Photo by Sven Brandsma
Photo by Sven Brandsma
Photo by Sven Brandsma
July 2020
Protecting the Rights of a Child

On July 7, the Tbilisi City Court decided a case litigated by EWMI grantee, Partnership for Human Rights (PHR). Through a EWMI PROLoG-supported project, “Strengthening Child Access to Justice in Georgia,” PHR provides legal aid to children and their guardians in cases where there is a violation of the rights of a child. In this particular case, PHR was protecting the rights of a child that was placed in a COVID-19 quarantine zone despite having a suitable place for self-isolation with the parent.

On June 27, the family returned to Georgia from the U.S. and was taken to a quarantine zone. According to the government’s regulation, instead of quarantine, which lacks adequate living conditions for a child, the child should have been placed in self-isolation. The family requested to be transferred to their home arguing that they had a suitable alternative, the quarantine zone did not provide appropriate nutritional support for the child, and the child’s psychological well-being was at risk, but their request was rejected without any basis.

With the help of PHR, the family was able to address the Tbilisi City Court. On July 7, the court heard the case, and, taking into account the best interest of the child, granted PHR's request, and the family was transferred to self-isolation. PHR was pleased with this outcome and continues to protect the human rights of children and other vulnerable groups through legal assistance.