15 February 2004, 17:02
US Embassy prepares report on situation with trafficking in Georgia
The US Embassy to Georgia prepares a repot to be submitted to the US Department of State, which will evaluate the situation with trafficking in persons in Georgia. The risk exists that Georgia may be transferred from the second group of countries to the third one, which will damage the country's international image and may reduce financial help from abroad.
The law against trafficking in persons was passed in Georgia in June 2003, but efficient measures in this field are not taken. Only 4 criminal investigations have been launched in connection with such facts. Security agencies themselves are considered to be a reason for it as trafficking in persons is profitable for them. Georgian non-government organizations report that up to 500 prostitutes are specially brought from Russia and Ukraine to Georgia annually. They are "placed in a job" mainly in resort areas. In winter their number reduces.
Author: Natiya Djindcharadze, CK correspondent Source: Caucasian Knot
