Presidential Proclamation: January Is National Slavery And Human Trafficking Prevention Month, 2010

NATIONAL SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION MONTH, 2010

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

The United States was founded on the principle that all

people are born with an unalienable right to freedom — an ideal

that has driven the engine of American progress throughout our

history. As a Nation, we have known moments of great darkness

and greater light; and dim years of chattel slavery illuminated

and brought to an end by President Lincoln’s actions and a

painful Civil War. Yet even today, the darkness and inhumanity

of enslavement exists. Millions of people worldwide are held

in compelled service, as well as thousands within the

United States. During National Slavery and Human Trafficking

Prevention Month, we acknowledge that forms of slavery still

exist in the modern era, and we recommit ourselves to stopping

the human traffickers who ply this horrific trade.

As we continue our fight to deliver on the promise of

freedom, we commemorate the Emancipation Proclamation, which

became effective on January 1, 1863, and the 13th Amendment,

which was sent to the States for ratification on February 1,

1865. Throughout the month of January, we highlight the many

fronts in the ongoing battle for civil rights — including the

efforts of our Federal agencies; State, local, and tribal law

enforcement partners; international partners; nonprofit social

service providers; private industry and nongovernmental

organizations around the world who are working to end human

trafficking.

The victims of modern slavery have many faces. They are

men and women, adults and children. Yet, all are denied basic

human dignity and freedom. Victims can be abused in their own

countries, or find themselves far from home and vulnerable.

Whether they are trapped in forced sexual or labor exploitation,

human trafficking victims cannot walk away, but are held in

service through force, threats, and fear. All too often

suffering from horrible physical and sexual abuse, it is hard

for them to imagine that there might be a place of refuge.

We must join together as a Nation and global community to

provide that safe haven by protecting victims and prosecuting

traffickers. With improved victim identification, medical and

social services, training for first responders, and increased

public awareness, the men, women, and children who have suffered

this scourge can overcome the bonds of modern slavery, receive

protection and justice, and successfully reclaim their rightful

independence.

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Fighting modern slavery and human trafficking is a shared

responsibility. This month, I urge all Americans to educate

themselves about all forms of modern slavery and the signs and

consequences of human trafficking. Together, we can and must

end this most serious, ongoing criminal civil rights violation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the

United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested

in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do

hereby proclaim January 2010 as National Slavery and Human

Trafficking Prevention Month, culminating in the annual

celebration of National Freedom Day on February 1. I call upon

the people of the United States to recognize the vital role we

can play in ending modern slavery, and to observe this month

with appropriate programs and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this

fourth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten,

and of the Independence of the United States of America the

two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

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