I am writing to express our profound concern about the growing number of physical attacks on opposition activists and peaceful demonstrators who have been engaging in the protests that began in Tbilisi on April 9.

Human Rights Watch welcomes the productive dialogue we have had with the Georgian government on a number of human rights issues, including those connected to the conflict over South Ossetia. In the spirit of this dialogue I would like to call attention to your September 23 article in the Washington Post, which attributed to Human Rights Watch an estimate of 44 civilian deaths during recent hostilities in South Ossetia.

We are writing in advance of the October 15 discussion in Geneva on the conflict over South Ossetia to urge the EU to prioritize the protection of civilians during the discussions and through the work of the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) in Georgia.

We are writing in advance of the emergency Summit of EU Heads of State and Government to be held on September 1st, to urge you to take very concrete steps to: enhance the protection of civilians in areas affected by the armed conflict between Russia and Georgia; facilitate the safe and voluntary return of the thousands of displaced; and, to advance accountability for serious human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law committed by all parties to the conflict.

Dear Secretary Kramer,

We believe that your forthcoming trips to Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia provide important opportunities for raising key human rights concerns with the respective governments. Below we outline our main concerns in each country as well as recommendations for bringing the countries in line with their international commitments.

We are writing to express our profound concern about legislative amendments lowering the age of criminal responsibility and urge you to take immediate steps to repeal them. If the amendments go into force as planned on July 1, Georgia risks flouting its international legal obligations and causing irreparable damage to the lives of children.

Your forthcoming meeting with President Mikheil Saakashvili of Georgia is an important opportunity to emphasize the importance of justice and accountability for violence that shook the country on November 7, 2007.

A parliamentary inquiry could provide important insights into the events of November 7, but it is no substitute for a prompt and comprehensive criminal investigation led by the General Prosecutor’s Office.