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Trafficking Issues Covered by Media were Discussed at Public Defender’s Office

June 6, 2007

 Yesterday the facts about human trafficking, covered by press, were discussed at the Public Defender’s Office.

The meeting was organized by the Public Defender’s Office and the State Anti-trafficking Fund. Marine Meskhi, Chairwoman of the State Anti-trafficking Fund, the representatives of  the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and International Organization for Migration (IOM ) took part in the meeting.

The discussion was focused on the rights of the trafficking victims and the guarantees and mechanisms for its  prevention. The events implemented in this field and the role and activities carried out by the State Anti-trafficking Fund were emphasized as well.

The journalists working on trafficking-related issues being present at the meeting were distributed the booklets containing a collection of human trafficking facts, methodological  recommendations and the list of principles to be observed when covering trafficking-related topics. The booklet was published by IOM especially for media representatives.

“Trafficking is an ordinary case of criminal, and the journalistic material produced in connection with this  topic should be of some help and not harm to the trafficking victims” – stated Gia Giorgadze, Head of Investigation and Monitoring Department of Public Defender’s Office.

He recalled the fact how once a trafficking victim was identified in one of the TV stories, that is to say the name of the victim was publicly announced and therefore the latter refused to cooperate with the investigation.

“Unfortunately the violations of this kind are often committed by Georgian media that is absolutely impermissible. Thus, media should be more cautious especially when dealing with teenagers, since the material of a kind threatens his/her safety and permanently affects one’s psychology”- added Gia Giorgadze.

A special coordination board, coordinated by the Prosecutor General himself, has been set up with the view of increasing the efficacy of anti-trafficking fight. The board is made up of the representatives of state, international and nongovernmental organizations, as well as the Public Defender’s office. The board will elaborate the anti-trafficking action plan and its monitoring mechanisms.

Source: Media.ge

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