National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
Human trafficking takes place every day across the United States, including Oregon, in various forms of exploitation. One of the best ways we can make difference is through learning, creating awareness and taking action.
In 2010, President Barack Obama proclaimed January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. President Obama stated in his initial proclamation that Americans commemorate the Emancipation Proclamation which went into effect on January 1, 1863 and the 13th Amendment which President Lincoln sent to the States for ratification on February 1, 1865. Due to those momentous acts that declared the freedom of all citizens and served to abolish slavery, President Obama declared from January 1st to February 1st of each year as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The month long event would culminate in the yearly celebration of National Freedom Day which is celebrated on February 1st of each year.
January 11th is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, which was set by the 110TH CONGRESS - 1ST SESSION S. CON. RES. 40 - CONCURRENT RESOLUTION, passed by the Senate on June 22, 2007. The resolution was established to support the goals and ideals of observing an established National Day of Human Trafficking Awareness. The day is set to raise awareness of, and opposition to human trafficking, both domestically and across the globe.
In honor of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month and National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, various events will be taking place across the country and in your city. If you cannot locate an event, consider organizing one of your own. All event information will be available on the OATH monthly events newsletter, calendar, and Facebook page.
Email event information and questions to oregonOATH@gmail.com.