IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) has announced partnerships with two leading anti-human trafficking organisations, ECPAT-USA and Polaris, to strengthen the company’s on-going efforts against trafficking and support survivors. The launch of these engagements coincides with the United Nations’ July 30 observance of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, designed to call attention to the millions of individuals who are trafficked each year.

Through support of ECPAT-USA and Polaris’ programs, IHG will amplify awareness of the prevalence and dangers of human trafficking through education and advocacy. Senior advisors from both organisations will also join IHG’s anti-human trafficking steering committee and provide subject matter expertise for the company’s initiatives to deter criminal behavior through identification and reporting. In addition, IHG will continue supporting ECPAT-USA and Polaris through the donation of IHG One Rewards loyalty points, which will help the organisations provide refuge for human trafficking survivors escaping dangerous situations.

Elie Maalouf, CEO, Americas, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “This effort, in addition to our ongoing industry-wide collaborations, underscores our deep commitment to making progress against trafficking’s horrible crimes. Working together more closely will help us focus on the most impactful initiatives, as well as help us support and learn from trafficking survivors to strengthen prevention measures.”