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Georgia Receives the Highest Rating in Terms of the Fight Against Human Trafficking

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Thursday, 15 June , 2023
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Georgia Receives the Highest Rating in Terms of the Fight Against Human Trafficking

According to the report of the US State Department on June 15, 2023, Georgia still holds the highest position in the measures taken against human trafficking, and among 188 countries around the world, it has retained its place for the 8th year. "In the first basket". This year, only 30 countries remain in the highest rating scale.

This year, Georgia is the only one in the region and among the so-called "expanding countries", which has the highest rating of the US State Department and is next to the EU countries, including Germany, France, Belgium, Austria, the Netherlands, Sweden, Luxembourg, in terms of the effective fight against trafficking.

The fight against trafficking was and remains one of the priorities of the Georgian government, which is also an important part of the process of Georgia's integration into the European Union and creates a safe and reliable environment in the country and the region in terms of fighting transnational organized crime.

According to the US State Department's report, Georgia fully meets these anti-trafficking standards, continues to take strong, sustainable, consistent and coordinated anti-trafficking measures, which leads to the country's highest rating.

The special approval of the US State Department concerned:

  • Guiding documents developed under the guidance of the Ministry of Justice of Georgia, which help the process of identification of victims;
  • The approval of the 2023-2024 action plan for the fight against trafficking;
  • Measures aimed at crime prevention, awareness and qualification raising;
  • Proactive measures aimed at crime detection;
  • Improving the mechanisms for detecting cases of labor exploitation.

Georgia's leading position in the report of the US State Department and the progress achieved during the reporting period are the result of the effective work of the Interagency Coordinating Council implementing measures against human trafficking.

The Council is headed by the Minister of Justice of Georgia and its members include representatives of all relevant state agencies, the Office of the Public Defender, non-governmental and international organizations.

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21.11.2024
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Minister of Justice of Georgia, Rati Bregadze, Welcomes Delegation from the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT)

The Minister of Justice of Georgia, Rati Bregadze, hosted a delegation from the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) of the Council of Europe during their 7th periodic visit. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss ongoing reforms in Georgia's penitentiary system and showcase the innovations introduced in response to recommendations from previous visits.

During the meeting, Minister Bregadze highlighted key advancements, including the adoption of the new Penal Code in 2023, which strengthens protections for the rights of convicts and accused persons, while also enhancing working conditions for penitentiary staff. He introduced the delegation to several innovative initiatives, including the Digital University, a project enabling inmates to pursue higher education remotely through daily interaction with lecturers. The Digital University was recently recognized as one of the top three projects by the European Organization of Prison and Penitentiary Systems (Europris).

The Minister also presented the Public Service Hall initiative within penitentiary institutions. This project provides up to 50 essential public services to inmates in seven facilities (Nos. 1, 2, 5, 8, 10, 12, and 16). Additionally, he introduced the online clinic service, which ensures swift and effective access to medical care for inmates, and the Saakadze Training Base, which offers specialized training for staff across the Penitentiary Service, Probation Agency, National Bureau of Enforcement, and General Inspectorate.

Significant infrastructural advancements were also noted, including the opening of a modern penitentiary facility in the Laituri district in 2023, with another small-scale facility slated to open in Rustavi in early 2025. These upgrades align with the implementation of the penitentiary system’s Sports Strategy, aimed at enhancing physical and mental well-being within the facilities.

Minister Bregadze also emphasized the success of rehabilitation and resocialization programs for inmates, such as the Re-market project, which provides a platform for selling handicrafts made by convicts, fostering both skill development and economic opportunities.

The Minister highlighted a key achievement: since 2012, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has not received a single case originating from Georgia’s penitentiary system—a testament to the country’s progress in ensuring the humane treatment of detainees.

The CPT delegation is set to meet with representatives from the Ministries of Internal Affairs and Health, the Special Investigation Service, and the Public Defender’s Office. They will also visit closed penitentiary and psychiatric institutions, as well as temporary detention facilities.

Deputy Minister of Justice Beka Dzamashvili, Director General of the Special Penitentiary Service, Nika Tshvarashvili, Head of the Department of International Relations and Legal Cooperation of the Ministry of Justice, Ketevan Sarajishvili and Head of the Medical Department of the Special Penitentiary Service, Malkhaz Urtkhmelidze were also present at the meeting.
18.11.2024