Declaration on Building Georgian-Russian Civil Dialog

As a result of political crisis between Russian Federation and Georgia which has developed into military confrontation, the relationships between the two nations have sustained serious losses. The military confrontation and increase of political tension between Russian and Georgia  can be a cause for destabilization in the Caucasus region as a whole.

Today we talk not only about rupture of diplomatic relations between our two states, but about possible breaking off of any communication between people divided by unconscientious propaganda and anguish caused by losses in the conflict.  

The first who responded the tragedy of civilians on Georgian territories were non-governmental organizations of Georgia and Russia as well as intergovernmental institutions and international humanitarian organizations. Just thanks to their efforts, and energy of common people the first necessary assistance was rendered to victims of the conflict.

Civil organizations of our countries are open to cooperation. Despite the gravity of situation we have been able to begin consolidation and believe that uniting the efforts of civic groups is the only way to establishment of long-term peace in our region and in the hearts of its people.

We, NGO representatives of Georgia and Russia,

• understanding that our peoples should live in peace and develop good-neighbourhood and friendly relations with each other;
• taking into account the complexity of today’s situation and the role of some politicians and media in destroying historical and cultural ties between our nations;
• realizing the role of NGOs in development of bilateral relations between our societies, independently on individual politicians’ positions;

establish a network of non-governmental organizations.

The main aims of the network must be the following:

• development and establishment of direct civil connections between societies of our countries, including first of all between NGOs of Georgia and Russia;
• strengthening of dialog and mutual understanding between our peoples;
• planning of joint activity to minimize humanitarian problems for the civilians, who suffered during the armed conflict;
• decrease the level of xenophobia in society, struggling against all forms of discrimination, spread of objective unbiased information about the situation in both countries;
• development of long-term peaceful initiatives in our countries aimed at encouragement of culture of peace including the Caucasus region;
• strengthening of mutual help and support  for NGOs in our countries;

For achievement of these aims we plan:

• to conduct meeting, visits and joint humanitarian programs;
• to develop the direct public connections among students, teachers, journalists, actors of culture and art and other members of our societies;
• to support any public, governmental and international activities aimed at realization of the mentioned goals.

We appeal to all NGOs from our countries to join this initiative and contribute to consolidation of connections between our peoples.

We invite NGOs from other countries to join the Initiative as partners

If you are interestaed in joining this initiative and contribute to consolidation between civil societies of Gerogia and Russia, or you wish to support the initiative please contact us on civildialog@peace.yhrm.org

Public Movement Multnational Gerogia

Russian branch of Intermational Youth Human Rights Movement.