In December 2016, President Barack Obama instituted January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. In his proclamation he stated, “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.”

When thinking about Human Trafficking most people think of sex trafficking, however there are other ways that people are being bought and sold including forced labor, domestic servitude, organ harvesting, child soldiers and forced marriage. Millions of people throughout the world, including right here in the United States, are being forced into a life that is not of their choosing.

We must all raise our voices to shut down this billion-dollar industry! There are numerous actions that can be taken to help to increase public awareness and to stop this horrible injustice. Will you take the time to read and act?

1. On Thursday, January 11^th, participate in “The Blue Campaign” by wearing a blue ribbon. Spread the word by distributing blue ribbons to others and taking a picture of yourself, your friends, family and co-workers wearing blue ribbons and post on social media with #WearBlueDay. Include a statement to explain the meaning of the ribbon and why you are participating.
2. Go to the App Store and download:
   • TraffickCam App: Each time you travel, use the TraffickCam App to take pictures of your hotel room to add to the national database used by law enforcement to track places where trafficking is taking place.
   • The STOP App: Use the STOP app to report suspicious activity related to trafficking.
   • Sweat and Toil App: The Sweat & Toil app to learn how goods are produced and by whom.
3. Visit Know The Chain to educate yourself about the risk of forced labor in the apparel, food, and technology industries.
4. Check your state’s report card. States receive grades from A to F from Shared Hope International, which keeps a close eye on how each state meets certain criteria related to stopping human trafficking.
5.  Save, post, and distribute the National Human Trafficking hotline number.
6. When traveling, choose a hotel that has signed the Tourism Children Protection Code of Conduct sponsored by EPCAT-USA.
7. Ask your church or organization to include an announcement in the bulletin (or elsewhere) regarding National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, noting that January 11th is “Wear Blue Day.” Encourage others to get involved in the movement to educate others by hosting workshops or presentations.
8. Take the steps to learn more! Try these websites:
   • End Sexual Exploitation
   • Polaris Project
   • Social Media & Sex Trafficking Process
   • How to Talk to Kids about Human Trafficking

For additional tips to learn more about human trafficking, don’t hesitate to contact the Office of Migration & Modern Slavery!

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