Thomas Hammarberg: People on whom the observance of human rights depends, should be interested in improving the situation

Prime Minister Artur Mikvabiya received the co-chair of the Geneva Discussions on human rights Thomas Hammarberg.

Sukhum. June 13. Apsnypress. Dmitry Basariya. The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Abkhazia held a meeting of Arthur Mikvabiya and Commissioner for Human Rights Thomas Hammarberg. The human rights activist mission is aimed at research and collection of factual material in the field of human rights in Abkhazia.
 
 Opening the meeting, Prime Minister said: "We heard a lot about what a significant contribution you have made in the case relating to the protection of human rights and peace not only in Europe but also in other countries of the world".
 
 For his part, Thomas Hammarberg said: "The human rights problems exist in every country in the world. The most important thing is that people on whom the observance of human rights depends, should be interested in improving the situation in this area." He also spoke about the general trend: the citizens are starting to think about their rights only at the moment when these rights are infringed. Therefore, the main task of human rights defenders is "to prevent the decline in the mood of society, when people begin to feel discomfort".
 
 According to Hammarberg, it is planned to investigate the personal rights of each individual, such as the rights of children, women, minorities, people with disabilities, as well as respect for human rights in the judicial system. Monitoring is supposed to be carried out by personal contact, both with the authorities and ordinary citizens. According to the results of research there will be drawn up a report which, together with recommendations will provided to the Government of the Republic of Abkhazia.
 
Next on the agenda, Thomas Hammarberg will meet with the representatives of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Abkhazia, parliamentarians and members of the National Assembly.