On July 30, we observe World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, a crucial campaign to reflect on one of the most pressing human rights issues of our time. Human trafficking affects millions globally, with victims being exploited for labor, sexual services, and other forms of servitude. As stakeholders in the business travel industry, we have a unique position to help combat this crime. By educating ourselves and our teams, we can make significant strides in recognizing, preventing, and reporting human trafficking activities.
Human trafficking victims number an estimated 50 million people, an increase of 10 million people since 2016. BCD formed a global partnership with ECPAT (known as PACT in the U.S.) in 2017 and with A21 in 2020. Our commitment to ECPAT and A21 is to raise awareness through education and training with our employees, suppliers, partners and clients all over the world.
Human trafficking is a multifaceted crime involving the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit individuals. It can take many forms, including sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and domestic servitude. Traffickers often target vulnerable populations, using manipulation and threats to control their victims.
Why the focus on the travel industry?
The business travel industry, due to its global reach and frequent interactions with travelers, plays a critical role in the fight against human trafficking. Hotels, airlines, and other travel-related services are venues for trafficking activities. Traffickers often use air travel to transport victims and hotels to abuse them. By raising awareness and training employees, we can help identify and report suspicious activities, thereby protecting potential victims.
What companies can do
- Sign up to The Code.
- Implement training programs: Promote PACT (by ECPAT-USA) human trafficking awareness free online training – developed specifically for travel professionals
- Educate employees on the signs of human trafficking. Training should include recognizing red flags such as travelers who seem disoriented, lack freedom of movement, or exhibit signs of physical abuse. Organizations like ECPAT offer resources and training modules specifically designed for the travel industry.
- Partner with anti-trafficking organizations: Collaborate with ECPAT, A21, NGOs and advocacy groups to support their efforts and stay updated on best practices.
- Adopt ethical policies: Ensure that your company’s policies and procurement processes reflect a zero-tolerance stance towards human trafficking. This includes vetting suppliers and partners to ensure they adhere to ethical labor practices.
What individuals can do
- Get informed: Educate yourself about human trafficking by studying materials from reputable sources and attending workshops or webinars. Understanding the issue is the first step towards making a difference.
- Be vigilant: When traveling for business, stay alert to your surroundings. Look out for signs of trafficking and discreetly report anything suspicious. Keep yourself safe, but remember your vigilance can potentially save lives.
- Support anti-trafficking organizations: Consider donating to or volunteering with organizations dedicated to combating human trafficking. Your support can provide crucial resources for victims and aid in their recovery and reintegration.
Online resources
- A21 Page: https://www.a21.org/index.php
- The A21 Campaign: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-a21-campaign/
- A21’s action hub
- Support the A21 Walk For Freedom
- Can you see me video series
- ECPAT page: https://ecpat.org/
- EPACT on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ecpat-international/
- On the Front Lines podcast
Do you know how to spot trafficking?
We encourage you to learn more about the signs and how you can report.
At the airport:
- Victim may not have access to their travel documents, money or have minimal luggage.
- Victim may seem disoriented/ lost; restricted in movement and speech or show signs of abuse.
- Trafficker may have an unusual number of mobile phones or be seen with many young children.
- Trafficker insights on paying only in cash.
- Victim and trafficker have minimal interaction and eye contact with others.
At hotels
- Trafficker may be reluctant to provide IDs on check-in and pays for room in advance in cash.
- Trafficker speaks for the victim, who is unable to talk freely, and does not leave the victim alone.
- Trafficker requests a room near the fire exists, isolated and private, requests no housekeeping services.
- Victim is dressed inappropriately for age and/or weather.
- Have frequent visitors to the room and at unusual hours of day or night, orders high levels of alcohol.
On planes and trains
- Victim’s passport and documents are held by someone else.
- Victim displays free and anxiety.
- Victim acts as though under instructions by another.
- Victim has restriction of movement.
- Victim is not aware of where they are going or who they are meeting.
- Victim is not able to provide home address.
If you see signs, observe and note as many details as possible. Do not put yourself in harm’s way. Report quickly to authorities.
