Montréal, 20 February 2023 – In observance of 20 February as the International Day Commemorating Air Crash Victims and their Families, ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano has issued the following statement:
"Mindful of the importance of public and private stakeholders assuring compassionate and effective assistance to aircraft accident victims and their loved ones, ICAO has formalized an obligation under the Chicago Convention for countries to establish effective legislation, regulations, and policies in this area.
ICAO has furthermore developed new training to assist national officials in designing and setting out appropriate family assistance legislation and plans, and it also continues to promote the widespread ratification and implementation of the Montreal Convention – which provides for fairer compensation and greater protection for victims.
Respect for civil aviation accident victims, and for their loved ones' mental, physical and spiritual well-being, remains a key priority for global aviation. With the help of the insights and appeals of the Air Crash Victims' Families' Federation International’s (ACVFFI) committed representatives, ICAO will continue to advocate for improved victim support." .
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About International Day Commemorating Air Crash Victims and their Families
The ICAO governing Council established the International Day Commemorating Air Crash Victims and their Families in 2022, in direct support of a proposal made by the Air Crash Victims' Families' Federation International (ACVFFI). Its purpose is to provide governments and industry with an annual reminder of the onus upon them to improve the care, resources, and timely and comprehensive information that accident victims and their loved ones need in post-accident circumstances.
About ICAO
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a United Nations agency which helps 193 countries to cooperate together and share their skies to their mutual benefit.
Since it was established in 1944, ICAO’s support and coordination has helped countries to diplomatically and technically realize a uniquely rapid and dependable network of global air mobility, connecting families, cultures, and businesses all over the world, and promoting sustainable growth and socio-economic prosperity wherever aircraft fly.
As it enters a new era of digitization, and of incredible new flight and propulsion innovations, air transport is relying more than ever on ICAO’s expert support and technical and diplomatic guidance to help chart a new and exciting future for international flight. ICAO is innovating itself to answer this call, and expanding its partnerships among UN and technical stakeholders to deliver a strategic global vision and effective, sustainable solutions.
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