Georgia removed from the Open Government Partnership (OGP)

Georgia Removed from Open Government Partnership Following Deteriorating Human Rights Situation

Tbilisi, Georgia – Georgia has been removed from the Open Government Partnership (OGP) effective April 13, 2026, following a decision by the OGP to suspend the country’s membership. The move stems from what the OGP described as a “severe human rights crisis” within Georgia. The Open Government Partnership is an international initiative fostering transparency, accountability, and public participation among participating governments.

For several years, Georgia was recognized as a success story within the OGP, implementing reforms and aligning with international standards. However, escalating tensions beginning in 2023, including increased pressure on civil society and media, led to the suspension of Georgia’s membership. The OGP initially set conditions for Georgia to repeal restrictive laws and ensure protections for freedom of expression and assembly by the end of 2025.

However, the organization determined that the situation worsened, with continued democratic backsliding and deepened restrictions on fundamental rights. Consequently, civil society organizations withdrew from cooperation, undermining the partnership’s core principle. The decision reflects concerns raised by international bodies, including the Council of Europe and the International Press Institute, regarding new legislation impacting freedom of expression and media independence.

The OGP’s removal signals a systemic problem – the weakening of democratic institutions and a reduced space for public participation – with implications for freedom of speech, media independence, and the ability of citizens to hold power accountable. Georgia’s departure from the OGP represents a loss of formal status and a significant decline in trust, impacting the country’s broader democratic development.

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