World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed annually on July 30. This day aims to raise awareness about human trafficking, promote and protect the rights of trafficked victims, and encourage governments, organisations, and individuals to take action against this crime.
Carmen Donnelly, vice president, passenger experience and terminal operations, Edmonton International Airport (YEG), recently said: “Strengthening and advancing our human trafficking programme is crucial to staying ahead of evolving threats, improving survivor support and enhancing prevention efforts. Airports are uniquely positioned to disrupt human trafficking at the source of travel. We have the power to say ‘not in my city’ and ‘not in my airport,’ and to take action that will disrupt human trafficking,”
While exact numbers are hard to pin down due to the hidden nature of trafficking, recent data shows that between 2008 and 2023, identified victims of human trafficking rose from 30,000 to nearly 134,000. However, the true number — including undetected cases — is believed to be in the tens of millions.
Women and girls continue to make up the majority of detected victims as a search on the internet further revealed that 61 percent of all detected victims in 2022 were female, and 60 percent of girls were trafficked for sexual exploitation. Human trafficking, the search revealed, generates around $150 billion annually, with $100 billion coming from commercial sexual exploitation.
Over half of trafficking cases involve children, with the average teen entering the sex trade between 12 and 14 years old. Children accounted for 38 percent of detected victims in 2022. There was a 31 percent increase in detected child victims between 2019 and 2022. Girls saw a 38 percent rise in trafficking cases during that period.
Among emerging threats and trends are Forced Labour, as cases surged by 47 percent between 2019 and 2022, including exploitation in cyberfraud and online scams, and, Forced Criminality which is a form of trafficking — where victims are coerced into illegal activities — rose from one percent (1%) of cases in 2016 to eight percent (8%) in 2022. Africa and also its airports should give increased attention to trafficking studies, with efforts to gather more accurate data across the continent
The theme for World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2025 is “Human trafficking is organised crime – End the exploitation.” This theme highlights the need for stronger cross-border cooperation, proactive investigations, and the use of technology to identify and prosecute traffickers.
Human trafficking is a deeply rooted global crisis, driven by poverty, conflict, and inequality. The United Nations plays a crucial role in coordinating international efforts to combat trafficking through initiatives like the UN Global Plan of Action. A notable initiative on the United Nations World Day against Trafficking in Persons, came from Edmonton International Airport (YEG) which opened the Safe Room at YEG, a secure space designed to support survivors of human trafficking, victims of domestic violence, or those going through tragedy while at the airport.
The airport did not go it alone but collaborated with #NotInMyCity, the Action Coalition on Human Trafficking Alberta (ACT), the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT), the Centre to Empower All Survivors of Exploitation (CEASE) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to launch this initiative and work together to help end human trafficking, says a recent publication in the International Airport Review.
The Safe Room is a secure, private, and welcoming space within the airport, thoughtfully designed to support individuals facing trauma or crisis. It offers a comfortable, livable environment equipped with couches, a bed, a kitchenette, and a full bathroom. Guests have access to fresh clothing, nourishing meals, phones, internet connectivity, and a range of essential resources to help restore a sense of safety and dignity during their stay.
The airport has joined forces with #NotInMyCity to provide human trafficking awareness training for its staff and partners. Since many survivors pass through major airports before being exploited in sectors like hospitality, agriculture, or sex work, this initiative aims to empower frontline personnel. By recognising the warning signs of trafficking, more individuals can play a vital role in identifying victims and helping to prevent this crime.
Showing further collaboration with government, Mike Ellis, Alberta’s minister of public safety and emergency services, emphasised the pivotal role airports play in combating human trafficking:
“Airports are key points for intercepting trafficking activity, and I commend Edmonton International Airport (YEG) for launching the Safe Room — an initiative that will provide vital support to individuals in crisis. The Government of Alberta is also collaborating closely with the Alberta Centre to End Trafficking in Persons to enhance our province’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to trafficking. We remain committed to building strong partnerships across government agencies, law enforcement, and community organisations to disrupt criminal networks and safeguard vulnerable individuals.”
Another way of getting buy-in, to mark the opening, an Indigenous Naming Ceremony was held, bestowing the name Kîsê Watotâtôwin on the space — translated as “sharing and giving our kindness and compassion to each other.” Indigenous communities are disproportionately affected by human trafficking, and dedicating the space with an Indigenous name and ceremonial blessing fosters a meaningful connection to healing, safety, and spiritual resilience.
The report concluded by stating that airports serve as critical checkpoints for identifying potential human trafficking. Common indicators may include travellers who are unable to clearly explain their travel itinerary, do not have control over their identification documents, carry minimal luggage or wear unsuitable clothing for the destination, possess last-minute tickets purchased with cash, or minors travelling with adults who are not their relatives.
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Ekelem Airhihen, an accredited mediator, has an MBA from the Lagos Business School. He is a member, ACI Airport Non-aeronautical Revenue Activities Committee; his interests are in market research, customer experience and performance measurement, negotiation, strategy and data and business analytics. He can be reached on ekyair@yahoo.com and +2348023125396 (WhatsApp only).
