Uber Canada Just Launched A Service That Lets Drivers Help Human Trafficking Victims
In honour of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Uber Canada will be raising awareness around human trafficking. The transport company will be making several commitments and announcements, including an expansion of its human trafficking efforts in Canada and a collaboration with The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking.
Uber Canada tells Narcity that the collaboration will see Uber drivers use their new Canadian Human Trafficking 24/7 Hotline. The hotline was launched back in May to help victims and survivors by connecting them with local social service providers, law enforcement and emergency services in communities across Canada.
The announcement of the company's latest collaborations comes after Uber announced its partnership with leading sexual assault and domestic violence organizations. The groups came together to help raise awareness and push back against gender-based crimes across the globe.
Uber went on to add that safety remains a top priority for both riders and drivers. The company recently launched new passenger safety initiatives, including an update of its in-app 911 emergency button and the Trusted Contacts feature.
Multiple incidents of sexual assault by people posing to be ride-share drivers, including Uber, have been reported by Toronto police this year. Back in 2018, Uber announced that it would be teaming up with Crime Stoppers in an effort to improves passenger safety.
Since then, Uber has released a new feature called Check Your Ride. The feature uses push notifications and banners within the Uber app to remind riders to always double-check the vehicle's license plate before getting in. Check Your Ride serves as an additional safeguard to protect passengers potentially dangerous situations.
New tips for drivers, riders, and Uber Eats couriers on how to spot and report human trafficking have also been rolled out.
“Awareness of this crime is crucial to supporting victims and survivors,” said Barbara Gosse, CEO of The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking in a statement on the company’s website.
“Uber driver-partners and their passengers can play a unique role in assisting potential victims and survivors of human trafficking. This collaboration demonstrates how companies, individuals, and communities can work together to prevent and end this crime.”
