US Department of State report: Georgia retains highest rating for anti-trafficking efforts for 11th consecutive year

The United States Department of State has published its annual Trafficking in Persons Report, with Georgia maintaining the highest rating for its efforts to combat human trafficking, remaining in Tier 1 for the eleventh consecutive year.

The report noted that Georgia fully met the minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking and continued to take firm and consistent measures to combat the crime, earning the country the highest possible rating.

According to the document, the country’s efforts during the reporting period included proactive inspections of high-risk locations for trafficking by the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Police Department of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara and its mobile units. The report also noted that, for the first time in five years, individuals were criminally prosecuted for trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

The report further highlighted continued cooperation between Georgian authorities and their foreign counterparts in pursuing legal action in human trafficking cases.

During the reporting period, training sessions on combating human trafficking were also conducted for police officers, judges, and prosecutors in cooperation with international organisations.

The document underscored that specialised units continued to operate in the country. These included the Division for Combating Trafficking and Illegal Migration, along with its six mobile teams, within the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ Central Criminal Police Department; the Organized Crime Division of the Adjara Police Department; and a specialised group of investigators and prosecutors operating in the Adjara region, known as the Task Force.

According to the report, the Georgian Government continued to take measures to prevent human trafficking and protect witnesses and victims.

The document noted that witness and victim coordinators from the Ministry of Internal Affairs provided support to trafficking victims from the earliest stages of investigations.

It also highlighted that Georgian legislation allows testimony to be given remotely, enabling victims whose cases have reached the trial stage to leave the country freely.

The annual report also includes recommendations from the United States Department of State aimed at further strengthening efforts to combat human trafficking across various areas.