1.10.23 – Human Trafficking Awareness

Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Human Trafficking Awareness

Tomorrow is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, and January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Human trafficking is among the largest criminal industries in the world. Although it is difficult to know just how many people fall victim to trafficking, millions are living in modern slavery conditions. In the United States alone, it is estimated that there are 200,000 incidences of human trafficking each year.

Traffickers profit at the expense of people that are often culturally, socially, and lawfully marginalized, who become targeted, coerced or threatened into forced labor or sex trafficking. Often women, children, the LGBTQI+ community, racial, indigenous, and ethnic minority groups are most vulnerable to this exploitation.

Congress passed the Human Trafficking Prevention Act of 2022, which became law on December 27, 2022. This bill requires posting contact information of the national human trafficking hotline in specific places. Specifically, the information must be posted:

• in a visible place in all federal buildings;
• in the restrooms of each U.S. aircraft, airport, over-the-road bus, bus station, passenger train, and passenger railroad station; and
• at each port of entry.

Human trafficking is a particularly important topic in the airline industry, as traffickers illegally transport people into inhumane situations by way of commercial air travel. As Flight Attendants, we can be the eyes and ears on our aircraft by recognizing trafficking and reporting it to the right people. In reality, we may be the last line of defense.

Because we can be extremely effective in the prevention of human trafficking, the Blue Lightening program was created specifically for flight crew. The program includes valuable information and training designed to help us look for the signs and indicators of traffickers and their victims. More information is available here: Blue Lightning Initiative | Homeland Security (dhs.gov)

#WearBlueDay

Blue Campaign invites you to play a role in combating human trafficking by participating in #WearBlueDay on Wednesday, January 11, 2023.

Getting involved is simple:

• Wear your favorite blue outfit or article of clothing (e.g., T-shirt or hat)
• Take a selfie, group photo, or video
• Share your photo or video on your preferred social media platform using the hashtag #WearBlueDay and tag @APFAunity
• Encourage friends and followers to post as well

Why blue? Blue is the international color of human trafficking awareness. Anyone can make a difference on #WearBlueDay, and by participating, you can increase online awareness of human trafficking and play a role in saving lives.

To learn more about our suspected human trafficking procedures, there is detailed information in the Security section of our Inflight Manual.

If you have encountered human trafficking, call (866) 347-2423.

You can also report a tip online: ICE Tip Form

As Flight Attendants, we can save lives.

In Solidarity,

Allie Malis and Lori Glattly
APFA Government Affairs Committee
[email protected]

Andrew Rhinehart
APFA National Safety & Security Department
[email protected]

Rhonda Curtright and Chaddrian Calhoun
APFA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee
[email protected]