EDUCATIONAL PROBLEMS AND SITUATION OF GEORGIAN SCHOOLS IN THE CONFLICTS ZONES (GALI DISTRICTS)

The education policy of the de-facto Abkhaz authorities since 1995 aims at introducing Russian language teaching in all schools within the original boundaries of Gali district. In their substance, developments in Gali region are similar to those taking place in Transnistria and considering the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights it is apparent that processes in Gali district aim at the Russification of Georgian language. Decisions made in the sphere of education serve to a specific political agenda rather than children’s best interests or the purpose to provide best of education to them. Such interference is beyond justification and infringes the fundamental human rights of Gali population. Protection of rights of conflict affected communities and individuals, is a guarantee of peaceful cohabitation between the confronting sides. A society where human rights and dignity respected has better chances to progress and develop towards democracy, based on economic prosperity.