On the 24^th of January, at the National Youth and Children’s Palace the State Agency for Religious Issues within the framework of the Governmental Action Plan on Protection of Human Rights in Georgia presented the projects and books fulfilled in 2016 that have been published by the agency:

1. Documents of the United Nations, Council of Europe, OSCE, Venice Commission and the Oslo Coalition on freedom of religion;
2. Legislations of Romania, Bulgaria, Austria, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia and Belarus on freedom of religion and belief;
3. “Secularism and Religious Neutrality in the Public Administration” (guidelines for public servants);
4. Materials of the Conference – “Interreligious Dialogue for Peace”.

The event was attended by the representatives of all religions active in the country, university professors, ambassadors extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the embassies of different countries, the members of the government and the parliament of Georgia and the journalists.

Opening speech was made by the chairman of the State Agency for Religious Issues Zaza Vashakmadze. He spoke in detail on the need for the projects implemented in 2016. It was said that introduction of the various countries’ and international organizations’ legislations and decisions on freedom of religion and belief and legal regulations of these issues is important for our country. It was also necessary to share their experience and therefore, to establish coherent state policy in this sphere. He also noted that the world was facing new challenges and a response to these challenges could only be achieved by common efforts and by implementing such projects and publications public awareness on freedom of religion and belief would undoubtedly be promoted.

The audience was greeted by the Deputy Chairman of Parliament George Volski. He highlighted the fact that we, the people could do everything, even impossible things, but just in case if we approached to current processes and contradictions within the world by one special principle – principle of spirituality. In this effort, according to Volski the vital role was up to religious leaders, members of the clergy.

The member of the Constitutional Commission of Georgia Ana Pirtskhalashvili also referred to the importance of the projects and in her part, she said that working on such kind of projects jointly and then introducing it to the society would have a positive effect for the citizens, institutions interested in these issues and it would also raise the image of our country in the eyes of our friends.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Embassy of Austria Arad Benko referred to the situation of Muslims in his country and their rights strictly defined under the Austrian legislation.  Protection of the rights determined by the legislation in this field was said to be necessary.

Archimandrite Adam Akhaladze of the Georgian Orthodox Church dealt with the importance of the interreligious dialogue and noted that such dialogue was possible only in case of creating a common, widely accepted foundation including universal, common to all mankind and eternal values as a way to mutual understanding and consent. The Archimandrite added that the presented projects didn’t only hold the status of internal usage but also of international importance.

Other speakers also emphasized the need for this kind and in their sense such large-scale projects.

Finally, each of the speaker thanked the Chairman of the State Agency for Religious Issues and the whole staff for the activities performed.