Human Rights Education and Monitoring Center (EMC) - Improving Human Rights Conditions of Marginalized Groups through Strategic Litigation

Period/Duration:  08.01.2017 – 01.31.2019

Amount: $115,344

Project description: The project increased access to justice for religious, ethnic and sexual minorities by addressing restrictions on freedom of religion for non-dominant religious groups, discrimination based on religion and ethnicity, inconsistent state policies toward restitution for takings of religious properties during Soviet times, issues related to construction of places of worship, problems of low political representation and integration of the Azerbaijani community, transparency of the State Agency on Religious Affairs, proselytism and discrimination in public schools, restriction of freedom of assembly and freedom of expression towards the LGBT community, and hate-motivated crimes. The project included strategic litigation and awareness building activities, and covered Tbilisi, Kvemo Kartli, Samtskhe-Javakheti, and parts of Guria populated by religious minorities. EMC's project included trainings and information sessions for representatives of ethnic and religious minorities, media and religious leaders on issues of religious freedom and non-discrimination.