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

    .                     PROCLAMATION 8471--JAN. 4, 2010

    Proclamation 8471 of January 4, 2010
    National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, 2010
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    The United States was founded on the principle that all people are born
    with an unalienable right to freedom--an ideal that has driven the
    engine of American progress throughout our history. As a Nation, we have
    known moments of great darkness and greater light; and dim years of
    chattel slavery illuminated and brought to an end by President Lincoln's
    actions and a painful Civil War. Yet even today, the darkness and
    inhumanity of enslavement exists. Millions of people worldwide are held
    in compelled service, as well as thousands within the United States.
    During National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we
    acknowledge that forms of slavery still exist in the modern era, and we
    recommit ourselves to stopping the human traffickers who ply this
    horrific trade.
    As we continue our fight to deliver on the promise of freedom, we
    commemorate the Emancipation Proclamation, which became effective on
    January 1, 1863, and the 13th Amendment, which was sent to the States
    for ratification on February 1, 1865. Throughout the month of January,
    we highlight the many fronts in the ongoing battle for civil rights--
    including the efforts of our Federal agencies; State, local, and tribal
    law enforcement partners; international partners; nonprofit social
    service providers; private industry and nongovernmental organizations
    around the world who are working to end human trafficking.
    The victims of modern slavery have many faces. They are men and women,
    adults and children. Yet, all are denied basic human dignity and
    freedom. Victims can be abused in their own countries, or find
    themselves far from home and vulnerable. Whether they are trapped in
    forced sexual or labor exploitation, human trafficking victims cannot
    walk away, but are held in service through force, threats, and fear. All
    too often suffering from horrible physical and sexual abuse, it is hard
    for them to imagine that there might be a place of refuge.
    We must join together as a Nation and global community to provide that
    safe haven by protecting victims and prosecuting traffickers. With
    improved victim identification, medical and social services, training
    for first responders, and increased public awareness, the men, women,
    and children who have suffered this scourge can overcome the bonds of
    modern slavery, receive protection and justice, and successfully reclaim
    their rightful independence.
    Fighting modern slavery and human trafficking is a shared
    responsibility. 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 and must end this most serious,
    ongoing criminal civil rights violation.
    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 2010 as
    National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month,

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    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 fourth day of
    January, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    fourth.
    BARACK OBAMA