Riga Airport has signed a memorandum of cooperation with Latvian national airline AirBaltic, the Latvian Ministry of the Interior and non-governmental organizations to actively cooperate in the prevention of human trafficking.
The development of the aviation sector memorandum was initiated by Riga Airport, which has already been involved in various activities to prevent this global crime.
Laila Odiņa, chairperson of the board of Riga Airport, commented, “Human trafficking is one of the most serious crimes, a gross violation of human rights and human dignity. As the largest airport in the Baltics and the main air traffic hub in the region, we are aware of our important role in preventing it. The airport has already cooperated with both the responsible state institutions and public organizations that help victims of this crime. An airport training program also includes the topic of human trafficking. However, such a complex issue, which affects both public authorities, the transport sector and the non-governmental sector, requires systematic cooperation.”
Martin Gauss, chairman of the board of airBaltic, added, “Human trafficking is an unacceptable crime. We have already paid special attention to this issue, devoting time to the training of flight attendants. As the largest carrier in the region, we are confident that by working with the airport and the authorities we will be even more effective in tackling the problem.”
The purpose of the memorandum is to promote the prevention of trafficking of human beings and to strengthen cooperation between aviation companies, state institutions and non-governmental organizations in identifying and referring victims for the provision of support, assistance and protection. Within the framework of the memorandum of cooperation, industry players, responsible state institutions and the non-governmental sector undertake to cooperate on a voluntary basis, outlining the boundaries, scope and basic principles of cooperation.
The memorandum was signed on October 19, the day after European Anti–Trafficking Day on October 18.