The Georgian Government has maintained the “highest level” of performance in combating human trafficking, the United States Department of State has said in its annual 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report.

The report said the Georgian Government fully met the “minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking” and remained on Tier 1 in performance evaluation on the metric. It also continued to “demonstrate serious and sustained efforts” during the reporting period, including in identifying and investigating cases of trafficking, the report noted, adding the county was taking appropriate measures to prevent trafficking and protect victims. It also pointed out law enforcement measures were being effectively implemented by the state, and positively evaluated Criminal Code consequences outlined for the crime.

The report included priority recommendations on increasing efforts to identify victims proactively and encouraging their participation in investigations and prosecutions through victim-centred court procedures, as well as on improving measures to order restitution for victims, among other advices.