From 19 to 21 October 2026, the ICAO North American, Central American and Caribbean Regional Office hosted the Workshop on Assistance to Aircraft Accident Victims and their Families, AAAVF NACC, in Mexico City.
The event brought together States, civil aviation authorities, accident investigation bodies, airlines, airports, international organisations, emergency response specialists and family associations. It was held with the support of the Government of Spain, following the initiative promoted by ACVFFI Chairwoman Pilar Vera Palmés to advance the implementation of family assistance policies and plans across the region.
ACVFFI was represented by its Chairwoman, Pilar Vera Palmés, and its Secretary General, Claudia Carrasco, ensuring that the experience and needs of victims and families were present in both the institutional discussions and the practical working sessions.
Families must be part of the system
Pilar Vera delivered the opening remarks on behalf of family associations and participated in the panel dedicated to the legal framework and the responsibilities of States.
Her message was clear: the response to an aircraft accident cannot be limited to the technical investigation, liability or insurance. States and the aviation industry must also be prepared to provide victims and families with verified information, humane treatment, immediate practical assistance and continued support.
In her presentation, Pilar highlighted the importance of independent accident investigations, transparent and continuous communication, and a comprehensive explanation of what happened. She also stressed that family associations must be involved in the development and evaluation of legislation, national policies and Family Assistance Plans.
Her presentation is available in Spanish and can be accessed through the link below.
View Pilar Vera’ Spanish presentation
Claudia Carrasco’s contribution to legal and operational preparedness
Claudia Carrasco played a significant role in the technical sessions of the workshop. She participated in the assessment of national legal frameworks and in a scenario-based exercise designed to test the multi-agency response to an aircraft accident.
Her contribution focused on the gap that can exist between having legislation or a written plan and being genuinely prepared to assist families. Effective assistance requires clearly assigned responsibilities, trained personnel, coordinated information and procedures that have been tested before an accident occurs.
During the practical exercise, Claudia helped bring the families’ perspective into the operational discussion: who contacts them, how information is verified, where they receive assistance and who remains responsible once the immediate emergency has ended.
This reflects one of ACVFFI’s main principles: family associations should not participate only to provide testimony about past failures. Their experience must be used to design, test and improve the systems intended to protect future victims and families.
From international standards to effective assistance
ICAO has already established an international framework through Annexes 9 and 13, its Policy on Assistance to Aircraft Accident Victims and their Families, contained in Document 9998, and the practical guidance provided by Document 9973.
The remaining challenge is effective implementation. States must translate these standards into national legislation, coordinated Family Assistance Plans, adequate resources, training and regular exercises.
A written plan is not enough. It must work in practice and place victims and families at the centre of the response.
ACVFFI’s international work is supported with resources provided by the Fundación de Seguridad Aérea, FaSA20. This support helps the Federation maintain its participation in ICAO initiatives and bring the families’ experience to the international forums where policies and procedures are discussed.
The work continues in Lima
The AAAVF NACC Workshop represented an important first step for the region. Its true impact, however, will depend on the measures adopted by participating States after the meeting.
The work will continue at the next regional workshop in Lima, Peru, where ACVFFI will continue advocating for effective national legislation, properly tested assistance plans and the permanent involvement of victims and family associations.
ACVFFI will continue working so that no victim or family is left alone or forced to navigate an unprepared system after an aircraft accident.
In their memory, and for those who may need these systems in the future.
