Due to solidarity of so many of you, UNGA Resolution got the record high supportive votes in 2023. I would like to kindly ask your continued support on this matter, Georgian Parliament Speaker addressed the 147th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Luanda, Angola.

“Current violent conflicts around the world are derailing the global path to peace and prosperity. Brutal war in Ukraine, and the bloody conflict between Israel and Hamas are vivid demonstrations of the explosive nature of the destructive impact these conflicts have on world peace and democracy. Armed violence and insecurity often deteriorate problems of forced displacement, civilian deaths, and crime. All these have devastating consequences for peoples and communities, especially socially vulnerable groups of population.

In current complex geopolitical setting, we do better realize the value of peace. We, the speakers of parliaments, have a crucial role to play in promoting the rule of law and protecting human rights, fostering open and accountable institutions to ensure peaceful, stable, and prosperous environment for our peoples.

Democracy is only as strong as its institutions. In fact, stable state institutions are the bedrock of a strong and vibrant democracy and a backbone of any prosperous society. They protect individual rights and freedoms, provide continuity and consistency in governance, foster transparency and accountability, and ensure that policies and laws are implemented in a fair and effective manner. This stability promotes economic growth and creates an environment conducive to social progress, peace and development. Without these institutions, democracy becomes vulnerable. As responsible citizens, it is our duty to support and strengthen these institutions…

In recent years, we have witnessed a rise in disinformation campaigns that aim to manipulate public opinion, distort the truth and undermine the trust we place in our democratic institutions.

And Georgia too, despite the above-mentioned spectacular achievements, is not immune from the unprecedented challenge. The problem consists of, first, external geopolitical pressure and dangers of foreign interference; and, second, rising domestic radicalism and populism.

Externally, Russia has been ferociously undermining the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia by occupying two of its historic Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions; refusing to follow its own international commitments, and maintaining instability and crime on ground to keep trump cards for potentially exerting influence over central government.

This must end. Disrespecting the key principles and values of international law opens the Pandora box that has a potential to drag the entire world in the swamp of unseen chaos. And the vocal voice of each of you in support of international law, thus in support of Georgia’s territorial integrity, is vital. In this regard, we are grateful that due to solidarity of so many of you, UN General Assembly Resolution on status of internally displaced persons and refugees from Georgia’s Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region got the record high supportive votes in 2023. I would like to kindly ask your continued support on this matter.