Public Defender comments on adoption of Law on Rehabilitation and Support for Juveniles in Conflict with Law

The Public Defender echoes the adoption of the Law on Rehabilitation and Support for Juveniles in Conflict with the Law on December 17, 2025.

According to the ombudsman’s office, since the introduction of the draft law, the Public Defender of Georgia, in accordance with his authority, has been actively involved in the discussion process.

“The Public Defender has expressed his position and recommendations at various stages, including during the committee discussion of the legislative initiative. During the process of evaluating the draft law, the Public Defender examined international practices, including the experiences of several countries, as well as the concluding observations issued by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child concerning states with similar institutions, along with the Committee’s recommendations.

The Parliament of Georgia, based on the comments of the Public Defender, reflected certain changes in the draft law; however, in terms of compliance with international and national standards for the protection of children’s rights, the law still has fundamental challenges, including the institutional nature of a closed-type institution and the issue of its departmental subordination.

The Public Defender emphasises that particular importance should be attached to the introduction and enhancement of preventive measures concerning children and families with children, as well as the development of effective mechanisms for early intervention and access to family support services.

The Public Defender of Georgia, within the framework of his authority, continues to actively work on the above issue in all relevant formats, in accordance with international and national legislation, to ensure the unwavering protection of children’s rights and freedoms and promote their effective realisation,” reads the statement.