IATA, ACI Campaign against Human Trafficking

To mark the World Day against Trafficking in Persons, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Airport Council International (ACI) World have directed airlines and airports to show more commitment in the fight against human trafficking.

The two international air transport organisations urged airlines and airport administrators to put systems in place to monitor and report the activities of the human traffickers in various countries to curtail the nefarious activities of the global network.

The Director-General and CEO of IATA, Alexandre de Juniac in a statement yesterday said the fight against human trafficking was in support of the United Nations World Day against Trafficking in Persons.

“Airports Council International (ACI) World and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) emphasised 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,” de Juniac said.

He said airlines and airports were 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.

The director general said the industry is committed to raising awareness, helping to train staff to recognise 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,” he said.