Understanding the Risks of Human Trafficking in Travel

Travel is a dream for many, whether for leisure, business, or the promise of a lucrative job abroad. However, not every opportunity is genuine. Unfortunately, some individuals fall victim to scams where perpetrators lure them with false promises of employment, only for the reality to become a nightmare upon arrival in a foreign land. In some cases, people are used as unsuspecting drug couriers, believing they will get through customs without detection.

Recognising the Signs During Air Travel

Air travel remains one of the most convenient ways to move between countries. Hundreds of flights arrive and depart from South African airports daily, making it a challenge to identify victims of human trafficking amid the constant flow of people. During long flights, passengers may be too preoccupied or fatigued to notice someone nearby silently seeking help. Excitement over a new adventure can also distract travellers, making them less aware of their surroundings and more vulnerable to those who would exploit any opportunity to commit trafficking crimes.

The Role of Airports in Combatting Human Trafficking

Airports serve as critical points of intervention in the fight against human trafficking. By implementing robust security measures and fostering close cooperation with border control agencies, airports can help identify irregular travel patterns and intercept traffickers before they can move victims across borders. In addition, staff working at check-in counters, immigration, and security checkpoints are often in a unique position to notice unusual behaviour or distress among travellers, making ongoing training and awareness essential. With so many people moving through their terminals, airport staff are uniquely positioned to identify and intercept victims, as well as prevent illicit goods from entering the country.  

OR Tambo Airport, in particular, has achieved significant success in recognising and stopping both victims and traffickers over the past year.

Promoting Awareness and Education

Airports can contribute to combatting human trafficking by training staff to recognise and respond to potential trafficking situations and by providing the public with information to raise awareness. The Airports Council International (ACI) encourages all member airports to foster a culture of vigilance and reporting, sharing resources and training throughout the airport community. By raising awareness and educating both staff and the public, airports can play a vital role in these ongoing efforts.

Promoting awareness and education is essential to empower travellers, airport personnel, and the general public to recognise the warning signs of trafficking. By providing regular training sessions, distributing informative materials, and encouraging open dialogue, communities can become more vigilant and proactive in identifying suspicious activity. Educational campaigns not only help potential victims understand their rights and where to seek help, but also foster a culture of collective responsibility in keeping travel safe for everyone.

In addition to these efforts, collaboration with law enforcement agencies and non-profit organisations is crucial for a comprehensive approach to prevention and intervention. Regular workshops, information sessions, and simulated emergency drills can equip airport personnel with the skills needed to spot and react to suspicious activities effectively. Furthermore, leveraging technology—such as surveillance systems and data analytics—can enhance the detection of trafficking patterns and assist authorities in timely intervention.

Collaboration between airlines, law enforcement agencies, and non-governmental organisations is crucial to strengthening detection and support systems. By implementing clear protocols and ensuring seamless communication among stakeholders, airports can respond more rapidly and effectively to suspected trafficking cases. Sharing best practices and technological innovations further enhances the collective ability to safeguard vulnerable individuals and disrupt criminal networks.

Establishing clear protocols and reporting mechanisms is also essential to ensure that any suspected cases of trafficking are handled swiftly and appropriately. Airports should maintain direct lines of communication with local authorities and social services, enabling a coordinated response when intervention is needed. In addition, multilingual signage and helplines can offer support to victims who may not speak the local language, ensuring that help is accessible to all who need it.

Acknowledging Key Contributors in the Fight Against Trafficking

The Trafficking in Persons Task Team extends its gratitude to Airports Company SA for hosting essential events at OR Tambo Airport, the Legislature Department for their valuable contributions, and Miss Hilary Leong from Act Africa for helping ensure these initiatives run smoothly.

For further information, please contact the Hope to Heal Foundation at +27 789067461.