As a national leader in addressing human trafficking in the aviation industry, Harry Reid International Airport took a two-fold approach to raising awareness this month.
A new campaign, titled "I Am Not a Souvenir," aims to educate the traveling public to recognize the signs of human trafficking. Signage containing hotline numbers and a QR code can be seen throughout the airport.
LAS was also one of the first airports in the country to install human trafficking awareness signs in all of its bathroom stalls, offering access to discreet, potentially life-saving information to those in need.
The airport also offered a valuable training session for employees airportwide.
The session, led by experts from local advocacy groups, aimed to equip staff with the tools and knowledge needed to recognize the warning signs of trafficking and respond appropriately.
Participants learned about the various forms human trafficking can take, including forced labor and exploitation, and how traffickers often use transportation hubs to move victims. The training emphasized the importance of vigilance and the critical role airport staff play in identifying and reporting suspicious behavior.
"Those that experience trafficking ... many come in to our community by way of transportation arenas, whether it is by air, or by bus," said Caspian Matheus, R.I.S.E. Outreach Director under Signs of Hope, an organization dedicated to supporting victim-survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking. "So we really believe that educating individuals who are kind of a vital touch point in the community, it raises awareness. If individuals in the airport are identified or suspected or would disclose [that they are being trafficked], it's best to be prepared. And training is really kind of the way that we go about doing that."
Attendees left the discussion with enhanced confidence to spot the signs of trafficking, reaffirming the airport community’s commitment to passenger safety and human rights.
"It was great, and there are so many great resources available," said LAS employee Azlan Allam. "And there were a lot of good suggestions made, such as approaching people and asking them just general questions to find out if they need any help."
Individuals who believe they are being trafficked or are in need assistance are encouraged to text "HELP" to 233733 (BeFree), or call 1-888-373-7888.
