AN OPEN LETTER TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
In Support of the Georgian People and President Salome Zourabichvili
December 6, 2024
We, the undersigned Global Women Leaders, stand in solidarity with the Georgian people and President Salome Zourabichvili during this critical juncture in Georgia’s history. Recent events in Tbilisi, where over 200,000 citizens have taken to the streets to protest the Russia-aligned ruling party’s suspension of EU accession talks, underscore the profound commitment of the Georgian people to their European future and democratic path.
The actions of the ruling party, including the suspension of EU accession talks and the violent suppression of peaceful protests, constitute a direct violation of Georgia’s Constitution and fundamental human rights. Combined with what international observers have deemed fraudulent parliamentary elections and the systematic erosion of democratic norms, these actions betray the overwhelming support of the majority of Georgians who support Euro-Atlantic integration and a democratic future.
Despite continuous backlash and harassment from the government, President Zourabichvili has demonstrated unwavering courage and leadership in condemning the government’s anti-democratic measures. By standing with the protesters and rejecting the ruling Dream party’s unconstitutional actions, she has embodied the will of her people and upheld the democratic principles that Georgia has long aspired to fully achieve. She remains the sole legitimate leader in a country where the current government came to power through questionable elections.
The international community should take immediate and decisive action. We urge the EU, foreign governments and multilateral organizations to support President Zourabichvili’s mandate and provide robust support to Georgian civil society.
Georgia is not an isolated case: it is a critical battleground in the global struggle between authoritarianism and democracy. As women leaders, we call on the international community to act decisively to protect Georgia’s democracy and the unwavering courage of its people and its President.
Sincerely,
Helen Clark, Former Prime Minister, New Zealand
Hillary Clinton, 67th United States Secretary of State
Patricia Espinosa, Former Foreign Minister of Mexico
Julia Gillard, Former Prime Minister, Australia
Dalia Grybauskaitė, Former President, Lithuania
Sanna Marin, Former Prime Minister, Finland
Monica McWilliams, Former Member of the Northern Ireland Legislative Assembly
Mary Robinson, Former President of Ireland
Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, President, the Republic of Kosovo
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Former President of Liberia
Melanne Verveer, Former US Ambassador for Global Women’s Issues and Executive Director, Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security
