DHS launches initiative with American Airlines to combat human trafficking

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched an initiative with American Airlines to combat human trafficking.

The DHS Blue Campaign seeks to raise awareness of human trafficking by sharing awareness materials, engaging in events and public awareness campaigns, and amplifying a shared anti-trafficking message.

“The Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign is excited about its partnership with American Airlines. The airline provides human trafficking awareness training to nearly 60,000 team members, including flight attendants, pilots, and customer service team members. This partnership is an invaluable opportunity to educate the public about the crime of human trafficking, how to recognize the indicators of trafficking when it happens, and what they can do to report it,” Trent Frazier, executive director of the DHS’s Office of Campaigns and Academic Engagement, said.

The announcement comes in what is called National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. While the fight to combat human trafficking is a year-round effort, announcing the initiative this month provides heightened recognition for this issue and effort.

“We’re proud to fortify our company’s efforts to combat human trafficking by joining up with the Blue Campaign,” Nate Gatten, senior vice president of Government Affairs for American, said. “With the force of partnership, we know we can better raise awareness and more effectively prevent human trafficking ― an awful crime that happens all too often and affects far too many. American is eager to contribute to a solution in any way we can, and we’re looking forward to being involved with this unified, respected initiative.”