Georgia: The Coalition for Children and Youth on Child Protection Release Statement on Homophobic Bullying and Abuse

Source: The Georgian Coalition for Children and Youth

17 May 2018

Child protection from all forms of abuse and violence is a particularly pressing issue in Georgia today. One of the most severe forms of violence is homophobic bullying when children or adolescents are bullied because of different views, appearance or behavior. We, as a coalition of organizations working on children’s rights, urge the Government of Georgia to create a child safe environment free from discrimination and violence for all children, ensure effective prevention and elimination of homophobic bullying and prevention of adolescents’ stigmatization and exclusion.

In Georgia there is no unified mechanism for identifying and overcoming bullying (including homophobic bullying) that would widely use prevention approaches. Young people who are in the process of their identity exploration need special support provided by family, school and society.

Asa network of 41 organizations working on child welfare issues, we condemn stigmatization of adolescents despite gender identity, physical and intellectual abilities, ethnic or religious origin! All children have the right to be protected and have the opportunity to develop. We call on all responsible bodies of the Government of Georgia to take effective measures in this respect.

The Coalition for Children and Youth as a network of 41 organizations working on child welfare issues condemns adolescent’ stigmatization despite gender identity, physical and intellectual abilities, ethnic or religious identity and belonging! All children have the right to be protected and have the opportunity to develop. We urge all responsible government agencies to take effective measures to:

• revise the unified referral mechanism for protection children against abuse as well as the Law on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination to ensure adequate protection of the youth from homophobic bullying;
• develop the Georgian information resources and online platforms to provide parents and youth with comprehensive information, existing support mechanisms and online consultations;
• ensure training for social service staff, including social workers and substitute family service staff;
• create psychology and consulting services having relevant competence at the community and school levels;
• begin long-term public awareness campaign about homophobic bullying risks and ways of solving.

1. Children of Georgia
2. Georgian Association of Social Workers
3. SOS Children’s Village Georgia
4. Save the Children, Georgian branch
5. Partnership for Human Rights
6. World Vision Georgia
7. Partnership for Children
8. First Step Georgia
9. Public Health Foundation of Georgia
10. Association Anika
11. Global Initiative on Psychiatry
12. Tanadgoma
13. International Association Civitas Georgica
14. International Association For Aid To Children Suffering From Leukemia
15. The McLain Association for Children
16. Caritas Georgia
17. ADC Studio
18. Association “Right to Health”
19. Women’s Information Centre
20. Anti-Violence Network of Georgia
21. Small Group Homes Association
22. Our Home Georgia
23. The Georgian Centre For Psychosocial And Medical Rehabilitation Of Torture Victims – GCRT
24. Rehabilitation Initiative for Vulnerable Groups
25. Society „Biliki“
26. Nonviolent Communication Institute
27. Union “Imedi Plus”
28. Child and Family Association
29. Association for Assistance to Hearing and Speech Impaired Children (Parent’s Union)
30. Welfare And Development Centre
31. Union „Orioni“
32. Initiative for Social Changes
33. International Scout Centre Rustavi
34. Young Pedagogues’ Union
35. Divine Child Foundation of Georgia
36. Partnership for Social Welfare – PSW
37. Children’s Welfare League
38. Child, Family, Society
39. International Charity Fund For Children Suffering From Leukemia
40. Mtskheta-Mtianeti Committee of Anti-Violence Network of Georgia
41. Equal Opportunities Policy and Advocacy Institute