The Business Association of Georgia Responds to the Initiated Draft Law "On the Rehabilitation and Support of Minors in Conflict with the Law"

28 Nov '25

The Business Association of Georgia releases a statement regarding the initiated draft law "On the Rehabilitation and Support of Minors in Conflict with the Law":

"We believe that the draft law should be evaluated unequivocally positively, and its adoption is timely and necessary. Immediately upon identifying the problem, the business sector was in close communication with relevant state authorities to find an effective solution.

The draft law’s approach, which is focused on the best interests of minors, their rehabilitation, and education, is both significant and welcome. At the same time, having a conscientious workforce with professional skills prepared for the labor market is fundamental for business. This creates a foundation for citizens to earn legal income, which will subsequently support their social integration.

We believe special attention should be given to the severe situation that currently exists. Recently, cases of theft and robbery committed by minors have become more frequent, causing the business sector millions of GEL in annual losses. It is particularly alarming that these offenses are often repetitive in nature.

It should also be noted that, under existing criminal legislation, minors are exempted from certain liabilities, which criminal groups deliberately exploit to carry out illegal acts. This trend creates high risks of both a deteriorating crime situation and long-term mental harm to minors.

These circumstances further reinforce the need for the state to employ comprehensive approaches tested in global practice through rehabilitation, education, social integration, psychological support, and the development of vocational skills. Such an approach will contribute both to protecting the future of minors and to strengthening a safe and predictable environment for business," the Association's statement reads.

"The Business Association of Georgia supports all reforms that contribute to crime prevention and the improvement of the country's economic environment, which is vital both for supporting minors themselves and for the business sector. Emphasizing maximum concentration on rehabilitation and education is especially welcome, as employers are constantly seeking people with qualifications and appropriate competencies. We hope this reform will yield concrete results that will have a distinctly positive impact on the proper and sustainable development of our country," stated Soso Pkhakadze, President of the Business Association of Georgia.