Tolerance and Diversity Institute (TDI) - Combating Discrimination Based on Religion, Ethnicity and Race
Period/Duration: 05.22.2017 – 03.31.2020
Amount: $132,388
Project description: The project ensured protection of freedom of religion, providing legal aid and increasing access to justice for religious, ethnic minorities and the victims of racial discrimination. The project focused on analysis of state policies and changing discriminatory practices and legislation through strategic litigation. The project aimed to address problems of property-related barriers faced by religious groups, including the construction of temples, restitution of property confiscated during Soviet times, purchase of state property by religious groups, unequal tax treatment of religious groups, discriminatory practices at public educational institutions, discrimination on ethnic grounds, including discrimination during elections, racial discrimination, and problems of residence permits for foreign citizens. TDI conducted field visits in Tbilisi, Achara and Kvemo-Kartli regions, and provided consultations and legal representation to religious, ethnic minorities and victims of racial discrimination. TDI’s partner organization was the Union of Azerbaijani Youth in Georgia, based in Kvemo-Kartli.