    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8621--DEC. 22, 2010

    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 na-

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    tions. 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.
    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.
    BARACK OBAMA