Anti-Trafficking Multi-Media Awareness Campaign "Be Smart! Be Safe!"

WomenAid-Georgia currently is implementing the Anti-Trafficking Multi-Media Awareness Campaign "Be Smart! Be Safe!" which has gathered together key players and stakeholders from Governmental Structures and NGOs in a Anti-Trafficking Network Platform. The Campaign funded by the IOM in partnership with UNA and by WomenAid International seeks in joint effort to protect vulnerable sectors of society by increasing awareness of irregular migration and trafficking. On the Network Platform meetings and Round Table Dialogues the trafficking issue was discussed from different angles: definitions of trafficking, the situation analysis in the global, regional and Georgian context, women, youth and children at risk, criminal methods of entrapment, and prevention and protection strategies. The Network Platform elaborated "Be Smart! Be Safe!" safety guidelines, for those at risk, which will be distributed in various public places, state boarding institutions for children, IDP community centres, border departments and consulates.

• Trafficking in persons is the fastest growing and most lucrative form of international criminal activity.
• Trafficking is now the world's third largest criminal activity.
• Trafficking is the world's biggest violation of human rights.
• The fastest growing source for trafficked women and girls for the sex industry is the CIS.

Georgia has a long history of trafficking as a transit country, but there are now fears being expressed that it has become a source country. The Georgian Ombudsman's Annual Report for 1999 states that 'social, economic and other conditions in Georgia are root causes for the development of trafficking'. Poverty has led to desperate attempts by young people to earn a living by working abroad. Unfortunately, much of this migratory pattern is illegal and many young Georgian women have become victims of blackmail and slavery, as the fate of such people is not regulated or controlled by any inter-governmental agreement, legislative statement or action programme.

The Anti-Trafficking Multimedia Awareness Campaign 'Be Smart! Be Safe! was launched with a Conference on 19 September. Speakers included representatives' from various governmental, international and local organizations. The Multi-Media Campaign aims to raise public awareness, inform the public about the dangers of trafficking and outline the best strategies for protection and prevention of trafficking. Leaflets, posters, radio and TV announcements promote the government supported Be Smart! Be Safe! safety guidelines.

WomenAid Georgia