1.11.21 – National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Monday, January 11, 2021

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Today is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, and throughout January, we observe National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

Sex and labor trafficking are happening every day, making human trafficking the second largest crime globally, after drug trafficking. Traffickers often use the convenience of commercial aviation to transport victims. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates over 40 million victims of human trafficking worldwide. Flight Attendants are in a unique position to identify and report it, and because of our efforts, lives have been saved.

As safety professionals and aviation’s first responders, our responsibilities on the airplane continue to grow and evolve. We are the eyes and the ears in the cabin, and we can often sense when something is not right.

APFA members have attended anti-trafficking training and completed surveys to help identify how we can stop human trafficking on our airplanes. Thank you for your contributions.

Indicators of Human Trafficking

• Not controlling their own ID or travel documents
• Having restricted movement
• Lacking knowledge or logical means of reaching their final destination
• Non-genuine relationship, particularly child/guardian
• Appearing fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, nervous, or paranoid

If you suspect human trafficking:

• Inform the cockpit
• Call the Department of Homeland Security Tip Line: 866-DHS-2-TIP (866-347-2423), or submit your tip online here.
• Call Department of Transportation National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888, or text 233733

Our Union has been a longtime supporter of Airline Ambassadors International, an organization that provides airport staff training to recognize human trafficking better. Airports are major hubs of entry and exit for perpetrators and their victims. AAI founder Nancy Rivard is a former Flight Attendant and APFA member.

Thank you for your vigilance.

In Solidarity,

Allie Malis
APFA Government Affairs Representative

Lori Glattly
APFA Government Affairs Representative