Assisting conflict-affected communities to cope with the pandemic

Immediate relief and long-term solutions for internally displaced persons and conflict-affected communities

Summary

UNDP is assisting the vulnerable groups of Georgia's population whose livelihoods have been threatened by the economic and social shocks brought on by the pandemic. This support extends to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and communities residing in the proximity of conflict divides. In 2020-2021, UNDP implemented a US$600,000 initiative with a special focus on assisting internally displaced women, youth and the elderly. The project was carried out in close partnership with the Agency of Internally Displaced Persons, Ecomigrants and Livelihood, the Public Defender’s Office and civil society organizations.

What we do

UNDP support focused on providing immediate relief to people who suffered the economic and social impacts of the pandemic. UNDP also assisted the Government to develop systemic solutions for IDPs and vulnerable communities to ensure the improvement of their livelihoods during the pandemic and beyond.

Results

• The assessment of the pandemic impacts on conflict-affected women and girls was carried out in partnership with the Public Defender’s Office. Recommendations stemming from the research will inform policy response to the pandemic.
• 35 quick-fix infrastructure projects were implemented at the collective centres for the displaced to improve water and sanitation facilities.
• 10 e-learning community centres were opened in the Shida Kartli, Imereti and Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti regions to provide internally displaced women and girls with an opportunity to work and study during the lockdowns.
• 20 conflict-affected women received assistance to start or expand their businesses.
• Entrepreneurship and marketing training was delivered to women and youth to improve their employment prospects.
• Paid internships were organised for young people in cooperation with local businesses.
• 45 young people received training in communication, human rights and conflict resolution.

Contact information

Project address

9, Eristavi Street
Tbilisi 0179 Georgia

Contact persons

Benedikt Hosek
Project Manager
benedikt.hosek@undp.org

Giorgi Vardishvili
UNDP Crisis Prevention & Recovery Team Leader
giorgi.vardishvili@undp.org