UN EXPERT ON HUMAN RIGHTS OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS VISITS GEORGIA, INCLUDING ABKHAZIA AND SOUTH OSSETIA

21 December 2005

The Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons, Dr. Walter Kälin, is undertaking an official visit to Georgia, including Abkhazia and South Ossetia, from 21 to 24 December.

The mission will allow the Representative to study the situation of internal displacement in the country and to engage in dialogue with the Government and the de facto authorities, internally displaced persons, international agencies, non-governmental organizations and other relevant actors. He plans to address the issues faced in responding effectively to internal displacement, explore durable solutions, and strengthen partnerships among concerned parties, from the perspective of the human rights of internally displaced persons. The Representative will present a report with his findings and recommendations to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.

Mr. Kälin was appointed to the post of Representative in 2004 at the recommendation of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.