[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 127, 113th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 9074--DEC. 31, 2013

Proclamation 9074 of December 31, 2013

National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, 2014
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Over a century and a half after President Abraham Lincoln issued the
Emancipation Proclamation, millions remain in bondage--children forced
to take part in armed conflict or sold to brothels by their destitute
families, men and women who toil for little or no pay, who are
threatened and beaten if they try to escape. Slavery tears at our social
fabric, fuels violence and organized crime, and debases our common
humanity. During National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention
Month, we renew our commitment to ending this scourge in all its forms.
Because modern-day slavery is a global tragedy, combating it requires
international action. The United States is shining a spotlight on the
dark corners where it persists, placing sanctions on some of the worst
abusers, giving countries incentives to meet their responsibilities, and
partnering with groups that help trafficking victims escape from their
abusers' grip. We are working with other nations as they step up their



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own efforts, and we are seeing more countries pass anti-human
trafficking laws and improve enforcement.
At home, we are leading by example. My Administration is cracking down
on traffickers, charging a record number of perpetrators. We are
deploying new technology in the fight against human trafficking,
developing the Federal Government's first-ever strategic action plan to
strengthen victim services, and strengthening protections against human
trafficking in Federal contracts. During the past year, the White House
has hosted events on combating human trafficking, bringing together
leaders from every sector of society. Together, we came up with new
ideas to fight trafficking at the national and grassroots levels.
As we work to dismantle trafficking networks and help survivors rebuild
their lives, we must also address the underlying forces that push so
many into bondage. We must develop economies that create legitimate
jobs, build a global sense of justice that says no child should ever be
exploited, and empower our daughters and sons with the same chances to
pursue their dreams. This month, I call on every nation, every
community, and every individual to fight human trafficking wherever it
exists. Let us declare as one that slavery has no place in our world,
and let us finally restore to all people the most basic rights of
freedom, dignity, and justice.
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 2014 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, faith-based
groups, families, and all Americans to recognize the vital role we can
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 thirty-first day of
December, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
eighth.
BARACK OBAMA