According to the situation in regards to TIP in 2013, despite the fact that Georgia is a source, transit and destination country for men, women and children subjected to trafficking in persons, the situation in Georgia in this regard, has improved compared with the previous reporting period: the five convictions under Article 143 are an improvement compared with none in 2012 and one conviction in 2010; the government identified 42 sex trafficking victims, which was an increase from 18 victims identified the previous reporting period.
It should be positively noted, that the government continued its training for law-enforcement officials during the year, however, experts noted police lacked enhanced screening and interview techniques for questioning victim-witnesses.
During the reporting period, the government funded and operated two shelters that provided extensive medical aid, psychological counselling and legal assistance to 15 trafficking victims in the reporting period. Twenty-nine trafficking victims received financial assistance from the government, consisting of a one-time payment in an amount equivalent of approximately $650 each, an increase from five victims, who received such support in the previous reporting period. In May 2013, the government signed a cooperation agreement with an international organization on providing employment and other assistance to foreign victims, including repatriation.
The Georgian government continued its anti-trafficking activities, implementing a broad public information campaign. Government officials participated in several television shows to discuss the dangers of trafficking. The Government, in cooperation with an international organization, produced and distributed brochures at border crossing points and consular sections abroad in Georgian, Russian and English with information on consular assistance available and about the risks of human trafficking. The government disseminated anti-trafficking material to orphanages and adolescent organizations and continued to fund an anti-trafficking hotline.
