Shot on Location: instagram.com/phxskyharbor | Photography: instagram.com/shot.by.thomas | Model: instagram.com/diaane.chavez | Wardrobe: instagram.com/throneofgraceclothing
HUMAN TrAFFICKING IS RARELY SO OBVIOUS.
Worldwide, there are over 40,000 airports. To front of mind comes images of luggage, security lines, and high stress; or perhaps, happier intentions of a family vacation or sporadic trip to a new destination.
Most of us, however, would not initially think of another factor that is immensely prevalent in modern day air travel; human trafficking.
According to Federal Statistics, 70% of human trafficking victims are moved through airports. (www.fly2houston.com)
Cities across the country have seen real life cases, from Houston and California, all the way to New York. There, in Queens, a 39 year old built an online relationship with a young girl from Australia, who was only 16. Following grooming and manipulation, the exploiter convinced her to meet him in person by flying to California.
Once she arrived at the airport in, he took her on a horrific cross country trip to New York, in which sexually exploited her along the way. Such a case is one terrifying example amongst many.
Due to cases and the risks, airports across the nation have actively taken steps to identify and rescue victims. Airport staff are now extensively trained to identity the signs victims of human trafficking may display, some of which include:
Appear to have no control over or possession of their travel identification, money, luggage, and/or other documents
Have difficulty articulating reasonable/logical travel plans or answering basic questions
Defer to another person to speak for them, appear to be coached on what to say, or offer responses that seem rehearsed.
Staff are also trained to identify the behaviors of traffickers, some of which may include:
Exhibit a non-genuine behavioural relationship such as a guardian or a romantic partner
Appear to restrict the movement of their co‑traveller
Purchase last-minute, one-way bookings for other people.
Staff are trained not to intervene, but report, to the Homeland Security Investigations Tip Line at 1-866‑347-2423 or via a webform. (www.internationalairportreview.com)
Airports have also partnered with organizations like Airline Ambassadors International, a 501(c)3 nonprofit-organization that focuses on education and advocacy by hosting trainings on human trafficking in both airports and other locations. (https://airlineamb.org)
In our home base city of Phoenix, AZ, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport has made powerful steps in rising against this issue. Sky Harbor takes part in The Blue Campaign, an initiative developed to educate employees and passengers on how to recognize human trafficking.
As part of the Blue Campaign, Sky Harbor also prominently displays signs in their restrooms and around their airport, directly emphasizing resources for reporting any signs of human trafficking.
The Mahalia Project reached out to Sky Harbor management with the request to film this campaign and feature on the reality of human trafficking in airports, and the steps Sky Harbor was taking to prevent it. The staff readily agreed and accommodated our request to enable our team to capture the images, video and interviews for our campaign, from which this powerful feature and social media content were created. We are thrilled to partner with and recognize the willingness of Sky Harbor to open their doors and resources to partner with community impact companies and brands, like The Mahalia Project, to bring future awareness and response to the issue of modern day slavery.
To learn more about how you can help prevent trafficking in airports, please check out the resources below. We encourage you to follow both The Mahalia Project and Sky Harbor to stay updated. Remember, your voice and action are a vital element in setting every captive free.
For Liberation,
Daniel V | Founder, The Mahalia Project
A Note From The Mahalia Project Family: We are here for you! If you are seeking community, accountability or professional healing resources, or want to be part of our work and impact, please reach out at contact@mahaliaproject.com. Additionally, if you, or someone you know, is experiencing human trafficking, please contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. You may also reach directly to our team at contact@mahaliaproject.com , and we will connect you with professional and trustworthy resources and care.
Follow The Mahalia Project
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References:
Houston Airports. (2023, June 12). Houston Airports employee trusts intuition, steps in to save human trafficking victim.
Camal, M. (2023, July 31). A call to action: The critical role of airport leaders in the fight against human trafficking.
Airline Ambassadors International. Traveling to make a difference.
Phoenix Sky Harbor). News for Employees.
www.skyharbor.com/employees