Tbilisi, Georgia: In recognition of EU Anti-Trafficking Day, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Georgia visited the ‘Dream City’ settlement in Batumi, holding an information session to discuss the dangers of human trafficking with its residents. This gathering focused particularly on forced labor and the role of social media in recruitment, issues that have become pressing concerns in this vulnerable community.

Dream City, established in 2012, is home to about 1,000 families who moved from mountainous areas to Batumi due to poverty and climate-induced internal migration to find a better life in the city. The settlement hosts some of the most vulnerable groups, including religious minorities, socially vulnerable women, and eco-migrants, many of whom are potential migrants seeking to move to foreign destinations. 

"The fight against human trafficking requires continuous awareness and education, especially in vulnerable communities like ‘Dream City’, where the risks of exploitation are high," said Lars Johan Lonnback, Chief of Mission of IOM Georgia. "By empowering individuals with key knowledge about safe migration and the dangers of trafficking, we can help protect them from falling into the hands of traffickers”, added Lars Johan.

It is common for residents of Dream City to engage in irregular circular labor migration to Türkiye to find work in the agricultural sector. Despite the income opportunities, many face harsh working conditions. 

Temporary labour migration is also a significant concern for many young individuals, aged between 14 and 22. Parents often send their underage children to work in jobs that are unsuitable for their age and physical development. These jobs typically demand long hours, averaging 9-10 hours per day of continuous physical labour. 

Additionally, local NGOs* have reported incidents of physical and sexual violence, highlighting the severe risks and challenges faced by individuals seeking seasonal employment. These reports underscore the urgent need for increased protection and support for vulnerable individuals in the community.

At the session, participants expressed a limited understanding of the concept of human trafficking, viewing it predominantly as sexual exploitation. One attendee recounted her personal experiences in Türkiye, where an employer threatened her with a gun when she sought to leave due to poor working conditions. She attempted to call a taxi for help to extract her from the situation, but drivers feared retribution from the employer. 

The session also revealed a lack of awareness in terms of legal migration pathways and the necessary documentation needed to enable safe travel, such as the use of Georgia’s visa-free status within the Schengen Area which facilitates access to work, study, and medical treatment. The IOM team empowered participants with valuable information on the available services for victims of trafficking and the avenues available to obtain support.

“Our work, in partnership with the EU, will continue to focus on prevention, protection, and supporting victims in their recovery," – notes Lars Johan.

IOM Georgia has been working alongside the EU to assist the Georgian government in combatting human trafficking. The ongoing efforts focus on enhancing the capabilities of specialized law enforcement and labor inspectors to combat evolving trafficking trends and raise awareness about online recruitment and other forms of trafficking. 

These initiatives are part of the project "Improved Specialization in Migration Governance and Integrated Border Management in Georgia (SPECS)," funded by the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia.

* Editor’s Note: Georgian Public Defender’s Office Special Report on “Child Labour During the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic and Beyond”