Statement of NGOs on the 6th Anniversary of the 2008 Russian-Georgian War
Today is the 6th anniversary of the Russian-Georgian war in 2008, one of the most tragic events in the recent history of Georgia. We honor the memory of the soldiers who defended their country’s independence at the cost of their lives.
Six years ago today, in violation of the international law and agreements, Russia occupied Georgian territories followed by ethnic cleansing, burning down of Georgian villages and displacement of people from their homes. As a result of the conflict, 30,000 people were forced to leave their homes and live in IDP settlements for six years to-date. This continues despite the multiple resolutions of the UN General Assembly with the aim of establishing the IDPs’ right to return.
Unfortunately, Russia continues to occupy Georgia by means of borderization activities, further deteriorating living conditions for the local population.
Russia continues to refuse to abide by the EU-brokered ceasefire agreement: Russian military units remain on the territory of Georgia; barbed wires have been installed between various villages; people are not allowed to return to their permanent residences; property and movement rights of Georgia’s citizens are violated on a daily basis, and people are detained for moving around in the conflict zone for everyday life purposes.
We, the civil society representatives, would like to express sour gratitude towards the friend nations of Georgia and international organizations for defending and respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia.
It is important to investigate all crimes committed in the 2008 war and restore the rights of the victims of the war. It is also important that the Georgian government continues pursuing active policy of non-recognition of the occupied territories; using international mechanisms to pressure the Russian Federation; and improving living, social and economic conditions for the families of the deceased and victims of the war.
International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED)
Civil Development Agency (CIDA)
Transparency International-Georgia
Human Rights Centre
Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association
Open Society Georgia Foundation