Airports and airlines have their eyes open to human trafficking
Montreal, 30 July 2018– In support of the United Nations (UN) World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Airports Council International (ACI) World and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) emphasized their joint commitment and work to help combat human trafficking. Aviation connects the world, carrying more than four billion passengers a year, but this global network is also used nefariously by traffickers to transport people against their will.
Airports and airlines are determined to assist authorities by reporting suspected human trafficking cases, and making it as difficult as possible for the global air transport network to be exploited for this evil trade, which affects some 25 million people annually[1]. The industry is committed to raising awareness, helping to train staff to recognize the signs of trafficking, and putting in place reporting protocols to alert the appropriate authorities.
“Human trafficking creates misery for millions, and helps fund criminal gangs and terrorism. Aviation is the business of freedom. And we are taking action to help authorities ensure that our global network is not exploited for evil ends. As an industry, we have our eyes open, and are working with governments and law enforcement to stop trafficking. Through a joint campaign with our airport colleagues, we hope to further mobilize the aviation industry in the fight against this abhorrent trade in people’s lives,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.
“People trafficking is an appalling crime which we should do all we can to combat. The safety and security of passengers remains all airports’ number one priority and the airport community is determined to work with border authorities and our partners across the world in helping to put a stop to this activity. We stand together with our airline colleagues in keeping our eyes open to the signs of human trafficking. Many of our airport members are already demonstrating their commitment to the campaign. We continue to strengthen our combined efforts in awareness, training, and reporting,” said Angela Gittens, Director General, ACI World.
To mark the UN World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (30 July), ACI and IATA invite airline and airport co-workers, colleagues, industry partners and supporters to raise awareness of aviation’s commitment to fight trafficking by:
- Add an overlay to profile pictures on Facebook saying “I have my #eyesopen on #humantrafficking”
- Share the resources available for airline and airport employees, such as the guidelines and training available at www.iata.org/human-trafficking and www.aci.aero/humantrafficking
- More details on the UN World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (July 30)
- See video comments from IATA and ACI Director Generals and airline CEOs, filmed at the IATA Annual General Meeting in June 2018
[1]According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime
Notes for editors
1. Airports Council International (ACI), the trade association of the world’s airports, was founded in 1991 with the objective of fostering cooperation among its member airports and other partners in world aviation, including the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Air Transport Association and the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation. In representing the best interests of airports during key phases of policy development, ACI makes a significant contribution toward ensuring the global air transport system is safe, secure, efficient and environmentally sustainable. As of January 2018, provisional figures show that ACI serves 641 members operating 1,953 airports in 176 countries.
2. Download a PDF version of this media release.
Media contacts:
Hicham Ayoun
Manager, Communications
ACI World
Telephone: +1 514 373 1223
Email: mediarelations@aci.aero
Anita Berthier
Manager, External Relations and Special Events
ACI World
Telephone: +1 514 373 1254
Email: mediarelations@aci.aero