The report is prepared by ILGA World, Women’s Initiatives Supporting Group (WISG), Tbilisi Pride, and Equality Movement (EM) in the framework of the fourth Universal Periodic Review of Georgia.

Introduction

1. This shadow report, prepared by a coalition of Georgian LGBTI organisations, evaluates the country’s human rights performance in implementing SOGIESC-related recommendations from the previous review and the existing human rights situation.

Methodology

2. The report employs a mixed-methods approach, combining a desk review of national legislation, civil society monitoring reports, assessments by international stakeholders, research studies, ECtHR case law, public statements, media coverage, and confidential consultations with human rights defenders, as well as documented cases by NGOs.

National UPR Context

3. In its 3rd cycle (2021), Georgia accepted 19 out of 21 SOGIESC-specific recommendations, committing to stronger protections against discrimination and violence. However, since the previous review, the ruling party, Georgian Dream, has accelerated its crackdown on human rights and democratic freedoms. Out of the 19 accepted recommendations, none have been fully implemented, 17 remain unimplemented, and 2 have been partially implemented. Between 2022 and 2025, the country experienced significant backsliding, including gross violations of the human rights of all individuals, including LGBTI people. This period has been marked by the adoption of restrictive anti-LGBTI legislation, including bans on trans-specific healthcare, legal gender recognition, the right to peaceful assembly, and freedom of expression, highlighting a growing gap between Georgia’s commitments and their implementation.

4. LGBTI persons have faced systematic rollbacks of rights, escalating state-sponsored hostility, and growing exclusion from public life. Meanwhile, progress on gender equality has been undermined. Measures promoting women’s political participation were revoked, and gender-based violence, particularly perpetrated by law enforcement, has gone unpunished, perpetuating a climate of impunity. While the 2014 Law on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination was once celebrated as a milestone, its inadequate enforcement in recent years reflects broader institutional regression. Georgia’s democratic backsliding raises serious concerns regarding its adherence to its human rights obligations under the UPR framework.

Full report is available in English on the link:
State of Human Rights of LGBTI people in Georgia (2021 to 2025)