IATA members voted unanimously to approve a resolution denouncing trafficking and committed to tackling the issue by improving practices.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and its members are "˜determined"™ to help put an end to human trafficking, said Director General and CEO Alexandre de Juniac.
Speaking at IATA"™s 74th Annual General Meeting in Sydney, de Juniac said more must be done to tackle the problem after IATA members unanimously approved a resolution denouncing trafficking and committing to actions related to solving the issue.
«Aviation is the business of freedom, flying 4 billion people to every corner of the earth last year alone," he said. "Some, however, try to use our networks nefariously trafficking in people creates misery for millions, and funds criminal gangs and terrorism.
"As a responsible industry, our members are determined to help authorities stamp out human trafficking."
It is estimated that 24.9 million people are illegally trafficked and live in modern slavery, and the extensive reach of the global air transport network means that airlines unwittingly find themselves being used by traffickers to facilitate their activities.
As a responsible industry, our members are determined to help authorities stamp out human trafficking
The resolution highlighted several keys areas in which to address human trafficking, such as sharing best practices to help all airlines adopt the right response to the problem and providing effective training for identifying and dealing with trafficking.
IATA"™s resolution also called on governments to establish clear, practical and discreet mechanisms for identifying potential trafficking situations and taking appropriate action, while ensuring the safety of the victim.
