You have the right to complain if you think you have been discriminated against.
In this section, you will find information about where and how to submit a complaint about discrimination in Georgia.
Before you make a formal complaint, it is important to understand what you want to achieve. Before you decide to complain, it is important to understand which form of remedy you are willing to receive. The victim of discrimination has the right to request:
- prevention of discriminatory treatment
- restoration in the conditions that existed before the implementation of the discriminatory action
- Compensation for moral and material damages resulting from discrimination.
Formal complaints
If you consider yourself a victim of discrimination, you have the right to apply to the Public Defender of Georgia and/or the Court. You can use civil and administrative legal mechanisms to protect yourself from discrimination.
important You must be careful not to miss procedural deadlines for filing the complaint in court, which in some cases is the only authority that can decisively resolve your discrimination case and award compensation.
Administrative sanctions
The Administrative Offences Code of Georgia depending on the severity of the offense, provides for various sanctions for sexual harassment.
In employment, such a fine may be imposed by the State Labour Inspectorate; in other fields, it may be imposed by a judge of a district court.
Criminal sanctions
Discrimination is punishable under the Georgian Criminal Law if it has caused grave consequences. According to the Criminal Code of Georgia, violation of human equality is punishable, racial discrimination and restriction of the rights of persons with disabilities are criminalized by separate articles. Committing a crime involving discrimination or intolerance on other grounds is an aggravating circumstance of responsibility for all relevant crimes under the Criminal Code of Georgia. In such case, you should submit a complaint to the State Police.
Complaints to international human rights bodies
If you think that the violation of your rights has not been remedied by Georgian institutions or courts, you should submit a complaint to international and European institutions, such as the European Court of Human Rights or the UN Human Rights Committee.
About this section
This section of the Guide will explain, how and where to complain about discrimination, and where to seek help.
Read more about the complaint procedures: