Frequent Travelers Can Help Prevent Human Trafficking

Almost every country in the world is affected by trafficking, and traffickers often use air travel to move their victims. Frequent business travelers are able to spot human trafficking in airports with some signs and can have a voice in preventing future victims.

According to CNN, “airports are hubs for human trafficking, where adults or children are transported into forced labor or commercial sexual exploitation.”

So many people use public transportation to travel using airports, bus stations, and train stations which is why these are key spots for trafficking. This high volume of traffic sometimes makes it easier to get through security checkpoints. By being aware of the signs, which are pretty easy to recognize to the trained eye, it can save lives of those who may be in danger.

The main reasons for this is economics and it is especially greater in poverty stricken countries and to the trafficker the reward is greater than the risk. So many are willing to take a chance by using public transportation such as airports and buses or train stations to transport victims.

Some of the best activist for helping to spot human trafficking victims are those who are often in the airports like flight attendants, security guards and frequent travelers.

With the proper training, those who are traveling can learn to spot the signs of those who appear out of place or with irregular behavior.There are a number of signs the average person should look for when spotting possible pimps or victims like bruises or wounds, dazed and disheveled appearance, and unable to tell you the name of the people that they are traveling with. These small signs can be instrumental in stopping sex trafficking and potentially bringing traffickers down.

This is a widespread and growing epidemic that is quickly destroying lives and disrupting communities both domestic and abroad. The problem is so vast and it will take a collective effort for everyone to help eliminate this horrific crime.