In a proclamation issued on January 4, President Obama declared January 2010 National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The president said that in recognizing this month of awareness, “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.” In his address, Obama described the millions of people worldwide who are enslaved or trafficked as a diverse group of “many faces,” who are held “through force, threats, and fear.” Asking all to contribute to eradicating modern day slavery, he said:

“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.”

President Obama further called upon the people of the United States to “recognize the vital role we can play in ending modern slavery,” asking that Americans observe the month with programs and activities focused on the prevention of trafficking and slavery. National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month will end with the commemoration of National Freedom Day on February 1, 2010.

Presidential Proclamation - National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month