[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 4 (Friday, January 9, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E56]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         SECOND ANNUAL NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS DAY

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                          HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 9, 2009

  Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
recognize the second annual National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on 
January 11, 2009. Human trafficking is a modern form of slavery, and 
the largest manifestation of slavery today. It continues to be a multi-
dimensional threat that deprives people of their human rights and 
dignity.
  According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, human 
trafficking is now the fastest-growing criminal industry in the world. 
About 80 percent of transnational victims are women, girls and up to 50 
percent are minors. It is vital that the United States continue to 
expand our efforts to combat trafficking both within and beyond our own 
borders.
  I am very proud that in my district, a number of agencies, including 
law enforcement, victims service providers, and community organizations 
have joined together to form the Orange County Human Trafficking Task 
Force. I hope that more local communities will stand together to 
protect every person's right to be free from forced marriage, 
prostitution, and labor.
  Each of us has a responsibility to fight human trafficking and 
slavery. I urge my colleagues and all Americans to join me in 
recognizing National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, and working to 
stop human trafficking around the world.

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