Center for Participation and Development

Empowering Civil Society in Georgia: The Center for Participation and Development ✍ We are the Center for Participation and Development (CPD), a Georgian NGO founded in 2012 by passionate civil society activists, experts, and public figures. Our mission is to drive positive change in Georgia and the Eastern Partnership region by promoting tolerance, civic participation, and the rights of vulnerable groups. 👉 What We Do: ▪ Youth and Minority Empowerment: We equip young people and minorities with the skills and knowledge to participate actively in decision-making processes and advocate for their rights. ▪ Tolerance and Diversity: We foster a more inclusive and tolerant society through education, awareness campaigns, and policy advocacy. ▪ Human Rights Defenders: We champion the safety and security of human rights defenders working on the frontlines of social change. 👉 Why We Matter: A strong civil society is essential for a thriving democracy. By empowering individuals and communities, we can build a more just, equitable, and prosperous Georgia. 👥 Join the Movement! We invite you to follow our journey as we work towards a brighter future for Georgia. Stay tuned for updates on our projects, events, and publications. #Tolerance #CivilSociety #Georgia #EasternPartnership #HumanRights ◾

📜 The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948, reminds us that everyone has the right to equality, freedom, and a life of dignity. The values enshrined in this declaration – freedom, justice, and equality – continue to serve as a guiding light. 🌍 Today, we celebrate this day and connect it to our current reality – the ongoing events in Georgia. Now Georgian citizens are fighting to defend democracy, justice, and human rights. This struggle again reminds us that human rights are the foundation of our future.

📆 Today, December 9, we join the global community in commemorating the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime. 👉 This day is a solemn reminder to honor the memory of those who have suffered from one of the most heinous crimes in human history. It also calls upon all of us to strengthen our efforts to prevent such atrocities in the future. 📌 The Center for Participation and Development (CPD) remains committed to fostering tolerance, inclusion, and respect for human rights as essential tools for building a more peaceful and just world. Let us stand together against hate and violence, ensuring that the lessons of the past guide our actions for the future. #HumanRights #GenocidePrevention #DignityAndJustice #CPD #GlobalSolidarity

🍁 Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃 ❤ Today, we at the Center for Participation and Development (CPD) want to thank our American partners for their support and hard work. Your efforts to promote inclusion, teamwork, and positive change inspire us daily. 🤝 We are grateful for all you do to strengthen our communities and bring people closer. Wishing you and your loved ones a warm and joyful Thanksgiving! 🌟

🌍 International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women – November 25 ✍ Today, November 25, the world observes the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This day reminds us of the urgent need to take meaningful actions to ensure the safety and rights of women everywhere. 👉 Violence against women remains one of the most pervasive and devastating issues, affecting not only individual lives but also the progress and well-being of entire societies. 📣 Remember, together, we can make a difference. Your voice against violence matters and is powerful! 💪 #WomensRights #EndViolenceAgainstWomen #CPD #HumanRights #StopViolence

Eng/Geo 📣 ჩაერთეთ დისკუსიაში საქართველოს დემოკრატიის მომავალზე ბერლინში! 🇬🇪 📅 თარიღი: 21 ნოემბერი, 19:00 შეხვედრაზე ვისაუბრებთ საქართველოში მიმდინარე საპროტესტო მოძრაობებზე, სამოქალაქო საზოგადოების როლზე და საერთაშორისო მხარდაჭერის მნიშვნელობაზე. სარეგისტრაციო ლინკი: https://shorturl.at/C4zvO 🌍 Join Us in Berlin: Discussing the Future of Democracy in Georgia 📅 When: 21 November, 19:00 📍 Where: @refugioberlin, Lenaustraße 3–4, 12047 Berlin Protests in #Georgia have gained momentum following the October 26 elections, with citizens challenging not only the results but also government policies that mirror Russia’s “foreign agent” laws and anti-LGBTIQ legislation. This is your opportunity to hear from inspiring speakers including: 🔹 Giorgi Marjanishvili, Center for Participation and Development (CPD) @civic_solidarity 🔹 Giorgi Rodionov, founder of Tbilisi’s queer and feminist art space for the South Caucasus 🔹 Other experts on democracy and human rights Together, we’ll explore how the international community, especially civil society in Germany, can stand in solidarity with Georgia during these critical times. 📝 Registration closes on 20 November. To secure your spot: Register here https://shorturl.at/C4zvO We look forward to seeing you there! 🇬🇪✨

Eng/Geo ✍️ჩართულობის და განვითარების ცენტრი (CPD) მხარს უჭერს საქართველოში უფლებადამცველებისა და აქტივისტების გაძლიერებას! 🤝თუ თქვენ ხართ უფლებადამცველი ან აქტივისტი და გჭირდებათ მხარდაჭერა ან გაძლიერება, ჩვენ შეგვიძლია დაგეხმაროთ შემდეგი მიმართულებებით: 👇 📌 ფსიქოლოგიური მხარდაჭერა 📌 ციფრული უსაფრთხოების შესახებ კონსულტაცია 📌 ფიზიკური უსაფრთხოების კონსულტაცია 📌 უსაფრთხოების კუთხით, მცირე გრანტების მოპოვებაში დახმარება 🛡️ჩვენ მზად ვართ, თქვენს გვერდით დავდგეთ! 📢დახმარების მისაღებად ან დამატებითი ინფორმაციისთვის, მოგვწერეთ პირად შეტყობინებაში ან დაგვიკავშირდით ელ. ფოსტაზე: cpd.infodesk@gmail.com 📩 წერილში მიუთითეთ, კონკრეტულად რომელი მიმართულებით გჭირდებათ მხარდაჭერა. ✍️Center for Participation and Development (CPD) supports the empowerment of human rights defenders and activists in Georgia! If you are a human rights defender or activist in need of support or empowerment, we can assist you in the following areas: 👇 📌Psychological support 📌Digital security consultations 📌Physical security consultations 📌Assistance in obtaining small grants for security needs 🛡️We are here to stand by you! 📢To request assistance or for more information, feel free to message us privately or contact us via email at cpd.infodesk@gmail.com 📩 Please indicate in your email the specific area where you need support.

✍ The impunity for crimes against journalists remains a serious challenge in Georgia and around the world. In 2024, as in previous years, attacks on the media continued to be frequent. Journalists in Georgia often face physical violence and obstacles to performing their professional duties, including confiscation of equipment and intimidation. 📰 The role of journalists in modern society is irreplaceable. They disseminate information that is crucial for shaping public opinion. Journalists also serve to hold authorities and the private sector accountable, promoting transparency in democratic systems. 🎙 Their work often amplifies the voices of the invisible or overlooked—marginalized groups, small communities, or individuals whose perspectives might otherwise remain unheard. ✊ Protecting journalists, ensuring their safety, and fighting against impunity is all our responsibility. Their safety is essential to safeguarding our freedom. 🌍 Let us remind ourselves that freedom of speech is not guaranteed – it must be protected!

📅 November 16 — International Day for Tolerance 🤝 Tolerance fosters the development of a diverse society that is rooted in the protection of each individual’s rights and dignity. ✍ The Center for Participation and Development (CPD) actively works to advance initiatives that promote human rights and establish inclusivity in Georgia. Our goal is to strengthen the importance of tolerance and to create an environment where everyone has equal opportunities.

🗓 In recent years, Georgia has made significant progress in international indices. However, recent events, especially internal political tensions and challenges to democratic standards, are likely to impact the country’s rankings negatively. 👉 Recent developments, including protests, political confrontations, and critical statements from EU representatives and other countries, have further damaged Georgia’s international image. 📊 International indices such as the Democracy Index, the Press Freedom Index, the Human Development Index, and the Corruption Perceptions Index likely show a decline in Georgia’s positions. These indices evaluate the stability of political institutions and the level of human rights protection and civil liberties. 📌 If Georgia does not continue implementing democratic reforms and improving the standards of human rights protection, there is a substantial risk that its rankings will deteriorate in the next evaluations. This, in turn, will negatively affect the country’s international image and hinder its EU integration process, as one of the EU's primary requirements is upholding democratic standards and ensuring transparency. ✊ It is essential to ensure media freedom, judicial independence, and the protection of democratic principles so that Georgia can maintain and improve its position in international indices, which is vital for the country’s stable and sustainable development.