The community initiative is dedicated to combating human trafficking. The conversation with the community raised awareness and fostered a sense of empowerment in fighting crime.
Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports, stands in the center, alongside survivors of human trafficking, Houston Airports employees, federal law enforcement partners, and representatives of Houston-area organizations that advocate for human trafficking victims.
Houston Airports continues to lead a crucial conversation aimed at raising awareness about the pervasive issue of human trafficking within the Houston community. On April 20, 2024, with George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) serving as the background, a diverse group of community members - politicians, business owners, law enforcement, private citizens, faith leaders, advocacy groups and survivors of human trafficking – gathered to discuss how to end human trafficking.
The primary objective of the Houston Airports community initiative is to elevate public consciousness regarding the realities of human trafficking, emphasizing the crucial role that awareness plays in both rescuing victims and preventing future occurrences of this heinous crime. With more individuals informed about the signs and dangers of human trafficking, the collective effort to combat this illicit trade gains significant momentum.
Statistics from federal sources underscore the critical role that airports play in the trafficking network, with over 70% of victims trafficked through these transportation hubs. Often characterized as an "invisible crime," human trafficking can evade detection by untrained observers, making education and awareness campaigns paramount in the fight against it.
Since 2019, Houston Airports has been proactive in addressing this issue, having trained over 50,000 badged airport personnel to recognize and respond to potential instances of human trafficking. Additionally, the airport authorities have conducted educational sessions, reaching out to more than 450 community members to educate them about the risks and warning signs associated with human trafficking.
As the Memorial Day holiday approaches, Houston Airports is intensifying its efforts to engage the community in discussions surrounding human trafficking, recognizing the increased likelihood of criminal activity during periods of heightened travel.
"Our commitment to combatting human trafficking extends beyond our airport facilities,” said Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports, “We recognize the need for collective action and are proud to lead efforts that bring together various stakeholders in this fight."
AECOM, AtkinsRealis, Burns Group, CLEAR, Fronza & Francis, Halliburton, HNTB, Houston First, HPE Aruba, Layer 3, NOV and Houston Airports sponsored the event which welcomed hundreds of community members.
Advocacy groups UnboundNow, The Landing, RedM, and Shield Bearer joined Houston Airports in providing resources and educational information to attendees.
Echoing this sentiment, Saba Abashawl, Chief External Affairs Officer for Houston Airports, stressed the significance of community involvement, asserting, "By uniting and empowering our community, we can amplify our impact and work towards eradicating human trafficking from our society."
The event featured notable speakers, including representatives from the U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, alongside survivors of human trafficking who offered firsthand insights that fostered a deeper understanding of the issue and the need for collective action.
“As we come together, we recognize the importance of education, vigilance, and support in safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals,” said Abashawl.
The steadfast commitment of Houston Airports to combat human trafficking has garnered national recognition, with the airport system receiving the 2023 Combating Human Trafficking in Transportation Impact Award from the U.S. Department of Transportation. This accolade underscores the effectiveness of the airport system’s community initiative and is a testament to its continued dedication to this cause. In light of its pioneering efforts, Houston Airports is frequently invited to share its best practices at conferences focused on ending human trafficking, further amplifying their impact and inspiring others to join the fight against the crime.
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