The recent adoption of the 'Russian Law' (on Transparency of Foreign Influence) by the majority members of the Georgian Parliament starkly contradicts the national interests cherished by the people of Georgia, the European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations of Georgia. The law not only violates the Constitution of Georgia but also runs counter to the findings of the Venice Commission [1] and breaches the articles of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), according to the Open Government Partnership [2] (OGP), the law discriminates, stigmatizes, or hinders the freedom of expression and association of civil society organizations, media representatives, and vulnerable groups.

The 'Russian Law' flagrantly violates the foundational values and principles upheld by the Open Government Partnership (OGP), enshrined in the Articles of Governance. We, the civil society members of the Open Government Interagency Coordination Council of Georgia (OGP Council/national MSF), established by Decree No. 110 of the Government of Georgia on February 13, 2020, to unanimously opt out of both the Council and its permanent working group, the Open Government Forum.

We appeal to the administration of the Government of Georgia, the Secretariat of Open Government Georgia to prepare a draft of the relevant changes in the regulations of the Interagency Coordinating Council of Open Government Georgia as soon as possible and submit it to the Government of Georgia for approval.

We urge the Administration of the Government of Georgia (Secretariat of OGP Georgia), to promptly draft the necessary amendments to the Statute of the Council, and submit it to the Government of Georgia for approval.

Signatory organizations:

Civil Society Institute (CSI)

Economic Policy Research Center (EPRC)

Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA)

Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI)

Fund Partnership for Road Safety

Transparency International Georgia (TIG)