Minister of Corrections in Georgia Kakha Kakhishvili had a meeting with the representatives of NGOs. The meeting was attended by the center for Development and Democracy (CDD) chairperson Ketevan Chachava.

The Minister informed to participants about existing situation of system and told the activities which were undertaken to protect the rights of accused and convicted. He also got acquainted with the views of civil society on specific issues and topics and also discussed the problem with them. For the effective cooperation the Minister asked to the representatives of civil society to mention their vision of problem solving along with the announcement.

According to the announcement of the chairperson Ketevan Chachava the meeting was effective and the fact that new Minister of Corrections in Georgia begins work with Civil Society is very important.

The participants of the meeting were interested in the position Minister of creating the public monitoring Council, as well as the criteria of local bodies for suspender’s early release and the current situation of penitentiary system. Kakhi Kakhishvili explained that reform includes creating the advisory council in the near future, which will be completed by the representatives of NGOs. The council will be sort of guarantee of effective dialogue between the public and the ministry and transparent work of the agency. As for non-governmental organizations from the public monitoring of prisons, should be based on standards and criteria, as well as to define the skills of people who will have to work with them.

According to the Minister’s decision similar meetings will be held at least two times in a month. In addition the Ministry will appoint a contact person to work on daily mode with representatives of NGOs.