Ðpenalizing€trafficking€in€women,€and€should€fully€implement€the€provisions€of€article€8€ofÐ `'°"% Ðthe€Covenant.€€The€Committee€recommends€that€preventive€measures€be€taken€to€eradicateÐ P( #& Ðtrafficking€in€women€and€provide€rehabilitation€programmes€for€the€victims.€€The€laws€andÐ @)$' Ðpolicies€of€the€State€party€should€provide€protection€and€support€for€the€victims.Ð0*€%((#(# ÐÌ(16)à  àAlthough€the€Committee€welcomes€the€appointment€of€an€Ombudsman,€it€notes€with€concernÐ ,`'* Ðthat€her€functions€are€not€clearly€defined€and€her€power€to€implement€recommendations€is€limited.Ð -P(+ ÐÐ ð-@), Ðà0  àThe€State€party€should€clearly€define€the€functions€of€the€Ombudsman,€ensure€herÐ ° Ðindependence€from€the€executive,€provide€for€a€direct€reporting€relationship€with€theÐ  ð Ðlegislature,€and€give€her€authority€in€relation€to€other€State€agencies€in€accordance€withÐ à Ðarticle€2€of€the€Covenant.ЀÐ(#(# ÐÌ(17)à  àThe€Committee€notes€with€deep€concern€the€increase€in€the€number€of€acts€of€religiousÐ ` ° Ðintolerance€and€harassment€of€religious€minorities€of€various€creeds,€particularly€JehovahððsÐ P   ÐWitnesses.Ð @  ÐÌà0  àThe€State€party€should€take€the€necessary€measures€to€ensure€the€right€to€freedom€of€thought,Ð  p  Ðconscience€and€religion€as€provided€in€article€18€of€the€Covenant.€€It€should€also:Ð` (#(# ÐÌà0  à(a)à ` àInvestigate€and€prosecute€documented€cases€of€harassment€against€religiousÐ ð@  Ðminorities;Ðà0 (#(# ÐÌà  à(b)à ` àProsecute€those€responsible€for€such€offences;€andÐ À ÐÌà0  à(c)à ` àConduct€a€public€awareness€campaign€on€religious€tolerance€and€prevent,€throughÐ  ð Ðeducation,€intolerance€and€discrimination€based€on€religion€or€belief.Ðà(#(# ÐÌ(18)à  àThe€Committee€expresses€its€concern€at€the€discrimination€suffered€by€conscientiousÐ pÀ Ðobjectors€owing€to€the€fact€that€non„military€alternative€service€lasts€for€36€months€compared€withÐ `° Ð18€months€for€military€service;€it€regrets€the€lack€of€clear€information€on€the€rules€currentlyÐ P  Ðgoverning€conscientious€objection€to€military€service.Ð @ ÐÌà0  àThe€State€party€should€ensure€that€persons€liable€for€military€service€who€are€conscientiousÐ  p Ðobjectors€can€opt€for€civilian€service€the€duration€of€which€is€not€discriminatory€in€relationÐ ` Ðto€military€service,€in€accordance€with€articles€18€and€26€of€the€Covenant.ÐP(#(# ÐÌ(19)à  àThe€Committee€expresses€its€concern€with€respect€to€obstacles€facing€minorities€in€theÐ à0 Ðenjoyment€of€their€cultural,€religious€or€political€identities.Ð Ð  ÐÌà0  àThe€State€party€should€ensure€that€all€members€of€ethnic,€religious€and€linguistic€minoritiesÐ °"  Ðenjoy€effective€protection€from€discrimination€and€that€the€members€of€such€communitiesÐ  #ð! Ðcan€enjoy€their€own€culture€and€use€their€own€language,€in€accordance€with€article€27€of€theÐ $à" ÐCovenant.Ѐ%Ð #(#(# ÐÌ(20)à  àThe€Committee€is€concerned€at€the€harassment€of€members€of€non„governmentalÐ `'°"% Ðorganizations,€particularly€those€defending€human€rights.Ð P( #& ÐÌà0  àThe€State€party€should€ensure€that€non„governmental€organizations€can€safely€carry€out€theirÐ 0*€%( Ðfunctions€in€a€manner€consonant€with€the€principles€of€a€democratic€society.Ð +p&)(#(# ÐÌÌÐ ð-@), ÐòòDissemination€of€information€about€the€CovenantóóÐ ° ÐÌ(21)à  àThe€Committee€requests€the€State€party€to€publicize€the€text€of€these€concluding€observationsÐ à Ðin€the€appropriate€languages€and€to€ensure€that€the€next€periodic€report€is€widely€disseminated€amongÐ €Ð Ðthe€public€at€large,€including€non„governmental€organizations€active€in€Georgia.Ð pÀ ÐÌ(22)à  àPursuant€to€article€70,€paragraph€5,€of€the€rules€of€procedure€of€the€Committee,€the€StateÐ P   Ðparty€is€requested€to€transmit,€within€12€months,€information€on€measures€adopted€to€deal€with€theÐ @  Ðissues€raised€in€paragraphs€7,€8€and€9€of€the€present€concluding€observations.Ð 0 € ÐÌ(23)à  àThe€Committee€requests€the€State€party€to€submit€its€third€periodic€report€by€1€April€2006.Ð `  ÐÔUS.,CE.,:Ô