The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on Friday called on governments and aviation partners worldwide to strengthen support systems for air crash victims and their families, marking the International Day Commemorating Air Crash Victims and Their Families.

In a statement issued from its Montreal headquarters, ICAO urged states to accelerate the implementation of comprehensive family assistance programmes and to adopt recent enhancements to its accident investigation standards.

ICAO Council President Toshiyuki Onuma said the international community must act with urgency and compassion. “On this day, we turn our thoughts to those who have lost their lives in air accidents, their families, and all those who have been affected. We also recognize our collective responsibility to support them,” he said.

The agency pointed to a unanimous resolution adopted at its 42nd Assembly session last year, which calls on states to establish robust national systems for assisting victims and families, strengthen compliance with international standards, and remain prepared for emerging risks in a rapidly evolving aviation environment.

Under Assembly Resolution A42-15, ICAO said all states and operators are expected to adopt effective family assistance plans. These include timely notification of families, respectful treatment throughout the investigative process, accurate recovery and identification of victims, and mechanisms for advance financial support when accidents occur.

A binding standard in Annex 9 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation now requires states to legislate enforceable support measures for families, ICAO said. The organization has also updated investigation requirements to ensure faster release of preliminary information, clearer reporting in plain language, and greater opportunities for families to be heard during inquiries.

ICAO highlighted the role of its Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme and electronic compliance tools in improving transparency and accountability. It said recent symposia in 2021 and 2024 brought together family representatives, psychological experts, and industry leaders, leading to the development of best practices, including harmonised compensation approaches and trauma care guidance.

The agency is also encouraging wider ratification of the Montreal Convention, which establishes a global framework for airline liability and compensation. The convention currently has 143 parties, according to ICAO.

While commercial aviation remains one of the safest modes of transport, accidents can have profound and lasting impacts on families and communities. ICAO said enhanced assistance measures, combined with stronger investigative standards, are intended not only to support victims but also to improve overall safety by ensuring lessons are shared globally.

Looking ahead, ICAO said it will expand technical assistance, capacity-building initiatives, and training workshops in the coming triennium, particularly in regions facing elevated risks, including those affected by conflict. It also cited initiatives such as “Safer Skies," which aim to improve information sharing and risk mitigation.

“As the ICAO Council President has made clear, the time to act is now,” the organization said, reiterating its commitment to building an air transport system rooted in care, responsibility, and trust.

ICAO, a United Nations specialized agency with 193 member states, sets global standards and policies for international civil aviation and supports their implementation to enhance safety, security, and sustainability across the sector.

Source: ICAO Press Release