UK calls out Russian occupation of Georgian territory

The UK has reaffirmed its support for Georgian sovereignty during a session at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. The UK continues to be a strong supporter of UN Human Rights Council Resolution 60/16 on "Cooperation with Georgia".

The resolution highlights the ongoing human rights violations and humanitarian concerns resulting from Russia's continued occupation of Georgian territory.

Minister of State Stephen Doughty said:

For 17 years, Russia's unlawful military grip on Abkhazia and South Ossetia has defied international law and denied ethnic Georgians their basic human rights. This occupation must end.

Russia must withdraw its forces, reverse its recognition of these so-called independent regions, and open the door to international human rights monitors. Every displaced person - regardless of ethnicity - deserves the right to return home in safety, dignity, and peace.