Members of the Network
We have over 34 members from across Georgia. Our Secretariat, currently established at the Innovations and Reforms Center coordinates the work of the Network.
Our Network is open to new members, who share our values, principles of our work and have a desire to engage in the work of the network.
CSOs
Experts
Organisational Members
Innovations and Reforms Center
Innovations and Reforms Center (IRC) is a civil society organization based in Georgia since 2010, whose main areas of activity are supporting public administration reform and promoting human rights. One of the directions of the organization work is migration management. In the frames of this direction IRC has implemented wide scale EU financed initiatives, among them were projects aimed at contributing to supporting Visa Liberalisation Process, to developing and enhancing links between migration and development, to preventing irregular migration, and facilitation to the (re)integration of foreign migrants and Georgian returnees. IRC is supporting current reforms in the field of citizenship and migration as well as working to reduce the number of stateless persons and to prevent statelessness. IRC has a consultative status at the State Commission on Migration Issues, and, is a member of European Network on Statelessness (ENS). The main area of IRC's activity is Georgia, although the organization periodically participates in ongoing development projects in the countries of Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia.
Kakheti Regional Development Foundation (KRDF)
The Kakheti Regional Development Foundation was established in 2008 to respond to the urgent problems of internally displaced persons and displaced persons in the Kakheti region. KRDF inherited and continued the Norwegian Refugee Council's (NRC) integration programs for displaced persons and vulnerable communities, with significant assistance from the NRC and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Since 2014, the organization has diversified its services and increased the geographical area of activity. With knowledge of the local context and extensive experience, KRDF is one of the few organizations working in the valley since 2009 to support Pankisi youth, women and other vulnerable groups in poverty alleviation, empowerment and protection of rights.
International association Civitas Georgica
International association Civitas Georgica was founded in 1996 by persons, who believe that Georgia is the country with European values. The goal of the organization is to promote the establishment of democratic and effective self-government and civil society in Georgia, raising the level of public participation in the decision-making process and supporting community development. The 4 main values of Civitas Georgica are demand and target group orientation, equality, human resources, sustainability and trust.
The core areas of the organization's activities are: transparency and accountability, early and preschool education, self-government and local development, crisis management, youth and civic participation, international cooperation.
"Civitas Georgica" is a member of the European Network Training Organizations (ENTO) and the Central and Eastern European Civil Network (CEE CN), a member of the Child and Youth Welfare Network, a co-founder of the Coalition for Local Self-Government and Democracy and a member of the Eastern Partnership National Platform. Partnership relations have been established and joint projects have been implemented with up to 15 non-governmental organizations and research centers in Europe and the USA.
Advocacy Network for Migration Issues
Based on "Rights Georgia's" initiative nine civil society organizations working in various regions of Georgia established the Advocacy Network for Migration Issues (ANMI) in November 2021.
The memorandum of cooperation was signed by Rights Georgia, Tanadgoma - Center for Information and Counseling on Reproductive Health, Samtskhe-Javakheti Region Association "Toleranti", Caritas Georgia, Migration Center, Tolerance and Diversity Institute, Association Merkuri, Tok-TV and Abkhazintercont.
The ANMI member organizations have been joining efforts in identifying and solving migration-related issues, conducting advocacy on migration issues accordingly. Rights Georgia has been coordinating the activities of the network.
Speech
Speech is a diaspora platform for Georgian professionals living abroad, founded in New York in 2020. It is a kind of base of modern and historical emigration, which brings together approximately 600 Georgian professionals working in various fields (culture, science, media, digital technologies, medicine and sports) from all over the world.
Speech successfully implements various projects with the involvement of Georgian professionals working abroad and promotes their connection with the homeland.
We deeply believe that mobilising and investing existing resources in the homeland will contribute to the development and success of Georgia.
Anti-Violence Network of Georgia (AVNG)
Anti-Violence Network of Georgia has been working on issues of domestic violence since 2003 and GBV provides victims with services such as legal aid, psycho-social rehabilitation, economic empowerment of women and others. Since 2007, five packages of legislative changes have been prepared at the initiative of the National Network for Protection from Violence, the purpose of which was to improve the legal framework for the successful fight against domestic violence and the effective protection of victims of domestic violence.
AVNG has been conducting trainings and information meetings throughout Georgia for many years. The target group of the organization is those institutions that directly or indirectly participate in measures against domestic violence. In particular: judges, police officers, prosecutors, lawyers, representatives of social services, representatives of local self-government bodies, persons working in the field of human rights protection, in order to increase their awareness of the problem of domestic violence and promote the establishment of an effective system of protection and assistance to victims of domestic violence
Center for Information and Counseling on Reproductive Health - Tanadgoma
Tanadgoma was founded in 2000 and it operates countrywide. Its mission is to improve the physical and mental health of the population of Georgia through the implementation of preventive, educational, diagnostic and rehabilitation services and advocacy. Moreover, Tanadgoma also ensures capacity building of relevant organisations, communities and stakeholders. The organisation's services are available to the general population of reproductive age, but it puts a special emphasis and develops proactive programs for women and at-risk, vulnerable groups. Tanadgoma has a central office in Tbilisi and 4 branches in Batumi, Zugdidi, Kutaisi and Telavi.
The organisation runs two programs: the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Program and the Mental Health Program. As Tanadgoma mainly works on healthcare and social issues, and at the same time big share of its beneficiaries are particularly vulnerable groups, the organisation's focus is on protecting health rights of migrants - ensuring their access to healthcare services and information.
Fund Sokhumi
Fund Sokhumi was registered in 1997 and in 2019 Tbilisi office of the organisation was founded. From 19 October 2021 the organisation is called Women’s Fund Sokhumi. The organisation works in 13 municipalities of west Georgia: Kutaisi, Baghdati, Terjola, Vani, Tkibuli, Tskaltubo, Samtredia, Khoni, Senaki, Tsalenjikha, Zugdidi, Chokhatauri and Kobuleti. The organization's mission is to promote social, economic and political empowerment of women by developing their social, educational and legal capacities, achieving gender equality and involving them in the decision-making process.
Main areas of work: gender equality, gender policies at local level, peace building, prevention of domestic violence, support to victims, work with youth, support to IDPs and refugees.
Migration Centre
Migration Centre is based in Georgia. Its founders are emigrants who returned to Georgia after many years of emigration. The main field of activity of Migration Centre is to support the formation of migration policy and informed migration processes in the country.
The organization was founded in 2013. In the same year, Migration Centre became a member of the Governmental Commission on Migration Issues with a consultative status. The main directions of the organization's activities are promotion of awareness of migration processes, reintegration of Georgian citizens and integration of citizens of foreign countries in Georgia.
Association Merkuri
Association Merkuri is a non-profit organisation, which has been operating in Samegrelo region since 2004. Its mission is to support development of civil society in Georgia. Organisation's vision - support establishment of gender equality, as a democratic value.
Goals:
- Protection of women's and children's rights, education and healthcare
- Introduction of educational initiatives in Georgia; work on international and local youth programs
- Cultural, publishing and scientific activities
The organisation has implemented more than 200 projects at the local and international level. Since 2018 the organisation has been operating a shelter for women and children victims of domestic violence. The target group of the organisation is women from vulnerable groups: victims of violence, displaced persons, internally displaced persons, migrants returning to their homeland, etc.
Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti Self-government Resource Center
Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti Self-Government Resource Center (SGRC) is a civil society organization founded in 2001 in Georgia, whose main areas of activity are promoting the development of local self-government institutions in the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region, identifying challenges and needs with the involvement of civil society, protecting human rights, Promotion of development and integration of local youth, including disabled people, into society, support of environmental protection activities.
Community Development Platform (CDP)
Community Development Platform (CDP) is a non-profit organization based in Georgia, whose mission is to promote the formation of sustainable local communities in the cities and regions of Georgia, by promoting the development of vulnerable groups, to support the green development of the country. The organization was founded in 2022. During this time, our organization implemented 2 projects: 1. "Informed society for reproductive health of girls and women" project financed by "Women's Fund"; 2. "SHE's Great" project funded by the "Georgia Strategy and Development Center (GSCD)" with the support of USAID, which served the psycho-social strengthening of adolescents.
CDP is a member of the Civil Society for Migration and the Network of Non-Governmental Organizations Working on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. The main direction of the organization is the psycho-social strengthening of various vulnerable groups.
Caritas Georgia
Charitable Foundation Caritas Georgia was founded in 1994 in Georgia and is still actively working in the field of response to emergency situations, humanitarian, social, health and development. Caritas Georgia has been serving the needy population of Georgia since its establishment. It is trying to create a Georgian society that will protect the dignity of each person and their basic rights, so that peace, justice, mercy, solidarity and public interest dominate individual interests in the country. Based on the above, Caritas Georgia aims to promote human development and social justice, to include vulnerable and poor people and to encourage their self-responsibility and dignity.
Caritas Georgia is a full member of the "Caritas Europa" network and the "Caritas International" confederation and carries out its activities through its projects and programs to help vulnerable people - lonely elderly people, children deprived of care, homeless people, disabled people, Home care inpatients - through daily care and improvement of their social status. In terms of development, Caritas Georgia implements various projects on education and professional training of children and adolescents, re-integration of voluntarily returned migrants, and development and strengthening of rural communities.
Public Advocacy
“Public Advocacy” was established in response to the spring events 2009 in Georgia. At that time unregistered organization galvanized human and material resources to monitor the ongoing street protests, This initiative was successfully implemented with support of the “Open Society Georgia Foundation”. On 22nd of March, 2011 popular initiative “Public Advocacy” was transformed into an independent non-governmental legal entity.
“Public Advocacy” has several years of experience in assisting the integration of IDPs, refugees and persons granted with international protection in Georgia and protects migrants, refugees' and ethnic minorities’ rights and promotes their integration in the local community.
The “Public Advocacy” successfully cooperates with local and international organizations.
Care Caucasus
Care Caucasus is a non-governmental organization that implements social and humanitarian programs in the South Caucasus region.
Care has been working in the Caucasus region since 1989. Since the early 2000s, Care Caucasus has started implementing long-term development-oriented socio-economic development programs aimed at reducing the causes of poverty and social inequality and creating suitable conditions for sustainable development to achieve stability and peace in the South Caucasus region. Care's programs focus on women, youth, people living in conflict-affected regions and remote regions.
Tanaziari
Charitable Center for Rehabilitation and Development "Tanaziari" is a non-governmental organization whose goals are: to help socially vulnerable groups, including IDPs - protection of rights and assistance in solving existing problems. The goal of the organization is to improve the socio-economic condition of socially vulnerable groups, their social rehabilitation, implementation of humanitarian programs in various fields; Women's psychological rehabilitation, third sector development, small and medium business, tourism, cultural heritage, art development and support for new initiatives. The scope of the center's activity consists of conducting training, rehabilitation, development, credit programs, health care, elections, protection of people's rights.
"Tanaziari" was founded in 2000 and works with various target groups: women, youth, children, prisoners, probationers, IGPs, children with disabilities. The center operates in the Samegrelo region and cooperates with both local and international organizations. The main field of activity of the organization is: human rights, women's rights, healthcare, rights of prisoners, gender equality, education, tourism, ecology.
Welfare and Development Center
The organization is a voluntary association of people with disabilities in Shida Kartli, the founders of the association are wheelchair users. During its work, the organization has not changed its target group, work priorities and has implemented a number of important projects in this field.
The organization has a proper organizational structure, has a team of professionals and works effectively with disabled people, socially vulnerable and displaced population, young people, children and their family members. "Welfare and Development" Center promotes and strengthens the integration of people with disabilities into society, and the protection of their rights: full life and participation in public activities for people with disabilities. In the youth direction, the "Gori Youth Center" has been established in the organization, which aims to introduce the culture of civil activism and raise the overall qualification of young people in civic engagement and diversity management.
Democracy Development Foundation - Georgia
Democracy Development Foundation – Georgia is a non-profit organisation, which was created in 2021.
The purpose of the fund is to support the strengthening and development of democratic institutions, civil society; promoting the implementation of democratic reforms; raising the level of public education; establishment of modern standards of law in Georgia; protection of human rights.
Student youth council
Student-Youth Council was registered in 2002 as a public association that serves to solve the problems of youth and students by protecting their rights, gaining and deepening knowledge, filling the informational vacuum, practical promotion of intellectual, creative, cultural and sports opportunities, as well as the development of competencies, professional growth and promotion of employment.
The organisation works in the following program directions: promoting youth integration and active participation in public life; promotion and development of volunteerism; Promoting the establishment and development of democratic governance/autonomy, The organization is the founder of the youth union "Euroclub".
Georgian Civil Development Association
The Georgian Civil Development Association was founded in 1998 and it is the first non-governmental organization registered in Lagodekhi district. Given its non-entrepreneurial, non-political, non-profit nature, the association represents people's interests and protects their legal rights. The mission of the association is to promote the formation of civil society and the development of local government capabilities, to establish the rule of law, in order to achieve the social well-being of the population. The activity of the organization is divided into several directions. One of the important ones is the promotion of self-government development.
The association actively works in terms of activating the socially vulnerable population and advocating their interests in government bodies. of the socially vulnerable population activated by the association
AIC/AbkhazInterCont
The organisation was founded in 1997 with the mission to promote the sustainable development of small entrepreneurship and farming in Georgia, and improving the social and economic condition of IDPs, vulnerable population, protecting marginal groups. The operational area of the organization is Imereti, Racha, Lechkhumi, Kvemo Svaneti.
Main domains of operation of the organisation are: promotion of micro, small and medium businesses, educational trainings in business administration issues, promoting the rural and agricultural development, training farmers in modern technologies of agribusiness and S/M, publication of sectoral literature, arrangement of demonstration plots, promoting the improvement of the economic situation of IDPs, protection of interests, advocacy, lobbying, promotion of migrants and other marginal groups returning to Georgia, promotion of civil society development in the region.
Pankisi Women’s Council
Council of Elderly Women is an organization based in Georgia, which has been working since 2011 in the direction of protecting the rights of women representing ethnic and religious minorities living in the Pankisi valley and their integration into society. The Women's Council actively cooperates with the local elders' union and promotes the increase of women's role in civil life, the protection of women's rights and freedoms, and the prevention of domestic violence.
Women's Council is also a partner organization of its founding organization (KRDF) and cooperates in activities related to women's issues both in Pankisi Valley and in the Muslim community living in Telavi Municipality.
Civic Integration Foundation
Civic Integration Foundation (CIF) is a non-profit/non-entrepreneurial civil society organization based in Georgia, whose main areas of activity are promoting the development of civic education of youth and protection of human rights, including the rights of representatives of ethnic minorities in Georgia, and civil integration.
The organization was founded in 2005 and, along with other directions, is engaged in informing citizens/young people in the direction of migration.
Start Now
"Start Now" NGO is a non-profit/non-entrepreneurial civil society organization based in Georgia, whose main areas of activity are the empowerment and support of young people and women.
The organization was founded in 2012 and has been actively working in several directions since then. including at the local level in terms of socio-economic empowerment of youth and women, protection of their rights and development of local services adapted to their needs.
Association Toleranti
The Samtskhe-Javakheti regional association "Toleranti" was founded in 2001 and its goal is to promote the introduction of democratic principles in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region, the protection of human rights and freedoms, the peaceful coexistence of citizens of different ethnic groups, confessions, different opinions living in Georgia, the social support of various vulnerable groups development and implementation of integration and assistance programs. In addition to the implementation of projects funded by donors, the organization actively cooperates with state agencies and in 2016-17 implemented and is currently implementing reintegration activities of migrants who returned to Georgia.
Within the framework of 22 implemented projects, the organization's target groups were the population deported from Samtskhe-Javakheti in 1944, former prisoners, young probationers, disabled people, migrants, local communities and community associations, orphaned and socially vulnerable population, female prisoners, helpless elderly, children. "Tolerant" has successfully carried out and is currently carrying out activities promoting the adaptation and integration of these groups, improvement of social and economic conditions, employment, education, professional education, medical, legal and legal, small business start-up.
IDP Women Association CONSENT
IDP Women Association "Consent" is a non-profit/non-entrepreneurial civil society organization based in Georgia, whose main field of activity is protecting the rights of women and girls displaced as a result of the conflict, their economic empowerment, and raising the level of health and education. Consent was founded in 1995 and has since been working on the empowerment of underrepresented groups, including the support and empowerment of displaced persons, minorities, the elderly and conflict-affected persons, and on peace-building issues.
For the association, issues related to IDPs are part of the internal migration policy. Moreover, since 2011, "Consent" has been working with migrants returning to Georgia - citizens of Georgia - in 3 directions - social support, employment promotion and economic empowerment. 2022 Since February 25, he has been actively involved in the process of helping people displaced by the war from Ukraine, and has been a member of the coordination group since the same time.
Georgia Global Connections
Georgia Global Connections (GGC) is a non-profit international organisation founded in 2017 by people working in the field of education, with the aim of promoting the strengthening of youth and community/population in the country through the implementation of educational programs and international projects. Its founders believe that the synthesis of education, culture and communication enables development of the society and introduction of the European values.
The leading ares of activity of GGC follow:
Development of youth through their involvement in peace education programs, increasing social tolerance in adolescents, development of life skills, integration - based on sharing diverse cultures, experiences and relationships.
Promotion of interpersonal relations between different cultures, religions and ethnic communities.
Promotion of offering free services to children with autism spectrum and emotional/behavioural disorders, supporting child's early intervention and supporting development of a child form an isolated, passive person to an independent, successful and active member of the society.
GGI has partnership and implemented joint projects with key organisations in USA and EU.
Women Association "Acting Together"
Women Association "Acting Together" is a non-commercial (non-entrepreneurial) civil society organisation based in Georgia, which was founded in 2013 in Tskaltubo, Imereti region. The main field of activity of the organisation is protection of human/women's rights, activities directed against domestic and gender-based violence. The main beneficiaries are vulnerable groups, displaced people, repatriates, eco-migrants, people living in the highlands and other persons in need of assistance including the local population. The organisation also works in various directions, such as strengthening the role of women in issues related to education, conflict resolution, and public diplomacy, working with young people.
The organisation has been a full member of the Tskaltubo Gender Equality Council for the 8th year, member of the Tskaltubo Mayor's Advisory Council, member of the Commission on Mayors for Economic Development, member of the Commission for the promotion of persons with disabilities.
Georgian Association "Women in Business - GAWB"
International Association "Women in Business" is a non-governmental organization, which was founded in 1998. The main goal of the association is to promote the development of micro, small and medium-sized businesses, increase the involvement of women in entrepreneurial activities, protect their rights and achieve gender equality. , raising economic and legal knowledge, information-consulting services, business education and vocational training for employment and self-employment. 610 female entrepreneurs are members of the association.
Since its establishment, the association has implemented a number of projects in all regions of Georgia, which contribute to the economic empowerment of women, their integration in value chains by creating cluster production, sharing best practices, and providing access to business and professional training programs. Has 15 years of experience in managing business incubation programs. The association works with various target groups, including migrants, and promotes the reintegration of returned migrants (voluntarily or following readmission procedures from EU countries), aimed at their further employment, development of labor skills and increasing competitiveness. For strengthening involvement in entrepreneurial activity, providing one's own business with sustainable income and improving the material condition.
In addition, the association has carried out studies that include the analysis of the modern processes of labor migration, the state policy for ensuring the protection of the rights of labor migrants and promoting the reintegration of returnees, the problems that arise as a result of migration at the national, regional and international levels. In the studies, special attention is given to the gender aspects of labor migration, the issues of perfecting official statistics on migration, employment of migrants and professional qualifications. Published the publication "Main trends of labor migration, demographic situation and gender aspects, "Women in illegal labor migration". Promotion of protection of labor migrants' rights and reintegration.
Research-Intellectual Club "Dialogue of Generations" (RICDOG)
RICDOG has been operating in the Imereti region since 2005 and is active in Erasmus+ programs that promote legal migration, cultural exchange and integration. The organization also works with citizens of foreign countries in Kutaisi. As part of the “STEP TOGETHER” project, implemented jointly with the Migration Center (STREAMinG, ICMPD, SDC), a strategy for the integration of Kutaisi abroad was created and a platform was created through which foreign citizens who had been in the city for a long time helped in the integration process.
Euroclubs of Georgia
The goals of "Euroclubs of Georgia" are:
- Promotion, implementation and support of the "Euroclubs" system;
- Establishing connections with peers within the country and internationally;
- Acquaintance/study of Georgian history, culture, traditions, protection and promotion of cultural traditions and heritage;
- Promotion and implementation of European values, familiarization/study of history, culture, traditions of European countries;
- Community mobilization and promotion of community movement development;
- Support for active involvement of young people in public life;
- Promotion of volunteering among young people and promotion of development.
The organization is founded as an "Open Space" (www.facebook.com/OpenSpaceOzurgeti) - a place where young people have the opportunity to meet each other, discuss, plan various activities for their peers, rationally spend their free time. The members of the organization have the experience of participating in activities within the framework of "Erasmus +": youth exchanges, trainings, seminars, study visits, etc.
The organization has the accreditation of the "European Solidarity Corps" program as a receiving and sending party of volunteers.
Experts
Mr. Irakli Kokaia
Expert on migration issues
Mr. Alexander Svanidze
Expert on migration issues
Mr. Lasha Saatashvili
Expert on migration and citizenship issues