The current political conflict in Georgia dates back to 1991, when Georgia declared independence from the Soviet Union. The conflict began with social unrest and attempts by the Abkhazia region to separate from the Republic. The situation came to a head in the summer of 1992 when the Government of Georgia deployed troops to the region, resulting in mass evacuation.

 

The simmering tension remains to this day. The regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia want independence. They are largely supported by the Russian Federation. Georgia resists any break away. The result is that thousands of displaced people have become unfortunate pawns in a political battle of wills.


Over the past 15 years, it is estimated that over 234,000 civilians from the Abkhazia and South Ossetia regions have been forced from their homes, and now live in squalid, unsafe conditions. Many live in “collective centres” for internally displaced persons. These overcrowded, dilapidated buildings that are still considered ‘emergency shelters’. The displaced population does not have the same status as other citizens and their political, economic and social rights are unprotected.

 

 

War Child is working to help children who have grown up with conflict and displacement. The goal of the project is to empower displaced young people by improving the quality of their lives, and providing important life skills training and educational opportunities. The goal of the project is to provide young people with a safe environment where they will be able to develop skills that enable them to become active participants in the communities.


Participants in the project have demonstrated increased self-confidence and motivation. Many of the young people have successfully completed vocational training and secured employment in Georgia. This is a major achievement, given the high unemployment rate and the stigma associated with displacement. Hundreds of young people attend No War Zone Clubs. They are offered training in English, Computers, Life Skills, Conflict Management and Human Rights. It has led to the children themselves organizing a number of community events: domestic violence awareness campaigns, fund-raising for local IDP primary schools, gift drives for orphans and organizing information campaigns and leaflets for World AIDS Day.