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.
- Children of Georgia
- Georgian Association of Social Workers
- SOS Children’s Village Georgia
- Save the Children, Georgian branch
- Partnership for Human Rights
- World Vision Georgia
- Partnership for Children
- First Step Georgia
- Public Health Foundation of Georgia
- Association Anika
- Global Initiative on Psychiatry
- Tanadgoma
- International Association Civitas Georgica
- International Association For Aid To Children Suffering From Leukemia
- The McLain Association for Children
- Caritas Georgia
- ADC Studio
- Association “Right to Health”
- Women’s Information Centre
- Anti-Violence Network of Georgia
- Small Group Homes Association
- Our Home Georgia
- The Georgian Centre For Psychosocial And Medical Rehabilitation Of Torture Victims – GCRT
- Rehabilitation Initiative for Vulnerable Groups
- Society „Biliki“
- Nonviolent Communication Institute
- Union “Imedi Plus”
- Child and Family Association
- Association for Assistance to Hearing and Speech Impaired Children (Parent’s Union)
- Welfare And Development Centre
- Union „Orioni“
- Initiative for Social Changes
- International Scout Centre Rustavi
- Young Pedagogues’ Union
- Divine Child Foundation of Georgia
- Partnership for Social Welfare – PSW
- Children’s Welfare League
- Child, Family, Society
- International Charity Fund For Children Suffering From Leukemia
- Mtskheta-Mtianeti Committee of Anti-Violence Network of Georgia
- Equal Opportunities Policy and Advocacy Institute