Presidential Documents

82215 

Federal Register 

Vol. 75, No. 250 

Thursday, December 30, 2010 

Title 3— 

The President 

Proclamation 8621 of December 22, 2010 

National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, 

2011 

By the President of the United States of America 

A Proclamation 

Our Nation was founded on the enduring principles of equality and freedom 

for all. As Americans, it is our solemn responsibility to honor and uphold 

this legacy. Yet, around the world and even within the United States, victims 

of modern slavery are deprived of the most basic right of freedom. During 

National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we rededicate 

ourselves to preventing and ending human trafficking, and we recognize 

all who continue to fight this serious human rights violation. 

Human trafficking is a global travesty that takes many forms. Whether forced 

labor or sexual trafficking, child soldiering or involuntary domestic servitude, 

these abuses are an affront to our national conscience, and to our values 

as Americans and human beings. There is no one type of victim—men 

and women, adults and children are all vulnerable. From every corner 

of our Nation to every part of the globe, we must stand firm in defense 

of freedom and bear witness for those exploited by modern slavery. 

At the start of each year, Americans commemorate the Emancipation Proclamation, which became effective on January 1, 1863, and the 13th Amendment, 

which was signed by President Abraham Lincoln and sent to the States 

for ratification on February 1, 1865. These seminal documents secured the 

promise of freedom for millions enslaved within our borders, and brought 

us closer to perfecting our Union. We also recall that, over 10 years ago, 

the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 renewed 

America’s commitment to combating modern slavery domestically and internationally. With this law, America reaffirmed the fundamental promise of 

‘‘forever free’’ enshrined within the Emancipation Proclamation. 

We cannot strengthen global efforts to end modern slavery without first 

accepting the responsibility to prevent, identify, and aggressively combat 

this crime at home. No country can claim immunity from the scourge of 

human rights abuses, or from the responsibility to confront them. As evidence 

of our dedication to a universal struggle against this heinous practice, the 

Department of State’s ‘‘Trafficking in Persons Report 2010’’ included America 

in its rankings for the first time, measuring our efforts by the same standards 

to which we hold other nations. Looking ahead, we must continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute human trafficking cases within our own 

borders. 

Although the United States has made great strides in preventing the occurrence of modern slavery, prosecuting traffickers and dismantling their criminal networks, and protecting victims and survivors, our work is not done. 

We stand with those throughout the world who are working every day 

to end modern slavery, bring traffickers to justice, and empower survivors 

to reclaim their rightful freedom. 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 combat this crime within our borders 

and join with our partners around the world to end this injustice. 


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82216 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 250 / Thursday, December 30, 2010 / Presidential Documents 

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 2011 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 twenty-second 

day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the 

Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirtyfifth. 

[FR Doc. 2010–33058 

Filed 12–29–10; 8:45 am] 

Billing code 3195–W1–P 


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