NGO representatives welcome comments made by PM candidate Bidzina Ivanishvili in response to our appeal regarding the nomination of Mr. David Darakhvelidze as a candidate for the Minister of IDPs from the Occupied Territories, Accommodation and Refugees.
Naturally, it is the Prime Minister’s prerogative to nominate ministerial candidates, while the role of the civil sector is confined to watching developments. Mr. Ivanishvili’s response fills us with hope that the new government will be “open” and will ensure the involvement of civil society in the decision-making process.
We are pleased that Mr. David Darakhvelidze took part in the public discussions and presented his own arguments. Moreover, he met personally with representatives of the civil sector.
At a meeting held on 22 October, we explained to Mr. David the reasons for our concern and threats associated with similar statements, especially when the Minister’s mandate comprises communication with the most vulnerable groups, in particular, IDPs, refugees, asylum seekers and repatriates.
We hope that public office holders will be especially cautious when making public statements and will ensure the protection of equality principles.
Signed by:
1. Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association
2. 42nd Article of Constitution
3. Green Alternative
4. Public Movement Multinational Georgia
5. Transparency International – Georgia
6. The International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy
7. The Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics
8. Association of the Georgian Regional Broadcasters
9. Regional Media Association of Georgia
10. The Center for Strategic Research and Development
11. The Open Society – Georgia Foundation
###
Let us remind you that on October 19, NGOs issued a statement on the nomination of Mr. David Darakhvelidze for the position of the Minister of IDPs from the Occupied Territories, Accommodation and Refugees. NGOs expressed concern in the statement that the ministerial candidate had used hate speech and made racist statements at a meeting held in the Ambrolauri district during the election campaign. Moreover, he had been aggressive towards mass media representatives. NGOs urged PM nominee Bidzina Ivanishvili to review his decision regarding to nomination of the candidate and be more cautious and adopt more principled approach while selecting public officials for different positions.
Media on the issue:
New minister explained allegedly racist comments– DF Watch.net, October 24, 2012
Refugee minister candidate criticized for ‘racist’ statements– DF Watch.net, October 22, 2012
Ivanishvili Asked to Reconsider his Pick for IDP Minister for ‘Hate Speech’– Civil.ge, October 19, 2012
