The Port continues to refine tools, training, and partnerships in its third year since launching Port Allies Against Human Trafficking
January 9, 2025
The Port of Seattle held its third annual Port Allies Against Human Trafficking (PAAHT) pledge event today and was joined by two new signatories — Norwegian Cruise Line and Coastal Alaska Premier Seafoods. A total of 22 signatories have taken the pledge since its 2023 inception, which began as a Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)–specific awareness and training effort and expanded to the Port’s cruise partners last year. Today’s event marks the Port’s continued commitment to preventing human trafficking through awareness, education, and tools created in partnership with regional anti-human trafficking leaders.
“Our unwavering commitment to ending human trafficking at our gateways remains stronger than ever,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner Sam Cho. “The collaborative work we are doing to raise awareness and implement vital tools across the Port is already saving lives. We are grateful to our partners who have joined the PAAHT pledge, and we encourage others to stand with us in this critical effort. By working together, we can create lasting change."
Last year, the Port launched the use of a QR code on signage and in messaging across SEA Airport and Port maritime facilities after procuring the partnership in 2023. The QR code, created by survivor-led organization Twentyfour-Seven Inc., provides information to the public and helps victims of human trafficking report their situation to authorities and understand their rights. The QR codes were scanned a total of 1,082 times by individuals accessing information in 14 different languages in 2024. The technology led to a potential victim successfully reporting their situation, resulting in a prompt investigation by law enforcement.
“The Port of Seattle Commission is deeply committed to combating human trafficking and enhancing efforts to address this urgent issue,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner Hamdi Mohamed. “As a known trafficking hotspot, we work closely with the Port of Seattle Police, Customs and Border Protection, and other agencies to raise awareness and empower businesses and individuals to take meaningful action. Through collaboration with our aviation and maritime partners, we strive to protect our community and dismantle trafficking networks with innovative solutions.”
Additional measures the Port took this past year include the development of an online form that tenants sign to join the PAAHT pledge, making onboarding and training easier. The Port also signed and implemented a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to co-brand and leverage its nationwide Blue Campaign.
As Seattle prepares to host FIFA World Cup 2026 alongside several other host cities in the United States, the Port is spearheading an anti-human trafficking messaging effort using funds received from the U.S. Department of Transportation as part of the 2022 Human Trafficking in Transportation Impact Award. Also ahead, pledge signatories will have access to Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST) Ports to Freedom Training, which provides employers with an additional training resource and data about participation levels.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. and Coastal Alaska Premier Seafoods are the most recent partners to sign the PAATH pledge.
“We are grateful for our partnership with the Port of Seattle. Our organization places a strong emphasis on human rights considerations, establishing and upholding policies designed to safeguard our guests and team members. We are looking forward to expanding our collaboration in this effort with the Port of Seattle,” commented Harry Sommer, President and CEO at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
Organizations that sign onto the pledge are joining the Port in combating human trafficking by:
Endorsing and amplifying Port-led public education campaigns on human trafficking, at and around Port facilities
Promoting participation in awareness training opportunities, to increase employees’ ability to recognize typical trafficking signs and behaviors
Educating staff and bystanders on how to report occurrences of such signs and behaviors via the National Human Trafficking Hotline (call 1-888-373-7888 or text 233-733) or via 911
Video: Claire Sumadiwirya, Founder and CEO of Bellden Ventures, was today’s keynote speaker. Claire is a community advocate for BEST, encouraging businesses of all sizes to help combat human trafficking. In this video she shares her experiences incorporating these practices at the Bellden Café, which is located in Bellevue, Washington.
About PAAHT
The Port of Seattle’s Port Allies Against Human Trafficking (PAAHT) pledge calls on all Port stakeholders within the Business Development, Maritime, and Aviation industries to voluntarily join the Port in its commitment to employee education, raising public awareness, and measuring collective impact toward stopping human trafficking.
To support PAAHT members, the Port makes anti-human trafficking trainings available in multiple accessible formats to any worker at Port facilities. It also makes print and digital educational materials available in partnership with community-based organizations and survivors of trafficking.
Every year, during National Human Trafficking Prevention Month in January, the Port calls on partners and tenants to raise their employees’ awareness of the signs and behaviors of human trafficking. The Port continues to be a regional leader in the anti-human trafficking work — including awareness messaging and trainings — that began in 2018 with Commission passage of the Port’s comprehensive anti-human trafficking strategy.
In addition to the trainings, the Port of Seattle has posted 310 signs on how to report suspected trafficking in the restrooms and passenger loading bridges at SEA Airport, as well as 20 signs at Port of Seattle parks and 10 signs at Fisherman’s Terminal. The signage includes information in 15 languages, translated by survivors employed by Twentyfour-Seven Inc. Awareness signage can also be found at Salmon Bay Marina, Shilshole Bay, Terminal 90/91, Pier 69, and Marine Maintenance. Groups helping survivors find jobs in Port-related industries also received grants through the Port's South King County Community Impact Fund.
Learn more about combatting human trafficking and see our pledge signers on our website.
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