In 1992, more than 10,000 people died during the war which opposed Abkhazia to Georgia. 250,000 Georgians left the region and found shelter in 'reception centres'. A 'Committee for Refugees and Accommodation' was created that very same year. It was responsible for granting benefits to the people who had been officially declared refugee or displaced person. But the main strategy of the Georgian authorities has since been to "create the conditions" of a return which implies the need...
more »
In 1992, more than 10,000 people died during the war which opposed Abkhazia to Georgia. 250,000 Georgians left the region and found shelter in 'reception centres'. A 'Committee for Refugees and Accommodation' was created that very same year. It was responsible for granting benefits to the people who had been officially declared refugee or displaced person. But the main strategy of the Georgian authorities has since been to "create the conditions" of a return which implies the need to prevent these same displaced persons to settle definitively.
Bagebi students' dormitories, in Tbilisi, which consist of two 14 storeys buildings are home to 700 refugee families from Abkhazia who lives in what was supposed to be temporary appartments, since 1994. Their living conditions have not changed since their arrival: same miserable housing, insufficient allowances and still living in the hope of a repeatedly promised return.
Since last August, their frustrations are even higher due to the publicity and support given to the 'new' refugees, Saakashvili's refugees.
« less