What is a more lucrative and faster growing crime industry than selling drugs or guns? According to the FBI, the enslavement of people in the labor and sex trades is the second largest underworld activity, with growth outpacing arms and drug running. The epidemic proportions of human trafficking involve up to 27 million victims around the word, or nearly one out of every 260 people. Up to 80% of these are kept in bondage in the sex trades, and half of these are children.
The United States has been a leader in addressing human trafficking worldwide and domestically. President Barack Obama has again proclaimed that January is National Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Month, and January 11 continues to be National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Both are in honor of the Emancipation Proclamation and the13th Amendment to abolish slavery. Both documents were championed and signed by President Lincoln in 1863 (January 1) and 1865 (February 1), respectively,
Highlights from President Obama’s Proclamation
During National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we stand with all those who are held in compelled service; we recognize the people, organizations, and government entities that are working to combat human trafficking; and we recommit to bringing an end to this inexcusable human rights abuse.
Around the world, we are monitoring the progress of governments in combating trafficking while supporting programs aimed at its eradication. From forced labor and debt bondage to forced commercial sexual exploitation and involuntary domestic servitude, human trafficking leaves no country untouched. With this knowledge, we rededicate ourselves to forging robust international partnerships that strengthen global anti-trafficking efforts, and to confronting traffickers here at home.
By coordinating our response across Federal agencies, we are working to protect victims of human trafficking with effective services and support, prosecute traffickers through consistent enforcement, and prevent human rights abuses by furthering public awareness and addressing the root causes of modern slavery.
This month, I urge all Americans to educate themselves about all forms of modern slavery and the signs and consequences of human trafficking. Together, and in cooperation with our partners around the world, we can work to end this terrible injustice and protect the rights to life and liberty entrusted to us by our forebears and owed to our children.
Next: Abolitionist activities on National Human Trafficking Awareness Day
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