TBL Safeguarding Freedom of Expression The goal of the project is to safeguard the Freedom of Expres-sion in Georgia in accordance with ECHR standard through im-proving legislation, increasing capacity of the field professionals and protecting vulnerable groups The project is divided into two objectives. 1. Improved legislation, in conformity with ECHR stand-ards and Association Agreement requirements (such as common values upon which the EU is built: democracy, RoL, human rights, freedom of expression.) 2. Strengthening professionalism of journalists and influ-encers, and empowering vulnerable communities against violation of their Freedom of Expression. The project will be implemented in partnership with the only media self-regulatory organization in Georgia - Journalist Eth-ic’s Charter, and with Tbilisi Open University. The following activities will be carried out to reach the two ob-jectives: Objective 1. - A report, analyzing shortcomings of domestic legislation affecting Freedom of Expression, in comparison with ECHR standards and a research-based set of recommendations. - Draft legal amendment into relevant legislation. - Advocacy campaign, including at least 10 advocacy meet-ings with the Parliament, Government, Media Coalition, An-ti-Discrimination Coalition, and major political parties. - If need arises, Rights Georgia aims to have two strategic litigation cases in this direction. [NB. Strategic litigation has been the organisation’s focus for decades. Organisation’s lawyers were trained in strategic litigation in 2001-2003 by experts of the Netherlands Helsinki Committee, under a BZ project. Details are under the section which describes the organization.] Objective 2. - Human Rights and Media Lab launched as a new pro-gramme direction of Rights Georgia. This will be a space to discuss human rights and media issues, and follow up with innovations in the field of media. - Training module “Human Rights in Media and Crisis Journal-ism” created. 90 people trained (20 from ethnic minority-populated regions.) - Innovative course for University Bachelor program, titled “Human Rights Journalism” created, combining expertise of renowned human rights and media experts, and practical experience of the Journalist Ethics’ Charter. 25 BA students will undergo the program, and 20 academic staff from dif-ferent universities will be trained and consulted on deliver-ing course lectures for journalists. Two Tbilisi universities and at least two regional universities will implement the course. - Advocacy and information support for 300 beneficiaries (Georgian Bar Association members (at  least 30), students (100), journalists (30), leaders and members of vulnerable communities (40), projects stakeholders ( 90)) and will be provided through face-to-face events. Information support will be focused on increasing awareness of target groups about the methods of protection against harmful application of the Freedom of Expression law.  Legal support will be provided to 80 beneficiaries through legal consultation and court representation. Victims of fake news and hate speech, blackmailing, and discrimination will be eligible to apply for legal support in case they belong to ethnic or reli-gious minorities, LGBTQ+ community, migrants, IDPs, ref-ugees, other vulnerable groups. Anticipated impact of the project - Legal guarantees for Freedom of Expression are strengthened. - Professionalism of key influencers is fostered. - Voices of vulnerable communities are better protected.