[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 250 (Thursday, December 30, 2010)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 82215-82216]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-33058]


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

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 82215]]

                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.

[[Page 82216]]

                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 thirty-fifth. 
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2010-33058
Filed 12-29-10; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W1-P