Guidance developments from 1976–present

Annex 13 to the Convention, which pertains specifically to international Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation, had its first provision associated with family assistance added in 1976, when the countries of origin for accident victims became officially entitled to participate in the investigation. 

In 2005, provisions to Annex 9 to the Chicago Convention, covering Facilitation, required States to facilitate the timely and temporary entry of accident victim family members into their territory.

In 2013, the ICAO Council approved two new publications in this area:

the ICAO Policy on Assistance to Aircraft Accident Victims and their Families;
and the ICAO Manual on Assistance to Aircraft Accident Victims and their Families.
 

The manual in particular calls for actions on the part of States and relevant non-government organizations to reaffirm their commitment to ensure that adequate and sufficient assistance is provided to accident victims and their families.

It also encourages States to incorporate ICAO's policies when developing and implementing their legislation, regulations, policies and procedures related to family assistance.

The Manual further addresses the development of family assistance plans by aircraft and airport operators, highlighting relevant areas for attention and action.

Annex 9 is also in the process of being amended to incorporate two proposals made by the Air Crash Victims' Families' Federation International.

Under the first proposal, ICAO plans to elevate an existing Recommended Practice to a Standard which will make it an obligation for States to establish legislation, regulations and/or policies in support of assistance to aircraft accident victims and their families.

The second proposal is to adopt a new Recommended Practice requiring aircraft and airport operators to do the same.

The ICAO Air Transport Committee has approved these two proposals, which have been sent to Member States and relevant international organizations for comments before final adoption by the Council.