ICAO intensifies support for air crash victims, families in commemoration of Int’l Day
In recognition of the International Day Commemorating Air Crash Victims and their Families, marked today – February 20th, 2024, the President of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council, Salvatore Sciacchitano, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to enhancing support for those affected by aviation tragedies.
“Safety is and has always been the top priority for aviation and ICAO,” stated President Sciacchitano, highlighting the significant progress made in air transport safety over the years.
He noted, however, that despite these advancements, aircraft accidents serve as a poignant reminder of the ongoing imperative to strive towards achieving zero fatalities in aviation.
Established by the ICAO Council in coordination with associations representing victims and their families, February 20th serves as an annual reminder for governments and industry stakeholders to improve care, resources, and the timely dissemination of comprehensive information to accident victims and their loved ones.
President Sciacchitano underscored the paramount importance of respecting the mental, physical, and spiritual well-being of victims and their families.
Through collaboration with dedicated representatives and stakeholders, ICAO has reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for global priorities in aviation safety and assisting states in establishing regulatory frameworks in accordance with the Convention on International Civil Aviation.
According to him, noteworthy efforts include the elevation of an existing Recommended Practice to a Standard in 2022, which reinforces the responsibility of states to enact legislation, regulations, and policies to support assistance for aircraft accident victims and their families.
He said ICAO is actively engaged in developing accident investigation standards and practices aimed at enhancing the provision of comprehensive and timely information to those affected by air disasters.
“Respect for victims of aircraft accidents and their families’ mental, physical and spiritual well-being is paramount to ICAO and to all aviation stakeholders.
“With the help of the insights and appeals of committed representatives of victims and their families and the support of all stakeholders, the ICAO Council is assuring continuous advocacy and attention for these important global priorities, and helping States set the regulatory framework through the provisions of the Convention on International Civil Aviation.
‘In this regard, ICAO elevated an existing Recommended Practice to a Standard in 2022, thus heightening the responsibility on States to establish legislation, regulations and policies in support of assistance to aircraft accident victims and their families.
“ICAO is currently working on accident investigation standards and recommended practices towards enhancing the comprehensive and timely provision of information to accident victims and their families,” said Sciacchitano.
He added that to further bolster support mechanisms, ICAO has also developed a specialised training course to assist regulators in formulating appropriate family assistance legislation and plans.
Additionally, a dedicated expert group has been established to facilitate the implementation of practical measures related to supporting aircraft accident victims and their families.
In continuation of efforts to raise awareness on this critical issue, Sciacchitano announced that the second symposium on Assistance to Aircraft Accident Victims and their Families (AAAVF) is slated to take place in the Kingdom of the Netherlands in November later this year.
The commemoration of the International Day serves as a poignant reminder of the collective responsibility to prioritise the well-being of air crash victims and their families, underscoring the ongoing commitment of ICAO and its partners to enhance support mechanisms and promote aviation safety worldwide.
