Security, community & participation in Shida Kartli after the August war

The August 2008 war over South Ossetia directly affected people and communities living along the administrative boundary line (ABL). To gain a better understanding of the problems facing these communities, the Caucasus Research Resource Center (CRRC) in cooperation with Saferworld, carried out focus groups with residents of five villages located on the Georgian-controlled side of the ABL. This report summarises the main findings of the focus groups, and sheds light upon local views on safety and security, the conflict and how greater civic participation in security-related issues can be achieved.

The CRRC and Saferworld hope that revealing the voices of those most affected by the conflict over South Ossetia will help to centre public discourse on the most appropriate means for meeting their needs, and for ensuring future peace and stability.