National Concept for Tolerance and Civic Integration

1. Harmonize Georgian legislation with the international obligations.

2. Ensure effective access of minorities to the judicial system.

3. Strengthen and implement effectively legislation and internal public service procedures against discrimination.

4. Raise awareness of public officials on the rights of minorities and anti-discrimination legislation.

5. Investigate effectively crimes committed on racial, religious, ethnic and national grounds. Education and State Language One of the most serious challenges for civic integration process in Georgia is the lack of knowledge of the state language among ethnic minorities, which significantly impedes their employment in the public service sector and participation in the political, economic and social life of the country. One of the main goals of the education system reform since 2004 is to improve the level of knowledge of the state language among ethnic minorities. Fluency in the state language is a long-term objective. In the meantime, however, specific measures must be taken that will, notwithstanding the low level of knowledge of the state language, ensure the increased participation of ethnic minorities in the political, economic and social life of the country and strengthen their motivation to study the Georgian language. 5 Objectives

1. Improvement of the quality of preschool education by the Government

2. Support the study of the Georgian language by the Government.

3. Support the study of minority languages by the the Government.

4. Ensure opportunities for minorities to receive education in their native language.

5. Promote minority languages as a value of the country.

6. Provide opportunities for minorities to receive private education.

7. Ensure access of minorities to the higher and vocational education.

8. Stimulate employment through vocational education. Media and Access to Information An important step in respect of access to information by minorities has been taken by the Georgian Public Broadcaster, which since 2005 broadcasts news programs in ethnic minority languages (Abkhazian, Ossetian, Armenian, Azerbaijani, and Russian). Under the recent legislative amendments at least 25% of the public Broadcaster’s budget must be used for broadcasting programs in minority languages. Considering the low level of knowledge of the Georgian language it is important to carry out specific activities to ensure that the ethnic minorities are better informed. Objectives

1. Ensure access to national and community broadcasting in regions traditionally inhabited by substantial numbers of ethnic minorities.

2. Provide access to broadcasting programs in minority languages.

3. Ensure coverage of minority related issues and their participation in the broadcasting programs.

4. Support development of electronic and print media in minority languages.

5. Support tolerance and cultural pluralism in the media. Political Integration and Civic Participation In order to raise the level of political integration of minorities public service skills development trainings have been recently carried out; in regions traditionally inhabited by substantial numbers of ethnic minorities they are encouraged to participate in the public service recruitment process; election materials and bulletins are published in minority languages, and competitive environment is created for campaigning by political parties. Active involvement of minorities in the political and social life of the country will depend on an increased level of knowledge of the state language, and encouragement of minorities to work in the public service sector. 6 Objectives

1. Ensure equal suffrage and equal representation of minorities in the elected state bodies.

2. Improve minority participation in the decision-making process. Social and Regional Integration Important steps have been made in recent years to ensure increased participation of minorities in the economic and social life of the country: corruption in government bodies has been eliminated; large-scale infrastructure rehabilitation projects have been implemented in regions traditionally inhabited by substantial numbers of ethnic minorities; after the closure of the Russian military base in Samtskhe-Javakheti region, the Georgian army has started to purchase agricultural products from the local population; process of the land distribution among the local population has started in Kvemo Kartli region. Objectives

1. Develop infrastructure and support job creation in regions traditionally inhabited by substantial numbers of ethnic minorities.

2. Provide professional retraining of minorities in accordance with structural changes in the economy and market demands.

3. Encourage social and regional mobility of minorities.

4. Provide equal opportunities for employment in the public service sector.

5. Implementation of social protection programs by the government Culture and Preservation of Identity In recent years, the state has taken some important steps to encourage participation of minorities in the cultural life of the country and protect their cultural heritage. Nevertheless, any substantial success in this field will mainly depend on close cooperation between the government and the business sector. Objectives

1. Promote civic consciousness.

2. Support preservation of the cultural identity of minorities and protection of their cultural heritage;

3. Support intercultural dialogue and contacts, raise awareness among the general public about different cultural traditions;

4. Ensure participation of minorities in the cultural life of Georgia;

5. Present the culture and history of minorities as cultural values of the country. 7 Action Plan Education and State Language Implementing organization/ OBJECTIVE #1 Name of the program/Activity Timeframe Remark Partner 1) Promote diversified models of services in preschool education by Ministry of Education and 2009-2010 the government Science of Georgia With an aim to improve the quality of preschool education National Curriculum and 1.1.1 service, promote the establishment of children's day 2009-2010 Assessment Center schools in regions populated by national minorities With an aim to improve the quality of preschool education, National Curriculum and 1.1.2 2009-2010 prepare preschool teaching programs Assessment Center Parliamentary Alliance for Increase awareness of parents of minority representatives Early Child Care; National 1.1.3 2009-2010 of the importance of preschool education Curriculum and Assessment Improvement of the Center quality of preschool education by the 1.1.4 Draw up a state policy in the field of preschool education Government With an aim to promote the increase of preparedness to go 1.1.5 to school, implement preparatory programs in the regions where preschool education is inaccessible. Ministry of Education and With an aim to increase the level of preparedness to go to 2009 Science of Georgia school in regions populated by national minorities, 1.1.6 Introduce special preparatory programs that will be focused on the improvement of knowledge of the official language. Introduce elements of inclusive education at the pre-school education level 1.1.7 8 Implementing organization/ OBJECTIVE #2 Name of the program/Activity Timeframe Remark Partner Ministry of Education and 1) Schools financed by the state 2008-2013 Science of Georgia 2.1.1 Supporting Armenian schools (123 schools) 2.1.2 Supporting Azerbaijani schools (94 schools) 2.1.3 Supporting Russian schools (23 schools) 2.1.4 Supporting Ossetian schools (three schools in Kakheti) 2.1.5 Supporting Ukrainian schools (one school in Tbilisi) 2.1.6 Mixed schools (414) Promote education in Ministry of Economic minority languages by 2.1.7 Grants for national minority language teaching programs from 2009 Development of Georgia the government Three Sunday schools (one in Ministry of Education and Tbilisi public 2.1.8 Ossetian Sunday schools 2008 Science of Georgia school #11, two in Tskhinvali district villages) Ministry of Economic 2) Translating textbooks into Armenian, Azerbaijani, Ossetian, Development of Georgia, 2007-2009 Abkhazian and Russian languages National Curriculum and Assessment Center 3) Translating the National Curriculum into Russian and providing National Curriculum and 2007-2009 relevant trainings to teachers and directors Assessment Center 4) Journal Mastsavlebeli [A Teacher] is being published in Teacher Professional from 2008 Armenian and Azerbaijani languages Development Center 9 5) Teacher's book (in three parts) is being translated into Armenian Teacher Professional 2009 and Azerbaijani languages Development Center Ministry of Education and 6) Development of a multilingual teaching concept 2008 Science of Georgia; OSCE Introduction of 7) Development and implementation of multilingual teaching National Curriculum and from 2008 bilingual teaching models Assessment Center National Curriculum and 8) Assessment in Georgian language from 2009 Assessment Center Implementing organization/ OBJECTIVE #3 Name of the program/Activity Timeframe Remark Partner 1) Georgian as a second language teaching program in non- Ministry of Education and 2008-2013 Georgian language schools Science of Georgia; OSCE Publishing of Georgian language textbook and its free Ministry of Education and 3.1.1 2005-2008 dissemination in Samtskhe-Javakheti and Kvemo Kartli Science of Georgia Development of Armenian-Georgian, Azerbaijani- Ministry of Education and 3.1.2 Georgian, Ossetian-Georgian and Abkhazian-Georgian 2009 Science of Georgia phrasebooks Assisting state language teaching Training in Samtskhe-Javakheti and Kvemo Kartli for Ministry of Education and Georgian language teachers from non-Georgian language 2008 Science of Georgia, Teacher 3.1.3 schools (special professional vouchers for teachers to study from 2009 with Professional Development “Georgian as communication language” and “Georgian as a vouchers Center second language”) Program for assisting teenagers and adults in learning state Ministry of Education and 3.1.4 language: open language teaching houses in Samtskhe- 2008-2009 Science of Georgia; OSCE Javakheti and Kvemo Kartli 10 Ministry of Education and 2) Civic Integration of Georgia 2008-2009 Science of Georgia Ministry of Education and 3) Creation of a web-site that will empower civic integration 2009 Science of Georgia 4) Summer schools for Georgian and ethnic minority representative Ministry of Education and from 2007 children Science of Georgia 5) Grants competitions for informal education in regions densely Ministry of Education and 2009 populated with ethnic minorities Science of Georgia Implementing organization/ OBJECTIVE #4 Name of the program/Activity Timeframe Remark Partner 1) Ensure access to higher education for national minorities by the Ministry of Education and 2008-2013 government Science of Georgia Before, the test Prepare general ability test in Russian, Armenian and Ministry of Education and 4.1.1 from 2008 was translated in Azerbaijani languages Science of Georgia Russian The program will start in Autumn in Preparatory program for unified national exams for Samktskhe- national minorities and residents of conflict zones. 4.1.2 National Examination Center from 2008 Javakheti district Promote higher Preparatory centers will open in regions populated by as well as in education national minorities and will be accessible for everyone. Kvemo Kartli and Kakheti Ministry of Education and Social Grants Program. Financing students from Samtskhe- Science of Georgia, Teacher 4.1.3 Javakheti and Kvemo Kartli as well as from conflict Yearly Professional Development regions Center Sending national minority representatives abroad to study Development and Reform 4.1.4 2008-2013 on Bachelor's and Master's programs Fund 11 Implementing organization/ OBJECTIVE #5 Name of the program/Activity Timeframe Remark Partner 1) Presidential program - Rehabilitation of Vocational Training Ministry of Education and 2008-2013 Centers Science of Georgia National Professional 5.1.1. Vocational training center in Akhaltsikhe Agency National Professional 5.1.2 Vocational training center in Kaspi Agency National Professional 5.1.3 Tsinamdzgvirshvili Vocational training center (Mtskheta) Agency National Professional 5.1.4 Vocational training center in Kareli Agency National Professional 5.1.5 College for higher professional education in Akhalkalaki Agency National Professional 5.1.6 Vocational training center in Kazreti Agency National Professional 5.1.7 Vocational training center in Rustavi Stimulate employment Agency through vocational Ministry of Education and training 2) Zurab Zhvania School of Public Administration from 2005 Science of Georgia 5.2.1 Intensive program for studying Georgian language 5.2.2 Program of Public Administration in Georgian 3) Translating information and auxiliary brochures in minority languages A brochure on qualifications system will be translated into National Professional 2009-2010 5.3.1 Armenian and Azerbaijani languages Agency academic year A brochure on the system of recognition of informal education will be translated into Armenian and Azerbaijani National Professional 2009-2010 5.3.2 languages Agency academic year 12 Implementing organization/ OBJECTIVE #6 Name of the program/Activity Timeframe Remark Partner Ministry of Education and 1) Program “Deer Leap” 2005-2009 Science of Georgia Equip schools with computers and furnish them with Will end in 6.1.1 “Deer Leap” Access to internet for internet 2009 national minority Hold competition on the development of website layouts representatives 6.1.2 and placing them on internet Successful school President's National Program children were 2) My First Computer 2008 “Deer Leap” awarded with laptops 13 Action Plan Media and Access to Information Implementing organization/ OBJECTIVE #1 Name of the program/Activity Timeframe Remark Partner 1) TV news programs Georgian Public Broadcaster 2008-2013 1.1.1 Moambe in Abkhazian (frequency: once a week) 1.1.2 Moambe in Ossetian (frequency: once a week) 1.1.3 Moambe in Armenian (frequency: once a week) 1.1.4 Moambe in Azerbaijani (frequency: once a week) 1.1.5 Moambe in Russian (frequency: once a week) 2) Radio news programs Public Radio FM 102.4 2008-2013 1.2.1 News program in Abkhazian (frequency: daily) Provide information in minority languages 1.2.2 News program in Ossetian (frequency: daily) 1.2.3 News program in Armenian (frequency: daily) 1.2.4 News program in Azerbaijani (frequency: daily) 1.2.5 News program in Russian (frequency: daily) 1.2.6 News program in Kurdish (frequency: daily) Ministry of Culture, 3) Periodicals published within the frames of a Support to Monuments Protection and 2008-2013 Literature Program: Sport of Georgia 1.3.1 Armenian newspaper “Vrastani” 14 1.3.2 Azerbaijani newspaper “Gurjistan” 1.3.3 Russian newspaper “Svobodnaya Gruzya” Implementing organization/ OBJECTIVE #2 Name of the program/Activity Timeframe Remark Partner GPB, UNA, within the frames of USAID-supported Promote discussion Talk show “Italiuri Ezo” [the Italian Yard] 2008-2013 program about the national integration of Georgia Implementing organization/ OBJECTIVE #3 Name of the program/Activity Timeframe Remark Partner GPB, UNA, USAID- supported program about the 1) Series of documentaries - Multiethnic Georgia 2008-2013 national integration of Georgia 3.1.1 A documentary - The Armenians 3.1.2 A documentary - The Azerbaijanis 3.1.3 A documentary - The Jews Cognition and promotion of cultural 3.1.4 A documentary - The Greeks and historic values of national minorities 3.1.5 A documentary - The Kurds 3.1.6 A documentary - The Kists 3.1.7 A documentary - The Udins 3.1.8 A documentary - The Ukrainians 3.1.9 A documentary - The Ossetians 2) Private Show Chveni Sakartvelo [Our Georgia] Public radio FM 102.4 2008-2013 Implementing organization/ OBJECTIVE #4 Name of the program/Activity Timeframe Remark Partner 15 Ensure access to information for Rehabilitation of GPB's coverage system GPB 2008-2013 national minorities 16 Action Plan Civic participation Implementing organization/ OBJECTIVE #1 Name of the program/Activity Timeframe Remark Partner 1) Conclude memorandums of mutual cooperation between the council of ethnic minorities under the Ombudsman of Georgia and the following ministries: a) State Ministry for Reintegration Issues Improve the level of b) Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia paricipation of national c) Ministry of Culture, Monument Protection and Sport of Executive Government 2008-2009 minorities in the decision-making process Geogia d) Ministry of Justice of Georgia e) Ministry of Internal Affairs f) Minsitry of Economic Development of Georgia g) Ministry of Refugees and Accommodation 17 2) Conclude memorandums of mutual cooperation between the council of ethnic minorities under the Ombudsman of Georgia and Governors offices in the following regions: Executive Government 2008-2009 a) Kvemo Kartli region b) Samtskhe-Javakheti region Implementing organization/ OBJECTIVE #2 Name of the program/Activity Timeframe Remark Partner Ensure equal electoral rights for national minorities and their Amendments to legislation Executive Government 2008-2010 equal representation in electoral governmental bodies 18 Action Plan Social and Regional Integration Implementing organization/ OBJECTIVE #1 Name of the program/Activity Timeframe Remark Partner Millennium Challenge 1) Samtskhe-Javakheti road rehabilitation project 2006-2010 Georgia Rehabilitation of road and transportation network in 1.1.1 Samtskhe-Javakheti and Kvemo Kartli regions Infrastructure rehabilitation in the Millennium Challenge 2) Energy infrastructure rehabilitation project 2006-2010 regions densely Georgia populated by national minorities Rehabilitation of the damaged sections of North-South 1.2.1 main pipeline Millennium Challenge 3) Regional infrastructure development project 2006-2010 Georgia 1.3.1 Improvement of municipal services Implementing organization/ OBJECTIVE #2 Name of the program/Activity Timeframe Remark Partner 1) Presidential program for rehabilitation of vocational Ministry of Education and 2006-2009 education centers Science of Georgia Rehabilitation of several vocational education centers in the 2.1.1 regions densely populated by national minorities Promote employment in densely populated 2) Zurab Zhvania School of Public Administration and Ministry of Education and 2008-2013 regions retraining of public servants Science of Georgia Attract representatives of national minorities in public 2.2.1 sector 3) Governmental program of Cheap Loan Ministry of Economic projects to be implemented in regions densely populated by 2008-2013 Development of Georgia national minorities: 19 Technology upgrade for plants producing rose essential oil 2.3.1 and processing timber (Kakheti, Lagodekhi, Telavi) Developing construction materials production and honey 2.3.2 production (Kvemo Kartli region, in particular, Gardabani) Establishment of milk collection centers, development of livestock-farming and foodstuff production (Samtskhe- 2.3.3 Javakheti, specifically in Ninotsminda, Akhaltsikhe, Aspindza) Upgrading grain crops processing plant (Shida Kartli, 2.3.4 specifically, Kaspi) Equipping plants for the production of wood-pulp and 2.3.5 shavings and twisted furniture (Mtskheta-Mtianeti, specifically, Mtskheta) 4) Making small production a profitable agribusiness. Millennium Challenge 2006-2011 Agribusiness development project: Georgia 2.4.1 Primary production 2.4.2 Establishing service centers for farmers 2.4.3 Small scale processing 2.4.4 Creation of a production chain 5) Georgia's regional development fund's projects: Investing in Millennium Challenge 2006-2011 small and medium-size plants Georgia Implementing organization/ OBJECTIVE #3 Name of the program/Activity Timeframe Remark Partner Munisipal Service of Social 1) Program for the provision of services to socially vulnerable Service and Culture of Tbilisi 2008-2013 citizens: City Hall Implementation of Provision of free tutorials in desired spheres to socially social protection 3.1.1 vulnerable children studying in Youth Palace, art college 2008-2013 programs by the and sport schools government Ministry of Labor, Health 3.1.2 State pension and Social Protection of 2008-2013 Georgia 20 Ministry of Labor, Health 3.1.3 Social aids and Social Protection of 2008-2013 Georgia Ministry of Labor, Health 3.1.4 Health insurance vouchers and Social Protection of 2008-2013 Georgia Ministry of Labor, Health 3.1.5 Monetization of social benefits and Social Protection of 2008-2013 Georgia Ministry of Labor, Health Program for the promotion of social integration and 3.1.6 and Social Protection of 2008-2013 adaptation of people with disabilities Georgia 21 Action Plan Culture and Preservation of Identity Implementing organization/ OBJECTIVE #1 Name of the program/Activity Timeframe Remark Partner Ministry of Culture, 1) Assistance program to the culture of Georgia's national Monuments Protection and 2008-2013 minorities Sport of Georgia Supporting LAPL (legal entity of public law) Davit 1.1.1 Baazovi Georgia's Jews historic and ethnographic museum Supporting the activities of Georgia's cultural relations 1.1.2 center - the Caucasian House Supporting the activities of LAPL Mirza Patali-Akhundov's 1.1.3 Azerbaijani cultural museum Preserve cultural identity Supporting the activities of the Russian cultural center of 1.1.4 Georgia 1.1.5 Supporting LAPL Tbilisi Adamiani Theatre 1.1.6 Supporting LAPL Tbilisi Azerbaijani Theatre Fine art development program. Series of exhibitions of Ministry of Culture, 1.1.7 pictorial and graphical works of Georgian and Azerbaijani Monuments Protection and 2008-2013 artists – “Palette of Friendship” Sport of Georgia 22 Theatrical art development program: financing theatres of 1.1.8 local importance, including A. Griboedov State Academic Tbilisi City Hall 2008-2013 Russian Drama Theatre Implementing organization/ OBJECTIVE #2 Name of the program/Activity Timeframe Remark Partner 1) Protection of Material and nonmaterial cultural heritage of national minorities: Ministry of Culture, Registration and inventory of cultural monuments of 2.1.1 Monuments Protection and 2008-2013 national minorities Sport of Georgia Ministry of Culture, Protection of Cultural 2.1.2 Monuments' restoration Monuments Protection and 2008-20013 Heritage Sport of Georgia Program for supporting pantheons in Tbilisi and care of cultural monuments: Protection and care of pantheons in 2.1.3 Tbilisi City Hall 2008-20013 Tbilisi, including those of Armenian writers and public figures Implementing organization/ OBJECTIVE #3 Name of the program/Activity Timeframe Remark Partner 1) Provide assistance to regional libraries, clubs and art schools Development of regional cultural 3.1.1 Supporting Baghlojiani musical school in Kvareli Kvareli council 2008-2013 centers Supporting a musical and art school, 14 clubs (ten of them 3.1.2 is Armenian) and 4 libraries (two of them is Armenian) in Akhalkalaki council Akhalkalaki 23 Supporting a musical school, 21 libraries (18 of them is 3.1.3 Armenian) and 20 clubs (18 of them is Armenian) in Ninotsminda council 2008-2013 Ninotsminda Supporting a musical school, 18 libraries (11 of them is 3.1.4 Azerbaijani, 4 of them is Armenian) and 4 rural clubs in Marneuli council 2008-2013 Marneuli Supporting a musical school, a library (for the Armenian 3.1.5 Tsalka council 2008-2013 population) and a cultural house in Tsalka Supporting Eredvi musical school and 18 libraries (five of 3.1.6 Gori council 2008-2013 them Ossetian) in Gori Supporting 19 libraries (one of them is Azerbaijani) and 3.1.7 Gardabani council 2008-2013 one club in Gardabani Supporting 9 libraries in Bolnisi (two of them is 3.1.8 Bolnisi council 2008-2013 Azerbaijani) Supporting 4 libraries in Dmanisi (one of them is 3.1.9 Dmanisi council 2008-2013 Azerbaijani) 24