[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 3 (Thursday, January 5, 2017)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 1159-1160]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-00041]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 3 / Thursday, January 5, 2017 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 1159]]


                Proclamation 9561 of December 28, 2016

                
National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention 
                Month, 2017

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Our Nation wrestled with the issue of slavery in a way 
                that nearly tore us apart--its fundamental notion in 
                direct contradiction with our founding premise that we 
                are all created equal. The courageous individuals who 
                rejected such cruelty helped us overcome one of the 
                most painful chapters in our history as we worked to 
                realize the promise of equality and justice for all. 
                But today, in too many places around the world--
                including right here in the United States--the 
                injustice of modern slavery and human trafficking still 
                tears at our social fabric. During National Slavery and 
                Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we resolve to shine 
                a light on every dark corner where human trafficking 
                still threatens the basic rights and freedoms of 
                others.

                From factories and brothels to farms and mines, 
                millions of men, women, and children in the United 
                States and around the world are exploited for their 
                bodies and their labor. Whether through violence, 
                deceit, or the promises of a better life, some of the 
                most vulnerable populations among us--including 
                migrants and refugees fleeing conflict or disaster, 
                homeless LGBT youth, Alaska Native and American Indian 
                women and girls, and children in poverty--are preyed 
                upon by human traffickers. In order to rid the world of 
                modern slavery we must do everything in our power to 
                combat these violations of human decency.

                The United States has pursued efforts to address these 
                crimes and lift up individuals who have suffered 
                unspeakable abuse at the hands of traffickers. Through 
                the Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat 
                Trafficking in Persons, we have joined with the private 
                sector, faith communities, law enforcement, and 
                advocates to coordinate efforts to prevent trafficking 
                and protect victims. Focusing on an agenda that 
                prioritizes victim services, the rule of law, 
                procurement of supplies, and increasing public 
                awareness, the Task Force has strengthened Federal 
                efforts to end human trafficking. In 2012, I issued an 
                Executive Order to strengthen protections against human 
                trafficking in Federal contracting, and nearly a year 
                ago, I signed legislation that strengthened our ability 
                to prevent products made with forced labor, including 
                child labor, from entering American markets.

                We must address the consequences of human trafficking 
                and work to tackle its root causes. This past fiscal 
                year, the Department of Health and Human Services and 
                the Department of Justice provided more than $60 
                million to community-based organizations and task 
                forces to assist human trafficking victims, and since 
                the beginning of my Administration, we have nearly 
                tripled the number of victims connected to services. 
                The Department of Homeland Security has also taken 
                steps to streamline immigration procedures for 
                trafficking victims and ensure their regulations are 
                consistent with existing law. And through new Victims 
                of Crime Act regulations, Federal funds can now be used 
                to help human trafficking victims with their housing. 
                Through the White House Council on Women and Girls, we 
                have worked to address the sexual abuse-to-prison 
                pipeline that disproportionately affects those 
                especially vulnerable to sex trafficking--including 
                young women and

[[Page 1160]]

                girls of color. And the U.S. Advisory Council on Human 
                Trafficking--comprised of 11 human trafficking 
                survivors of diverse backgrounds and experiences--
                recently released its first set of recommendations for 
                combating human trafficking while keeping survivor 
                perspectives in mind.

                Every action we take at home, from the clothing we wear 
                to the food we eat, is connected to what happens around 
                the world. As a Nation, we have worked to address the 
                problem of forced labor in our supply chains, and as 
                individuals, we must strive to be conscientious 
                consumers. Working with our friends and allies, we have 
                made this issue an international priority. Just this 
                year we used multilateral fora, including the North 
                American Leaders Summit, the East Asia Summit, and the 
                United Nations, to raise awareness and work with 
                partners around the globe. In addition to urging other 
                countries to develop and expand their anti-trafficking 
                laws and services for victims, we are also stepping up 
                our foreign assistance in this area. Working alongside 
                the international community, we have seen significant 
                increases in trafficking prosecutions and convictions, 
                and we have made great strides in supporting victims.

                As leaders in the global undertaking to end the 
                exploitation of human beings for profit, we must always 
                remember that our freedom is bound to the freedom of 
                others. This month, let us find inspiration in 
                America's progress toward justice, opportunity, and 
                prosperity for all and reaffirm our pledge to continue 
                fighting for human rights around the world.

                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 2017 as 
                National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention 
                Month, culminating in the annual celebration of 
                National Freedom Day on February 1. I call upon 
                businesses, national and community organizations, 
                families, and all Americans to recognize the vital role 
                we must play in ending all forms of slavery and to 
                observe this month with appropriate programs and 
                activities.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                twenty-eighth day of December, in the year of our Lord 
                two thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and forty-
                first.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2017-00041
Filed 1-4-17; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3295-F7-P