Thousands of men, women and children are trafficked within their own countries and abroad every year, often while travelling alone and despite Canada being one of the world's most popular destinations for solo travellers, a study reveals only 46% of Canadians are aware of HELP signals, and only 21% know how to proceed once someone signals they are in distress.
The survey was released this month by Preply to mark the 10th World Day Against Trafficking in Persons and to remind travellers and those in the travel industry who encounter them on a daily basis to help in the fight against human trafficking.
Police-reported incidents of human trafficking show that 96% of victims are women and girls. 24% of victims are girls under the age of 18, and 45% are women aged 18-24.
"In today's fast-paced world, understanding non-verbal communication is important for keeping us safe. Non-verbal cues like body language, facial expressions, or even a handshake can give us clues about a situation or a person's intentions. Being able to read these reactions can help us identify if something doesn't feel right and act accordingly to ensure our own safety as well as that of others around us," said Sylvia Johnson, a language expert at Preply.
SOS signals for solo travellers
- Order an “Angel Shot” at the bar: Asking for an “Angel Shot” is a discreet way to alert bar staff that someone needs help. Only 20% of Canadians are aware of this practice.
- Ask to speak to “Angela”: This method is used mainly in the UK and allows a person in distress to ask to speak to "Angela" discreetly to signal for help. Only 14% of Canadians know this code.
- Use the acronym STAN: “STAN” stands for “Send The Authorities Now” and is used to request immediate intervention by authorities. Only 13% of Canadians know this acronym.
- Draw a black dot on the palm of your hand: The "Black Dot" campaign encourages victims of domestic violence to draw a black dot on their palm to signal for help. Only 11% of Canadians are aware of this signal.
What is trafficking in persons?
ICAO defines trafficking in persons as modern-day slavery, and the United Nations says nearly every country in the world is affected by it, whether as a source, transit, or destination for victims. Human trafficking is the second most profitable crime after drug trafficking, generating millions of dollars.
"It involves the trading of human beings for the purposes of exploitation. This exploitation can take different forms, such as prostitution, forced and bonded labour, forced marriage and organ harvesting," states the ICAO.
Since 2003, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has collected information on about 225,000 victims of trafficking detected worldwide.
"The aviation industry is one of the primary modes of transportation utilized by traffickers, making it likely for airline personnel to come face to face with victims or perpetrators," says the ICAO.
Aviation's role in the fight against human trafficking
With more victims being transported by air, cabin crew training is a critical asset in the fight against human trafficking.
According to IATA, once trained, airline, airport, ground handling, security screening and customs staff can provide an important intelligence source to prevent human trafficking by recognizing behaviours consistent with trafficking situations and reporting these observations to the authorities at airports and during flights.
Willie Walsh, director general of IATA, stated, "IATA’s goal is that that every member airline, irrespective of size, is aware of the issue and has the tools and resources available to participate in the fight against trafficking. We have developed a comprehensive range of measures to assist airlines in this regard."
Know the signs
CNN reports travellers can also play a vital role. Glancing around and taking stock of your fellow passengers could help save a life.
Seeing something and reporting it could potentially keep someone from becoming a victim, human trafficking awareness trainer Alicia “Kozak” Kozakiewicz told CNN. She was herself a victim as a teenager.
The report compiled the following list of warning signs that could help save a human trafficking victim:
1. A traveller’s clothing
You might notice that a traveller has few or no personal items. Victims may be less well-dressed than their companions. They may be wearing clothes that are the wrong size or are not appropriate for the weather for their destination.
2. A traveller is travelling alone but doesn’t seem to know details of who will be meeting them on arrival
A trafficker may have bought the traveller a ticket under the pretense that they have a modelling job or something similar awaiting them at their destination.
3. They have a tattoo with a bar code, crown, bags of money, and possibly the words “Daddy” or “Property of”
Many people have tattoos, so a tattoo in itself is obviously not an indicator. However, traffickers or pimps may mark their victims as a sign of ownership, so a barcode tattoo, or a tattoo saying “Daddy” or even a man’s name, could be a red flag that the person is a victim.
4. They can’t provide details of their departure location, destination or flight information
Traffickers employ several tools to avoid raising suspicion about their crime and to keep victims enslaved. Some traffickers won’t tell their victims where they are, where they are being taken or what job is supposedly waiting for them. This makes it harder for them to escape.
5. Their communication seems scripted, or there are inconsistencies in their story
Sometimes, traffickers will coach their victims to say certain things in public to avoid suspicion. A traveller whose story seems inconsistent or too scripted might be trying to hide the real reason for their travel and merely reciting what a trafficker has told them to say. The same applies to the suspected trafficker – they may provide inconsistent details about the victim’s name or age.
6. They can’t move freely in an airport or on an airplane, or they are being controlled, closely watched or followed
People being trafficked into slavery are sometimes guarded in transit. A trafficker will try to ensure that the victim does not escape or reach out to authorities for help.
7. They are afraid to discuss themselves around others, deferring any attempts at conversation to someone who appears to be controlling them
Fear and intimidation are two of the tools that traffickers use to control people in slavery. Traffickers often prevent victims from interacting with the public because the victim might say something that raises suspicions about their safety and freedom.
8. They seem to be afraid of uniformed security personnel
They may be fearful of revealing their immigration status. Therefore, it can be worthwhile for airport officials to dress in plain clothes when approaching potential victims.
9. Child trafficking
A child being trafficked for sexual exploitation may be dressed in a sexualized manner or seem to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
A child may appear to be malnourished and/or show signs of physical or sexual abuse, such as bruises, scars, or cigarette burns.
The Yellow Rose
Airports and airlines across Canada have partnered with the #NotInMyCity initiative launched in 2017 by Canadian Country Music singer Paul Brandt, "raising awareness and taking collective action to prevent and end human trafficking." The initiative is known for its iconic yellow rose created by Canadian designer Paul Hardy.
“As Canada’s largest airport, we have a responsibility to take action and do our part to help vulnerable passengers as they travel through Pearson. By partnering with #NotInMyCity, we’re able to educate airport workers on how to spot human trafficking as it’s happening and step in to respond appropriately. We’re happy to be joining other airports across Canada in this important cause,” said Deborah Flint, president and CEO of Toronto Pearson International Airport.
#NotInMyCity, in collaboration with national and international thought leaders, has developed a free, 30-minute interactive e-learning course: "Mobilizing Communities to Disrupt Sexual Exploitation and Sex Trafficking in Canada." Upon completion, participants receive a certificate.
According to Preply's survey, which included 27 countries worldwide, Canada ranked 14th in awareness of HELP signals and 26th in knowing how to respond to someone signalling distress.
For information or support, contact Canada's National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-833-900-1010
