WASHINGTON, DC – Airline Ambassadors International (AAI) announced that Congressman Joe Pitts (PA), as well as David Palmatier, Unit Chief of Homeland Security TIP line; Laurel Smith, Director of Communications, Customs Border Protection; Fernando Garcia, Coordinator, Anti Trafficking in Persons for the Organization of American States; and many others will join AAI to provide training for airport personnel to stem the tide of human trafficking on commercial airlines.
The training will take place at the Ronald Reagan National Airport Terminal A, Conference Room M120 (directly across from the lobby ) at 3:00 pm-4:30 pm and is open to all airport/airline employees. Congressman Pitts, said: “Airline Ambassadors is a great organization doing good work to train airline personnel about the signs of trafficking. In the past, I’ve been pleased to host the group on Capitol Hill for a briefing with international diplomats. Educating and empowering flight attendants and pilots is an incredibly effective way to fight trafficking.”
Human trafficking is the fastest-growing business in the world and the most important human rights issue of our time. Every year, millions of women and children are sold into slavery.
Nancy Rivard, Founder and President of AAI, said: “Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery where predators profit from the control and exploitation of others. Victims are kept powerless, especially when being moved from country to country where they don’t speak the language. Traffickers often use the speed and convenience of commercial aircraft.”
The AAI’s Human Trafficking Awareness Trainings provide common indicators of possible victims and how to play a role in stopping human trafficking on commercial flights.
Congressman Pitts, law enforcement, and government leaders will join airport executives and employees of every airline on the first free training to the airline/airport community on March 29, 2012. For more information or to RSVP, email [email protected] .
About Airline Ambassadors International:
Airline Ambassadors International (AAI) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization founded by airline employees, affiliated with the United Nations, and recognized by the US Congress. Members provide international relief and development to under-privileged communities worldwide. As the only non-governmental organization of the airline industry, AAI has hand delivered more than US$60 million worth of humanitarian aid and provided escorts and medical care to children in 51 countries. To complement their efforts AAI is also building Safe houses for trafficked victims at seven locations in Haiti.
PHOTO (L to R): AAI Trainers – Nancy Rivard, Founder, Airline Ambassadors Int’l.; Sandy Dhuyvetter, Executive Producer and Host of TravelTalkRADIO and BusinessTravelRADIO and AAI Board Member; Deborah Quigley, AAI member and airline industry expert; and Petra Hensley, Trafficking Survivor and president of the Sojka Foundation
WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:
- As the only non-governmental organization of the airline industry, AAI has hand delivered more than US$60 million worth of humanitarian aid and provided escorts and medical care to children in 51 countries.
- The AAI’s Human Trafficking Awareness Trainings provide common indicators of possible victims and how to play a role in stopping human trafficking on commercial flights.
- Congressman Pitts, law enforcement, and government leaders will join airport executives and employees of every airline on the first free training to the airline/airport community on March 29, 2012.
