The History Behind the Month
More than 20 years ago, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000 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.
President Biden has proclaimed January 2023 as “National Human Trafficking Prevention Month,” reaffirming his Administration’s commitment to protect and empower survivors of all forms of human trafficking, to prosecute traffickers, and to bring an end to human trafficking in the United States and around the world. “Since human trafficking disproportionately impacts racial and ethnic minorities, women and girls, LGBTQI+ individuals, vulnerable migrants, and other historically marginalized and underserved communities, our mission to combat human trafficking must always be connected to our broader efforts to advance equity and justice across our society.”
Presidential proclamations not only raise the profile of the issue, but are also snapshots of global trends and challenges, and significant U.S. anti-trafficking policy achievements. Some highlights include:
- In 2012, the issuance of the Executive Order ‘Strengthening Protections Against Trafficking in Persons in Federal Contracts ‘;
- In 2016, the first convening of the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking;
- In 2017, the State Department’s launch of its largest anti-trafficking program, the Program to End Modern Slavery; and
- In 2021, the release of the updated National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking.
Despite the nearly worldwide adoption of international and domestic norms to address and prevent human trafficking, we continue to witness traffickers exploit people in the United States and around the world. But everyone has the power to help make a difference. Every Presidential proclamation for January ends with a call to action for all Americans to recognize the vital role everyone can play in combating all forms of human trafficking.
Here is a list of resources about human trafficking:
- Understanding Human Trafficking
- 20 Ways You Can Help Fight Human Trafficking
- The U.S. Government’s Response to Combating Human Trafficking
- Human Trafficking Hotlines
- U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking Annual Report
We have, within our own agency, a nationally recognized team and program dedicated to interrupting human trafficking and restoring its victims to safe and healthy lives. The Bakhita Empowerment Initiative https://cclou.org/bakhita-empowerment-initiative/ has excelled in providing direct assistance and case management to survivors of human trafficking, this program also aims to educate the community about human trafficking, as well as how to identify individuals who are being forced or coerced for the purpose of sexual exploitation or labor. The solid foundation established by Marissa Castellanos is moving into the capable and dedicated hands of Amy Nace Degonda’s directorship. It is right to offer good wishes to Marissa and Amy who begin new phases in their professional lives. It also just to offer those wishes and prayers for the continued strength and power of the BEI team as they evolve into an ever more capable group dedicated to doing the work of justice, healing and restoration.
Please feel encouraged to drop by their webpage and explore ways in which you can become part of the solution and answer to human trafficking. You’re encouraged too to drop a note of kindness to Amy and her team as we use January to celebrate and acknowledge their good works.
Director of Mission