Human trafficking is a business of organized crime designed to profit from the exploitation of people, and it is constantly adapting. Recognizing the urgent need for proactive measures to identify and protect victims, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Georgia has launched a series of training sessions for local law enforcement officials, social workers and labour inspectors. These trainings aim to enhance their understanding and implementation of victim-centered responses to human trafficking.

In July, two international experts from the Counter Trafficking Network, a UK-based organization specialized in combating trafficking, delivered trainings on victim-centred human trafficking investigations. The sessions emphasized the importance of a proactive approach to trafficking, focusing on victim identification and support. Key topics included the significance of a trauma-informed approach, the identification of street begging as a potential indicator of trafficking, and a comprehensive understanding of the organized crime business model and various forms of exploitation.

Colin Carswell, one of the invited trainers, noted, “This is the first time we're delivering joint sessions for prosecutors, law enforcement, and social workers. We hope the participants will embrace our advocacy for closer collaboration and partnership, working together in what we describe as a parallel or twin-track process.”

The training underscored the necessity of a professional approach in uncovering hidden exploitation, which often lies beyond initial appearances. IOM Georgia anticipates improved collaboration between law enforcement, prosecutors, and social workers as a result of these sessions.

In recent years, the Labour Inspection Office (LIO) has emerged as a key player in combating trafficking for labour exploitation. A specialized team of inspectors has been established to address instances of forced labour. To enhance their skills, IOM Georgia organized a two-day training in August focused on identifying victims of labour exploitation. 

Local experts provided in-depth training on the psychosocial aspects of dealing with potential victims, equipping labor inspectors with the skills to conduct empathetic interviews and apply a gender and age-sensitive approach. This training aims to build victims' confidence in state structures, ultimately leading to more effective testimonies in criminal proceedings against their exploiters.

IOM will continue its efforts by developing a comprehensive training module for the LIO, addressing this and other critical issues.

These initiatives are part of the ongoing projects “Joining Forces to Combat Trafficking in Persons (JFC-TIP),” funded by the Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the U.S. Department of State, and “Improved Specialization in Migration Governance and Integrated Border Management in Georgia (SPECS)”, funded by the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia.