On the occasion of Europe Day in Batumi, the Council of Europe joined the celebrations with a focus on promoting equality and cultural diversity through grassroots engagement. As part of the festivities, the Council of Europe and European Union Delegation representatives met with the local civil society organisation Solidarity Community to discuss the human rights and equality situation in the field in Ajara and ongoing collaboration on initiatives aimed at combating hate speech and promoting inclusion at the local level.
The meeting served as an opportunity to present the video initiative, which highlights the peaceful coexistence and shared contributions of Christian and Muslim communities in the Ajara region. The initiative that aimed to raise awareness of cultural and religious diversity, and to build strong counter-narratives against hate speech and discrimination.
Visitors of the Europe Day event had the opportunity to experience Ajara’s rich cultural traditions firsthand through a workshop led by Mzevinar Iremadze, a handicraft specialist from Ghorjomi, Upper Ajara. Participants engaged in traditional embroidery and sewing, celebrating local craftsmanship and intergenerational cultural transmission.
These activities reflected the Council of Europe’s broader commitment to fostering inclusive societies and strengthening cooperation with local actors to advance equality and non-discrimination throughout Georgia.
These events are part of the European Union and Council of Europe joint programme “Partnership for Good Governance”, co-funded by the European Union and the Council of Europe, and implemented by the Council of Europe, in the framework of the project “Combating Hate Speech in Georgia’’.
