Georgia

Despite steps taken to deepen ties with the European Union including commitments to progress on human rights, Georgia continues to struggle with issues of discrimination and accountability. Georgia’s state security service’s unfettered access to telecom operators’ networks compromises the right to privacy. Lack of accountability persists for abuses committed by law enforcement officials, as Georgia does not have an independent effective mechanism for investigating such crimes. Other areas of concern include media freedoms, particularly media pluralism, and violence and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.