On August 24, 2023, Public Defender Levan Ioseliani met with representatives of the non-governmental sector operating in Akhalkalaki and local journalists in order to receive information about the challenges in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region.

The topics discussed at the meeting included the issues of obtaining quality education in the official language and the migration of young people caused by it, intensified anti-Western propaganda, and lack of jobs.

Road infrastructure and access to transport were identified as challenges at the meeting. According to the representatives of non-governmental organizations, children in some villages cannot go to school precisely because of the above problem. The supply of food and bare essentials is also complicated.

It was noted at the meeting that the existence of a day center for persons with disabilities, as well as improvement in access to state services, was an essential need in the region; Problems related to obtaining citizenship were also emphasized.

Regarding the challenges in the region, Public Defender Levan Ioseliani also met Ninotsminda Mayor Anivard Misoani and received information about the municipality’s activities and planned programmes in detail.