National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Human Trafficking

Human trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons, includes both forced labor and sex trafficking. It not only represents a threat to international peace and security but also undermines the rule of law, robs millions of their dignity and freedom, enriches transnational criminals and terrorists, and threatens public safety and national security everywhere.

There are estimated to be more than 27.6 million people — adults and children — subjected to human trafficking around the world, including in the United States.

The History Behind the Month

More than 20 years ago, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA)  enshrined the United States’ commitment to combating human trafficking domestically and internationally. In 2010, by presidential proclamation, President Obama declared January “National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month” and every year since, each president has followed this tradition.

https://www.state.gov/national-human-trafficking-prevention-month/