[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 8772 of December 30, 2011

National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, 2012
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Nearly a century and a half ago, President Abraham Lincoln issued the
Emancipation Proclamation--a document that reaffirmed the noble goals of
equality and freedom for all that lie at the heart of what it means to
live in America. In the years since, we have tirelessly pursued the
realization and protection of these essential principles. Yet, despite
our successes, thousands of individuals living in the United States and
still more abroad suffer in silence under the intolerable yoke of modern
slavery. 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.
Human trafficking endangers the lives of millions of people around the
world, and it is a crime that knows no borders. Trafficking networks
operate both domestically and transnationally, and although abuses
disproportionally affect women and girls, the victims of this ongoing
global tragedy are men, women, and children of all ages. 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.
My Administration continues to implement our comprehensive strategy to
combat human trafficking in America. 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

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abuses by furthering public awareness and addressing the root causes of
modern slavery. The steadfast defense of human rights is an essential
part of our national identity, and as long as individuals suffer the
violence of slavery and human trafficking, we must continue the fight.
With the start of each year, we commemorate the anniversaries of the
Emancipation Proclamation, which became effective on January 1, 1863,
and the 13th Amendment to abolish slavery, which was signed by President
Abraham Lincoln and submitted to the States for ratification on February
1, 1865. These documents stand as testaments to the gains we have made
in pursuit of freedom and justice for all, and they remind us of the
work that remains to be done. 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.
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 2012 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 thirtieth day of
December, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
sixth.
BARACK OBAMA