July 30 marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, an issue that continues to be a hidden crime in our communities. A report released earlier this year by The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking (CCTEHT) found that cars are by far the most frequently used method of travel in human trafficking corridors, especially along circuits. 

As Canada continues to move through positive recovery milestones, and as COVID-19 restrictions lift across the country, so too does travel. This increase in cars driving through provinces and borders may increase the movement of victims of human trafficking. As a platform that connects riders and drivers, we want to ensure that we’re doing our part in the communities where we operate to help drivers and delivery people identify the signs, and report human trafficking or reach out for help. 

Working alongside The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking (CCTEHT), we have developed resources and tips for Identifying Human Trafficking. 

If a driver suspects they are transporting a victim of human trafficking they can follow these three steps:

  1. Seek help if you suspect the victim is in imminent danger: If there’s an emergency and someone is in immediate danger, call 911 and report the incident right away.
  2. Note key information:
    • Date, time, and location of the suspected incident
    • Description of those involved, including physical identifiers such as hair color, approximate age, tattoos, etc.
    • Any names or nicknames overheard
    • Summary of the situation that prompted the report
  3. Report the Incident: Call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline as soon as you leave the scene at 1-833-900-1010 to report the incident 

“Uber’s platform is available in nine provinces, and in more than 140 municipalities. With this expansive network, we have an opportunity and responsibility to connect local communities with the resources available,” said Nick Pailthorpe, Uber’s Law Enforcement Liaison Lead in Canada. “Drivers using Uber’s platform are in a unique position to meet and interact with at-risk individuals. Through our work with The Centre, and in sharing resources and education, we hope to build more vigilance on the road, and do our part to combat human trafficking.”

“As perpetrators of human trafficking constantly evolve their tactics to better prey on their victims, we are pleased to see Uber take an important role in educating their drivers, their community and Canadians about how to best support victims and survivors of this heinous crime,” said Julia Drydyk, Executive Director of the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking.  

We’ll be sharing more information to identify human trafficking with all our drivers and delivery people in the coming days.  

If you believe you’ve witnessed something that might be human trafficking, or if you or someone you know might need help for an at-risk situation, you can call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010. We’ve also teamed up with the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking on a special podcast where you can learn more about the Hotline and what to expect if you reach out.

Learn more about Uber’s efforts to help combat human trafficking.