Civil society organizations in Georgia warn that the government’s recent actions, including restrictive legislation and attacks on media, violate core Open Government Partnership principles. By stalling reforms for four years and failing to implement national action plans, the state has broken the essential trust required for effective multilateral cooperation and genuine democratic engagement. This stagnation highlights a critical vulnerability in open data governance when political will evaporates. Without robust legal protections and transparent institutional dialogue, citizens lose access to the information necessary for accountability. The erosion of these rights prevents civil society from fulfilling its vital watchdog role, undermining the fundamental premise of open government. Consequently, the statement urges the OGP Steering Committee to activate its response mechanisms against Georgia. This intervention aims to pressure the government to restore co-creation processes, remove barriers to public data, and halt smear campaigns against critics. It underscores that open data is not merely a technical requirement but a political commitment that demands international oversight to remain meaningful.
Source: civil.gePublished on 2023-05-18