The Airbnb platform signed an agreement on Friday May 3 to combat sexual exploitation and human trafficking in the accommodation it offers, on the occasion of the Olympic Games (from July 26 to August 11). and Paralympics (August 28 to September 8), and beyond. This agreement was concluded with the Interministerial Mission for the protection of women against violence and the fight against trafficking in human beings (Miprof), which pilots the 2024-2027 national plan devoted to this question.
In a press release, Miprof recalls having already signed at the end of March with the “Gîtes de France” network a similar convention in order to better prevent situations of exploitation, particularly sexual exploitation, during the Olympics and beyond.
“Although incidents of this type are very rare on the platform given the volume of reservations made, Airbnb is committed, through this long-term collaboration, to supporting the efforts undertaken by the sector and public authorities to put an end to human exploitation and trafficking (…)and in particular the use of accommodation for pimping purposes”explained the American multinational in a press release.
A “high risk” of human trafficking during the Olympics
Airbnb is committed to raising awareness among its community of hosts and travelers. The platform and Miprof created the “Responsible Traveler’s Guide” to help identify and report any situation of exploitation in the building or living area. Miprof will also train Airbnb assistance teams, which is at the same time committed to strengthening its cooperation with the police and justice.
“This agreement with Airbnb is major given its central position in the tourism industry”welcomed the general secretary of Miprof, Roxana Maracineanu, quoted in the press release.
In December, in an interview with Agence France-Presse, the former minister of sports mentioned a ” high risk “ of human trafficking during the Olympic Games, affirming the desire of the public authorities to launch “a clear message of firmness” to networks. “Prostitution is not necessarily going to happen in the street, or downstairs in hotels given that we have a fairly vigilant hotel chain. What concerns us is housed prostitution, inside apartments”she emphasized.
Accommodations rented on Airbnb are regularly found at the heart of pimping cases, with criminal networks preferring these discreet accommodations to deliver women into prostitution.