28 May 2018

Aircraft cabin crew have been equipped with tools to help them prevent human trafficking.

This follows the launch of new International Civil Aviation Organisation and Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (ICAO-OHCHR) guidelines for training cabin crew on identifying and responding to trafficking in persons.

A press release from ICAO states that the new guidelines were unveiled at an ICAO-OHCHR forum which took place in Geneva.

They were seen as timely and essential given the fact that 1-in-200 people worldwide were being forced into work and living conditions resulting from human trafficking, a practice considered akin to modern slavery.

The press release states that air transport’s essential role in linking global destinations means that modern aircraft are a primary mobility option for international traffickers.

This, therefore, increased the likelihood that airline personnel came face-to-face with human trafficking victims and perpetrators.

The cabin crew, it states, are in a unique position to observe passengers over the duration of their flights, and could identify and assist potential victims.

It, however, says to do so more effectively, their instincts must be reinforced through greater awareness and skills, which is a key focus of the new ICAO-OHCHR guidelines.

The press release quotes ICAO secretary general, Dr Fang Liu as saying the development of the joint ICAO-OHCHR guidelines will help improve the awareness of cabin crew concerning the various types of trafficking they may encounter.

It says the crew may identify who the victims and perpetrators are, and the signals to be looked for to confirm a trafficking incident.

Furthermore, Liu is quoted saying “critically, this document will also provide cabin crew with the reporting and response procedures should they find themselves confronting a potential trafficking situation.”

Meanwhile, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein is quoted as saying the jointly produced guidelines will be a powerful tool that will be used to protect and help victims of human trafficking.

 “By coming together, the UN Human Rights office, ICAO and the wider aviation sector now have the means to play a significant role in ending a despicable crime that uses and abuses people and crushes their human rights. Together, we can make a real difference in standing up for the rights of victims trapped in modern-day slavery,” the release says. ENDS