The European Union will provide assistance to the Georgian Public Defender’s Office (PDO) worth EUR 1.4 million aimed at enhancing the role and independence of the PDO.

The project will focus on strengthening the capacity of the PDO to monitor criminal justice reforms, raise public awareness on the rule of law and human rights issues, according to the European Commission delegation in Georgia.

Assistance will range from the establishment of an analytical unit to developing new approaches and efficient programmes to monitor the implementation of criminal justice reforms; use of monitoring guidelines and training; as well as legal, criminological and other issues related to criminal justice reforms in Georgia.

An Austrian public sector consultancy firm, Human Dynamics, has been contracted to implement the project.

In addition, the PDO will also receive EUR 400,000 to enhance technical capabilities, including the equipping of regional offices. Twelve vehicles will also be donated to the PDO in the frames of the project.