Obama Declares January 2013 National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
January 25th, 2013
All over the country, coalitions, churches, religious orders and individuals are mobilizing their communities this month to be the voices for those who are trapped in modern-day slavery. Many communities are organizing film viewings or a speaker series. And others are taking a less traditional approach. Some of the most interesting stories include:
- Techies are competing for cash to come up with new technology to combat human trafficking.
- The Sisters of Saint Francis of Assisi Heights are ruining people’s lunches. Go, Sisters!
- In Ohio, a coalition is setting up camp in Wal-Mart to provide education on the issue of human trafficking.
- One business in North Carolina is baking cupcakes to end slavery.
- A stay-at-home mom is taking advocacy to new heights by climbing Mt. Everest to raise awareness!
USCCB Anti-Trafficking Program Invited to White House to Contribute to National Strategic Action Plan
At the September Clinton Global Initiative, President Obama initiated a national strategic action plan to combat human trafficking. The five-year plan outlines goals to strengthen services delivered to survivors. It includes collaboration between The Departments of Health and Human Services, Justice, and Homeland Security and both government and non-government entities, in an effort to have a more interlaced approach to end modern-day slavery.
In December, Associate Director of ATP Dr. Hilary Chester was invited, among others, to The White House to help inform the direction of the National Strategic Action Plan. The meeting was to explore the scope of human trafficking in the United States, examine services being provided and ways to improve, and build teamwork around moving the National Strategic Action Plan forward.
“Our fight against human trafficking is one of the great human rights causes of our time, and the United States will continue to lead it.…” – President Barack Obama
Watch Video Here of President Obama’s Speech
Thanks to the USCCB Anti-Trafficking Coalition for this information. To subscribe to their electronic newsletter, visit: www.usccb.org/about/anti-trafficking-program/
Posted in: Action Alert, Global, Homepage News, Human Dignity, Issues, Members, News, Resources
Related keywords: anti-trafficking coalition, anti-trafficking month, human trafficking, usccb
