Core Support to Institute for Development Freedom of Information 2023-2025

Examples of results achieved by IDFI in 2023 as follows: Open Governance and Anti-Corruption - Further cooperation with the EU Global Facility on Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing Corruption (GF-AML/CFT) was established and IDFI participated in several international events organized by the EU Global Facility on AML/CFT where IDFI presented the developments in Georgia. Moreover, future activities and events have been planned in cooperation with the EU- GF-AML/CFT including the international event in Tbilisi in 2024. - In 2023 the DFID conducted a survey according to which the performance in proactive disclosure of public information improved by 4% compared to the results from the previous year. The IDFI does this kind of survey every year. - New OGP Action Plan was adopted by the Government of Georgia. Out of IDFIs 8 initiatives, 4 recommendations were considered in other government strategies/legislative proposals, and in the case of the fifth recommendation on proactive disclosure of public information, composed of 6 components, four components were considered. 3 suggestions, meanwhile, were not considered. - 5 recommendations/comments from IDFI regarding the new Public Administration Reform Strategy and Action Plan were considered. Rule of Law and Freedom of Media - In 2023, IDFI prepared more than 10 analytical documents related to the Rule of Law and the functioning of democratic institutions. - IDFI's successful strategic litigation led to the recognition and elimination of unconstitutional provisions that hindered access to court decisions. - With IDFI's legal support to journalists, approximately 60% of the cases resulted in journalists obtaining public information of their interest despite the systemic, and at times unlawful challenges journalists are facing. Local Government - The overall performance of municipalities in terms of transparency and accountability improved by 5% compared to 2021. IDFIs Local Self-Government Index played an important role in this performance. - IDFI started the publication of the analysis of the decentralization reform, needed interventions, and various aspects of the reform. - As a result of IDFIs capacity building training, up to 70 local civil society actors became familiar with practical tools for holding the government accountable and realized the newly gained skills in practice by monitoring local government performance in terms of transparency and accountability. Social and Economic Policy - IDFI has been actively advocating for a reasonable increase in the Pension Agency's investment mandate and allow citizens to put their pension savings in different risk categories investment schemes, which would provide some insurance against the inflation rate. With the change in legislation, by the time of writing the report, citizens are given the opportunity to choose an investment portfolio for their pension savings. - The active advocacy of IDFI's recommendations has contributed to an increase in assistance to various socially vulnerable groups. For example, funding for the treatment of cancer patients has risen, the program for providing housing for the displaced population has been activated, the household subsidy for repressed persons has increased, etc. Civic Tech and Innovations - The media and digital literacy of approximately 7,000 people improved as a result of IDFIs awareness-raising activities and materials. - 75 new datasets became available and 60 datasets were updated for the general public. 28 analyses using public data were prepared by students, civic society representatives, and data analysts during IDFIs annual contest. - Georgias score in terms of internet freedoms decreased by two points, based on the Freedom on the Net Program of Freedom House. IDFIs comprehensive report on blocking websites raised questions regarding transparency and accountability of online content moderation in the country. Disinformation and Memory Studies - The household subsidy for the victims of political repression has been increased from January 2024 as a result of several years of advocacy by IDFI. - In 2023, the accessibility of the state archives of Georgia further deteriorated. IDFI researchers and their partners from different countries encountered barriers in accessing the archives. IDFI has documented cases when researchers were denied access and has planned a large-scale advocacy campaign in this direction. - 2 studies and 7 articles were prepared on Soviet and memory studies, with a focus on pro-Soviet and pro-Stalinist propaganda; 8 videos on memory, history, disinformation, and propaganda were prepared and disseminated. - 2 new websites - Stalin.historyproject.ge and gorimaps.ge - launched, 4 websites and 2 Facebook pages regularly updated with information. - IDFI held 14 open lectures and meetings. Up to 500 school and university students participated in various projects in the capital and regions of Georgia. Among them, approximately 240 young people from Azerbaijani and Armenian ethnic minorities participated in the project aimed at reducing anti-NATO disinformation and propaganda.

IDFI defined as the key, overall objective "combating corruption, improving transparency of public institutions, increasing citizen engagement in decision-making processes, achieving higher standards of rule of law, promoting more inclusive economic policies, facilitating the democratic decentralization and the democratic transition processes, upholding media and human rights, and promoting innovations to solve outstanding problems". IDFI has outlined six directions, as they call them, or specific objectives that the organisation will work on. Those objectives are: 1) Open Governance and Anti-Corruption; 2) Rule of Law and Freedom of Media; 3) Local Governance; 4) Social and Economic Policy; 5) Civic Tech and Innovations; and 6) Disinformation and Memory Studies. For each of those six specific objectives IDFI provided detailed targets that the organisation plans to achieve by the end of its strategy period. Those targets are as follows. 1. Open Governance and Anti-Corruption 1.1 Promoting Open Governance 1.1.1. Georgia successfully implements the EU 12 recommendations and receives the EU candidacy status. IDFI is an active participant in this process; 1.1.2 Georgia adopts the Open Government Partnership Action Plans (Government, Parliament, Adjara Supreme Council, Tbilisi Mayors Office, local governments). New recommendations from IDFI for reforms are successfully advocated in OGP Action Plans at the Government, the Parliament, the Adjara Supreme Council, the Tbilisi Mayors Office, and in local governments; 1.1.3 Georgias performance in terms of open government (World Bank, WJR, and other relevant surveys) improves; 1.1.4 The extent and quality of public participation in the process of policy development is increased at the executive and legislative levels; 1.1.5 Freedom of information legislation and practice are improved in comparison with the 2022 results; 1.1.6 New Public Administration Reform strategy and action plan are adopted, IDFIs recommendations are successfully advocated; 1.1.7 Public service delivery is improved, IDFI recommendations are successfully advocated. 1.2 Fighting Against Corruption 1.2.1 New anti-corruption strategy and action plan are adopted, with IDFIs recommendations being included; 1.2.2 Anti-corruption reform is implemented and New Anti-corruption legislation is adopted (creation of the Anti-Corruption Agency); 1.2.3 Georgias ranking improves in the Public Procurement Transparency Rating (TPPR standards) and Georgia adopts Open Contracting Data Standards (OCDS); Transparent Public Procurement Rating network has a larger number of participating countries; 1.2.4 Recommendations by OECD-ACN successfully advocated by IDFI and implemented by Georgia; 1.2.5 Recommendations by GRECO successfully advocated by IDFI and implemented by Georgia; 1.2.6 UNCAC assessment is performed and IDFI participates by submitting the shadow reports; 1.2.7 The openness of registers (beneficial ownership transparency) is improved, with IDFI having successfully advocated for an open registry; 1.2.8 Transparency standards of extractive industries are improved according to IDFI recommendations; 1.2.9 Whistleblowers protection is improved according to IDFI recommendations; 1.2.10 Anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism financing legislation and practice are improved (Georgias compliance with FATF and Moneyval recommendations is improved); 1.2.11 Accountability and financial transparency of sports federations are improved, with IDFI having successfully advocated for it. 2. Rule of Law and Freedom of Media 2.1. Georgia implements ambitious judicial reform to eliminate corporatism and informal influences on Justices and to achieve a truly independent, efficient, and transparent judiciary; 2.1.1. The adoption of an ambitious Judicial strategy and action plan to eliminate corporatism and to increase transparency, independence, and trust toward judiciary is supported; 2.1.2. Transparency and independence of the key institutions of judicial administration (High Council of Justice [HCoJ], High School of Justice (HSoJ), office of Independent Inspector (OII) is enhanced, IDFIs recommendations are included; 2.1.3. Compatibility of the Procedure and grounds for disciplinary hearings of judges with international standards is improved, with the Georgian context in mind. 2.1.4. Public access to judicial acts, cases of high public interest in particular is improved; 2.1.5. Adoption of the Strategy and Action Plan to increase the independence, accountability, and effectiveness of the Constitutional Court of Georgia (CCoG) is advocated and supported. 2.2. Institutional independence of law enforcement agencies and power sharing amongst them is optimized. Safeguards for ethical implementations of Artificial Intelligence systems are increased. 2.2.1. Independence and inclusiveness of the selection process of the Prosecutors Council is optimized; 2.2.2. Investigative powers of the Prosecutors Office (PO) are decreased, power-sharing between PO and Ministry of Internal affairs is optimized; 2.2.3. Accountability of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) and PO is increased; Application of Artificial Intelligence and advanced analytical software by law enforcement agencies is studied, threats are identified and reduced. 2.3. Institutional reform to decentralize concentrated power under the State Security Service is implemented. The institutional model of secret surveillance is modified according to ECHR and ECJ Case law. 2.3.1. Investigative powers of the State Security Service (SSSG) are reduced; 2.3.2. Parliamentary, judicial, and civil oversight on SSSG is increased; 2.3.3. The institutional model of secret surveillance is modified according to ECHR and ECJ Case law. True institutional independence and transparency of the Operative-Technical Agency (OTA) is supported. 2.4. Transparency, effectiveness, institutional and political independence of the Special Investigative Service [SIS] and the Personal Data Protection Service (PDPS) and Public Defenders Office (PDO) are enhanced. 2.4.1. Transparency, institutional independence, and inclusiveness of the selection process of the Heads of the SIS and PDSP, as well as PDO are increased; 2.4.2. Legislative proposal is elaborated to increase the mandate of the SIS to cover the Minister of Internal Affairs and heads of the State Security Service and Prosecutor General. 2.4.3. Mechanisms to increase the effectiveness of the PDSP to oversee the legality of the secret surveillance measures are implemented. 2.5. The state of freedom of expression and media is strengthened and challenges are combatted while media polarization is reduced; 2.5.1. Hostility of the media environment is reduced, transparency and effectiveness of the investigation of the attacks on media is increased; 2.5.2. Criminal, administrative, and civil lawsuits against journalists are monitored and detected; 2.5.3. Accountability of the communications Commission of Georgia (ComCom) is increased; 2.5.4. Standards of free speech are maintained, harmful legislative initiatives and practices are detected and combatted; 2.5.5. Access to public information by the media is ensured; 2.5.6. Creation of a Media Lawyers Network is advocated. 2.6. Advancing the rights of persons with disabilities, children, women, LGBTQ, and elderly people; 2.6.1. Human rights strategies and action plan adequately reflects the needs of Persons with disabilities, children, women, LGBTQ, and elderly people; 2.6.2. Facilitates accessibility of public information and governmental services for persons with disabilities; 2.6.3. Prepares a manual for strategic litigation at the Constitutional Court of Georgia for vulnerable groups. 2.7. Facilitates integration of Georgia into the European Union. 2.7.1. Georgia successfully implements the priorities (related to rule of law and media) defined by the EU; 2.7.2. The EU and international stakeholders are aware of the progress and challenges of Georgia; 2.7.3. Supports harmonization of the case law of Georgia with EU directives. 2.8. The society of Georgia and international stakeholders are made aware of the importance of and main challenges to democracy and rule of law in Georgia. 2.8.1. Incidents that threaten the state of rule of law and media freedom are detected and receive an appropriate response; 2.8.2. Resilience of civil society organizations (SCOs) to withstand governmental campaigns against CSOs is raised; 2.8.3. Societys awareness of the importance of democratic institutions, rule of law, and human rights is raised. 3. Local Governance 3.1.1. Decentralization reform (including localization of SDGs) is supported through monitoring, reporting, evidence-based advocacy, multi-stakeholder dialogue and sharing of best practices. 3.1.2. Municipalities implement open government reforms. IDFI successfully advocates for it. 3.1.3. Capacity of local government representatives/municipalities is increased to effectively manage public funds, manage/publish municipal data, design, develop, and provide municipal services, and hence, better respond to local problems. 3.1.4. Municipalities improve service delivery and develop participatory tools, including through new technologies. IDFI successfully advocates for it. 3.2.1. Municipalities implement and improve transparency and accountability standards. IDFI successfully advocates for it through monitoring, reporting, experience-sharing, and advocacy. 3.2.2. Adoption and implementation of transparency and accountability principles by non-profit (non-commercial) legal entities of municipalities are successfully advocated. 3.2.3. Enhancement of effectiveness of municipal programs and policies is advocated and supported through monitoring, reporting, and communicating evidence-based recommendations. 3.2.4. Adoption/improvement and implementation of access to and management of municipal data standards are supported and advocated. 3.3.1. Capacity and knowledge of local stakeholders (i.e. journalists, activists, students, civil society organizations, etc.) to use open government data, civic/digital monitoring, and other relevant government accountability tools and mechanisms are increased. 3.3.2. Civic monitoring activities and data-driven local initiatives are supported and implemented/developed with the participation of various local stakeholders (civil society, media, business, academia, tech community, business, etc.). 3.3.3. Public awareness about tools, mechanisms, and legislation on civic participation in the decision-making process is increased. 3.3.4. Civic participation in the local decision-making process is encouraged through local initiatives and innovative solutions (including e-solutions, applications and platforms). 4. Social and Economic Policy 4.1. Increases the scope and quality of dialogue and partnership between business and the government in legislative drafting 4.2. Help to improve financial literacy of the general public 4.3. Help to build an economy focused on qualitative development and contribute to fairness and efficiency in income and wealth distribution 4.4. Help to improve economic opportunities for talented individuals and prevent economic discrimination, including gender-based discrimination 4.5. Help to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government social and healthcare programs at the national and local levels 4.6. Help to improve Public Financial Management (PFM), including through our 2023-2025 and subsequent Gender Responsiveness Budget Indices 4.7. Help to improve coverage and quality of public education services 5. Civic Tech and Innovations 5.1.1. Georgia implements ambitious e-government reforms, and the effectiveness of the e-governance ecosystem is improved. IDFI has successfully advocated for specific reforms. 5.1.2. Digital transformation/modernization of the public sector as well as access to and use of electronic public services are supported, monitored, assessed, and advocated. 5.1.3. The development and use of e-participation tools are promoted and supported. 5.2.1. Multi-stakeholder dialogue and cooperation between the tech community and all other stakeholders, including the government, media, business, academia, and civil society are facilitated. 5.2.2. Introduction of transparency and accountability mechanisms as well as ethical frameworks/guidelines for AI, algorithms (i.e. automated decision-making systems) and blockchain is successfully advocated. 5.2.3. Best practices, expertise, and emerging trends on innovations and technologies are shared with Georgian stakeholders, including academia, students, CSOs, and public servants. 5.3.1. Civic technology and digital monitoring tools are used as well as developed for tracking government performance/accountability in various directions. 5.3.2. The open data ecosystem is supported and improved through sharing best practices/emerging trends and advocating for improved legislation and standards on access to public data (including open data). 5.3.3. More open and disaggregated (e.g. by gender, age, region) data from various sectors is publicly available in various open formats in Georgia. 5.3.4. Capacity and skills of journalists, activists, and civil society organizations to use innovations, civic/digital monitoring tools in their watchdog and other civic activities are improved. 5.3.5. The capacity of public institutions and civil servants to collect, manage, prepare, and publish open data is enhanced. 5.3.6. Use of open government data by various stakeholders (civil society, media, business, academia, tech community, business) as well as data-driven innovations are supported and encouraged. 5.4.1. Digital freedoms are protected through monitoring, reporting, and evidence-based advocacy. 5.4.2. The Government is held accountable for its performance in the development of internet infrastructure through monitoring and evidence-based advocacy/recommendations. 5.4.3. Citizens of Georgia (with a focus on digitally vulnerable population, especially in the regions) are more resilient to digital threats through their awareness about digital freedoms, digital security mechanisms, and tools being raised via innovative and informational campaigns, capacity building materials/tutorials, and platforms. 6. Disinformation and Memory Studies 6.1 Greater openness of archives in Georgia is achieved. Positive changes towards the openness of archives, more inclusive, user-friendly, and environmentally friendly archives across the Post-Soviet space are advocated with active involvement of IDFI; 6.2 Public awareness about the importance of archives is raised. Emphasizing the importance of the understanding of the recent and contemporary history for the development of the state memory policy; 6.3 Networks of researchers of memory studies are created that contribute to better understanding of the totalitarian past and dissemination of informed narratives about it across the society. IDFI contributes in the process of forming/deepening the networks; 6.4 School and university students involvement in memory studies is increased: more local and international students working on Soviet studies. IDFI is a key actor in developing/offering the courses; 6.5 The system for resisting and countering strategic communications directed against Georgias Euro-Atlantic aspirations and democratization is enhanced; 6.6 Collaborating with International NGOs, research institutions, and think-tanks to better inform society about the threats and existence of propaganda; 6.7 University program on memory and disinformation studies becomes a platform for sharing the experience and knowledge accumulated by IDFI and its partners in the academic space.