Georgia: Access to water is closely interconnected with the rights of national minorities

Water scarcity and discriminatory water-governance policies in Georgia’s Kvemo Kartli region have led to severe socio-economic challenges for national minorities, particularly the ethnic Azerbaijani community. The region’s reliance on agriculture and lack of access to safe drinking and irrigation water have caused food insecurity and forced migration. Human rights activists are urging for a human rights perspective in reevaluating water governance to address the violations faced by ethnic minorities and ensure a more equitable and sustainable future.

This chapter is part of the “Minority and Indigenous Trends 2023: Focus on Water” publication from Minority Rights Group

Read the full chapter here