Today, the US State Department published its annual report on human trafficking, recognizing Georgia as a top performer in anti-trafficking measures among 186 countries for the ninth consecutive year. Georgia is once again included in the "Tier 1" category, a distinction held by only 33 countries this year.

Georgia stands out as the only country in its region and among EU membership candidates to achieve this highest rating from the US State Department. Notably, 12 EU member states did not make it to Tier 1.

Georgia’s robust efforts in combating human trafficking play a crucial role in its European Union integration process, fostering a safe and reliable environment for fighting transnational organized crime.

The US State Department’s report highlights Georgia's comprehensive adherence to anti-trafficking standards. The country maintains strong, sustainable, consistent, and coordinated measures, which have earned it the top rating.

The report commends the Georgian government’s intensified efforts across all aspects of combating human trafficking, including crime prevention, criminal detection, prosecution, and victim protection. Key positive assessments include:

- A working group led by the Ministry of Justice of Georgia, focusing on an annual large-scale information campaign about the risks of human trafficking and protective measures.

• Proactive measures to detect crimes and increase criminal prosecutions.
• Expansion of available shelters for trafficking victims.
• Enhancement of labor migration legislation to prevent human trafficking crimes.

Georgia's leading position and progress in the US State Department's report reflect the effective efforts of the Interagency Coordination Council, which implements anti-trafficking measures.

The council is headed by the Minister of Justice of Georgia and includes representatives from all relevant state agencies, the Office of the Public Defender, and various non-governmental and international organizations.

The annual World Public Service Forum, organized by the United Nations and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Security of the Republic of Korea, commenced on June 24, 2024, in Incheon, South Korea. This year, the Georgian delegation, led by First Deputy Minister of Justice, Tamar Tkeshelashvili, is actively participating in the event.

The forum has brought together approximately 1,200 representatives from 50 countries. Key speakers at the opening ceremony included UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Lee Junhua, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, President of the Republic of Korea Yoon Suk-yeol, and Minister of Internal Affairs and Security of the Republic of Korea Lee Sang-min. High-level government representatives, experts, and international organization members are also in attendance.

The annual UN Forum provides a vital platform for countries to discuss innovations, challenges, achievements, and future prospects in public service delivery. Georgian representatives will engage in various thematic sessions throughout the event. Additionally, First Deputy Minister of Justice Tamar Tkeshelashvili will deliver a speech at the ministerial round table meeting.

The Georgian delegation also includes: Georgia's Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Tarash Papaskua, Chairperson of the Public Registry National Agency, David Devidze, Chairperson of the State Services Development Agency, Ketevan Betlemidze, Chairpperson of the Public Service Hall, Lasha Lobjanidze and Head of the International Relations Division of the Department of International Relations and Legal Cooperation of the Ministry ofJustice, Mariam Bregadze.

Notably, the Ministry of Justice of Georgia will host the World Public Service Forum in 2026, marking significant international recognition of Georgia's achievements in state service development. This initiative was discussed by the Minister of Justice of Georgia with the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations during a visit to the USA last year.