Nona Kurdovanidze, head of the Georgian Young Lawyer Association (GYLA), expressed concerns about the Prime Minister’s announcement regarding a new grant program for Georgian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) funded by the state budget.

“Regarding the initiative announced today, we view it as a continuation of the Russian law, which was designed to undermine and stigmatize civil society organizations and ultimately eliminate their activities.

This law imposes restrictive and discriminatory measures that are inconsistent with constitutional principles. The new funding initiative appears to reinforce this stigma by suggesting that state-funded work is preferable to work funded by international donors.

This move could undermine the credibility and independence of NGOs, including the Young Lawyers’ Association, which is dedicated to human rights and societal interests. Introducing this grant program in the context of the restrictive Russian law seems intended to reinforce the law’s effects and provide some form of benefit to organizations that comply with it.

It is important to recognize that such funding cannot replace the dignity and independence of organizations that have chosen not to register under this law,” Kurdovanidze stated.

Kurdovanidze also expressed scepticism about the government’s willingness to fund critical organizations.

“In a country where the government often criticizes NGOs for their critical stance, such funding would be unlikely. The funding from the state budget could undermine the independence and credibility of NGOs, particularly those engaged in monitoring government performance or exposing corruption,” she added.

The Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, stated that the government plans to establish a grant program financed from the state budget for Georgian NGOs.