Human trafficking in Georgia (country)
[7] Some families experiencing economic hardship were forced to separate, which directly increased the number of children living on the streets in Georgia.
[7] In 2003, the statistical bureau of the Supreme Court reported 24 registered cases of the use of children in the drug trade and trafficking.
[8] During 2012, however, local experts expressed serious concerns about the government's view of its trafficking problem and its lack of effective efforts in the first half of the reporting period to proactively identify victims of this serious crime.
[8] The government also significantly increased funding for anti-trafficking training and trafficking prevention activities, including in the budgets of its shelters for victims.
Georgia prohibits all forms of trafficking in persons through Article 143 of its criminal code, which prescribes penalties ranging from seven to 20 years’ imprisonment.
In 2009, the government relied on partnerships with local NGOs and international organizations to provide trafficking training to approximately 170 prosecutors and judges.
The government produced and broadcast during the first six months of 2009 a short television public service announcement explaining the nature and danger of human trafficking.
[8] Pursuant to this legislation, the government provided small grants to two NGOs in early 2012 to work on projects related to public awareness of trafficking and information pertaining to victim identification.
[8] During the year the government conducted multiple information campaigns utilizing a broad array of media, including public service announcements, seminars, and television broadcasts throughout the country.
[8] The Civil Registry Agency continued its practice of distributing over 20,000 anti-trafficking related pamphlets when it issued new passports to citizens.
[8] Events included numerous panel discussions, a film screening, a peer education campaign, and an essay contest, all which provided research as well as preventative ideas regarding human trafficking in the country.
[8] The government distributed 10,000 donor-funded trafficking indicator cards to front-line responders, including law enforcement and border officials.
[8] In November 2011, authorities created a high-level, steering committee to oversee the implementation of an EU-funded project to address street children.
[8] In March 2011, the government approved its new anti-trafficking National Action Plan for 2011–2012, produced with extensive collaboration with the NGO community.
[8] Because their focus was on human and child trafficking specifically, during the reporting period, the government did not initiate any campaigns to reduce demand for commercial sex acts.
