Australia’s largest airports join forces in the fight against human trafficking

In an Australian first, Sydney Airport and Melbourne Airport have joined forces to launch a public awareness campaign to fight human trafficking.

The country’s two largest international airports have partnered with anti-human trafficking organisation, A21, to run the “Can You See Me?” campaign, with guidance and input from the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

This initiative will educate people on how to recognise and report the signs of human trafficking.

From today, digital screens and billboards at both airports will display images and messages, stating that slavery still exists and urging people: “If you suspect it, report it.” QR codes also link to videos and information on how to identify and stop these crimes. Digital screens in key areas will display these messages, including check-in counters, gates and baggage carousels.

Combined, Sydney and Melbourne airports cater for 68 per cent of Australia’s total international passenger traffic. While the “Can You See Me?” campaign runs over the next month, close to 7 million passengers are expected to pass through both the domestic and international terminals at the two airports.

A21 has rolled out this program in high-profile spaces worldwide – from Times Square billboards, screens at Heathrow Airport, train stations in Thailand to inflatable screens in vulnerable Cambodian communities—reaching an impressive 3.4 billion people globally.

Modern slavery is a growing issue in Australia, with the AFP receiving 382 reports in 2023/2024 financial year, a 12 per cent increase on the previous year. Cases include trafficking, forced marriage, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, debt bondage, forced labour, deceptive recruitment and organ trafficking. The Global Slavery Index estimates 41,000 people in Australia live under conditions of modern slavery.

A united response to human trafficking  

Scott Charlton, Sydney Airport CEO said: “Every person who steps through our airport deserves to travel safely, without fear of exploitation.”

“We deeply value the AFP’s dedication to catching and prosecuting traffickers and the A21 ‘Can You See Me?’ campaign will amplify their efforts by raising critical public awareness and support.

“Sydney Airport is proud to join forces with Melbourne Airport, united in our mission to tackle the scourge of modern slavery.”

Lorie Argus, Melbourne Airport CEO said: “This partnership goes beyond just airports—it’s about people’s lives.”

“By joining forces with Sydney Airport, the AFP, and A21, we’re taking a stand against modern slavery, a hidden crime that destroys people’s futures.

“Knowing that human trafficking is a real and daily threat, we feel a deep responsibility to protect our passengers.”

Acting Commander Human Exploitation Frank Rayner from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) said: “The increase in reported cases of human trafficking and slavery in Australia highlights the urgent need for action.”

“Airports are key environments where traffickers seek to move victims across borders. It is important to remember that traffickers have many ways of controlling a person and a person can be exploited without physical restraint or abuse.

“Engaging travellers and frontline airport staff to recognise the signs and report suspected cases will help disrupt these crimes and protect vulnerable people.”

Nick Caine, A21 CEO, said: “Everyone has a role to play in the fight against human trafficking. Awareness is the first step, and we believe that through this campaign, more victims will be recognised and rescued.

“The ‘Can You See Me?’ campaign has already changed lives across the world, and we are grateful to Sydney and Melbourne airports for bringing this powerful message to Australia.”

Christian Elliott, Director of ‘Can You See Me?’ said:  “As the director of the Can You See Me? campaign, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of awareness.”

“This initiative goes beyond just sharing information—it equips every individual who passes through Sydney and Melbourne airports to become a part of the solution.

“Human trafficking hides in plain sight, but through this campaign, we are making the invisible visible, empowering travellers, staff, and the public to take action. With just one report, one moment of recognition, a life can be saved. Together, we can stop the traffickers and protect the most vulnerable among us.”

The Rotary Clubs of Botany Randwick and Marrickville have announced that all cash collected from 11 donation boxes across Sydney Airport over the next month will be donated to A21 to support survivors of human trafficking.