“This resolution has paramount importance as it not only concerns the return of internally displaced persons and refugees, but also emphasises the territorial integrity of our country,” Kakha Imnadze, Permanent Representative of Georgia to the United Nations Organisation told Georgian First Channel.

Imnadze noted that amid pandemic, the UN was closed and passing the resolution was at risk. “The significance of the resolution is huge, as it is the document by which the whole world recognises Georgia’s territorial integrity. The resolution itself was sponsored by 54 countries this year,” stated Imnadze.

Imnadze explained the meaning of sponsorship and said it means co-authorship, taking responsibility for the issue. “Therefore this topic is not only a Georgian topic, but it also belongs to the UN. IDPs passively become their belonging as well,” noted Imnadze.

“We inroduced this novelty last year when 45 countries backed us. This year 54 countries supported our resolution and took the ownership,” added the Permanent Representative of Georgia to the United Nations Organisation.

On September 3, 2020, the UN General Assembly within its 74th session has adopted the Resolution on „Status of Internally Displaced Persons and Refugees from Abkhazia, Georgia and the Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia, Georgia” that was initiated by Georgia and 53 sponsoring states.

The General Assembly has been adopting the Resolution consecutively since 2008, reaffirming the fundamental rights of forcefully displaced persons, first and foremost their right of voluntary, safe and dignified return to their homes, noted Georgian Foreign Ministry (MFA).

On September 4, 2020, the Nordic and Baltic States have joined the statement on the adoption of UNGA resolution and “take this opportunity to reaffirm their strong support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders.”