I am honored to have been asked to introduce this National Human Development Report 2000 to both its Georgian and international readers. It is a special pleasure because this year’s Report focuses on a very important topic: the protection of the Georgian population’s social rights. Today, Georgia is trying hard to earn its place among democratic societies after its recent release from the fetters of totalitarianism. In this difficult, historical path, it is essential to promote civil society and civil ideology. Only the self-consciousness of citizens, only their civil ideology, and only the indisputable protection of human rights can help to implement our efforts and make our planed reforms irrevocable. This is the reason why it is so important for us to have international institutions especially one of the UN Agencies objectively assessing the situation.

The Georgian Constitution is the first and incontestable warrantee of human rights protection in the country. This document, our nation’s most important, recognizes all principles of human rights protection, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, international treaties, agreements, or optional memoranda included. Chapter One of the Report makes much of the fact that shortly after Georgia adopted its Constitution, we joined all international agreements concerning human rights protection. Such actions of the Georgian Government have already brought results. For example, the freedom of speech and mass media rights are unconditionally accepted in Georgia. Another remarkable step we must acknowledge is the creation of the Ombudsman's institution in Georgia. From an institutional perspective we can say that Georgian legislation complies with all principles of a democratic state.

However, I must admit that we face difficulties with the actual implementing of human rights. The National Human Development Report 2000 indicates that economic hardship is undoubtedly responsible for the serious problems existing in the sphere of social rights. The Government is willing, but currently unable, to create the necessary preconditions for state welfare and offer the relevant levels of health care, education, and employment to every citizen of Georgia. In this regard, the shadow economy and corruption are major obstacles to the Government’s ability to fulfill its objective. The Report objectively appraises the existing reality, and, more importantly, describes the development prospects of the Georgian State, civil society, and civil self-consciousness.

We have a long way to go before achieving our strategic goals. The support of the international community is vital for Georgia. This support convinces us that we will manage to overcome our difficulties, which are typical in the formation of any state, and that very soon we will achieve sustainable levels of development and civil welfare.

Prof. Gia Arsenishvili
State Minister of Georgia