Dr Vassilia Orfanou, PhD, Post Doc
Writes for the Headline Diplomat eMagazine

Introduction:

January stands as a month of heightened awareness and collective action, designated as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Since 2010, this month has been dedicated to increasing understanding about human trafficking and fostering awareness on how to recognize and combat this violation. The commitment of the United States, manifested through presidential proclamations and legislative acts, reflects a determined effort to combat human trafficking domestically and internationally. This article explores the significance of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, acknowledging the milestones achieved and emphasizing the persistent global challenges that demand our attention and concerted efforts.

The National Human Trafficking Month

January marks the National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Since 2010, the President has committed this month to increasing understanding about human trafficking and informing on how to recognize and stop this violation.

The U.S. Department of State also promotes awareness of human trafficking both domestically and internationally through its U.S. embassies and consulates.

In this month, we pay tribute to the efforts made by different foreign governments, international organizations, anti-trafficking groups, law enforcement officers, survivor advocates, religious communities, non-governmental organisations, foundations, businesses, and individuals worldwide who have worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the issue of human trafficking.

Over two decades ago, the United States committed to combat human trafficking, both domestically and internationally, by passing the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA). In 2010, President Barack Obama declared January as “National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month” through a presidential proclamation. This tradition has been upheld by every president since then.

In January 2023, President Biden declared it “National Human Trafficking Prevention Month” to demonstrate his Administration’s commitment to protecting and empowering survivors of all forms of human trafficking, prosecuting traffickers, and eliminating human trafficking both domestically and internationally. Given that marginalized and underserved communities, including racial and ethnic minorities, women, and girls, LGBTQI+ individuals, and vulnerable migrants, are disproportionately affected by human trafficking, our efforts to combat this issue must be integrated with broader initiatives aimed at promoting fairness and justice in society.

The issuance of presidential proclamations not only increases the visibility of the problem but also serves as a reflection of current global patterns and difficulties, as well as noteworthy accomplishments in U.S. anti-trafficking policies.

A few notable examples are:

In 2012, the Executive Order ‘Strengthening Protections Against Trafficking in Persons in Federal Contracts’ was issued.
The S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking convened for the first time in 2016.
In 2017, the State Department initiated its most extensive anti-trafficking program, the Program to End Modern Slavery.
The updated National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking was released in 2021.

Human trafficking, or trafficking in persons, encompasses both sex trafficking and forced labor, posing a dual threat to global peace and stability. This pervasive issue not only undermines justice but also strips millions of their self-worth and liberty, fuels the agendas of transnational criminals and terrorists, and poses a significant risk to the safety and security of communities and nations worldwide.

Current estimates indicate that over 27.6 million individuals, spanning both adults and children, fall victim to human trafficking globally, with the United States not immune to this crisis. Traffickers exploit vulnerable situations, such as natural disasters, conflicts, or pandemics, to carry out their crimes. Remarkably, even amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, traffickers persist in finding ways to commit their atrocities, leveraging innovation, and capitalizing on chaotic circumstances.

In response to this grave issue, numerous countries, including the United States, have taken steps to adopt the “3P” approach to combat human trafficking. This strategic framework prioritizes the prevention of these heinous crimes, the protection of victims, and the prosecution of traffickers through the establishment and enforcement of robust national laws against trafficking.

Currently, the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons has been ratified by 178 parties. However, according to the 2021 Trafficking in Persons Report by the Department of State, out of the 188 countries and territories evaluated, only 14 have yet to conform to this global standard. These countries have not ensured that their laws encompass all forms of human trafficking, taken proactive measures to prevent it, provided protection to all victims, or collaborated internationally to combat this widespread crime.

Although international and domestic norms have been widely accepted to combat and prevent human trafficking, there are still cases of exploitation by traffickers in the United States and globally.

However, everyone can make a positive impact. Every January, Presidential proclamations urge all Americans to acknowledge the critical role they can play in fighting against all types of human trafficking.

Conclusion:

As we navigate National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, let us reflect on the progress made and acknowledge the persistent challenges that demand our collective attention. The fight against human trafficking requires continued dedication from individuals, businesses, international, national, and non-governmental organizations, and nations worldwide. Only through concerted efforts and a combined approach, we can strive for a world free from the shackles of exploitation and injustice.

Call to Action:

During this crucial month, every Presidential proclamation reminds us that every individual can make a positive impact. Let us heed this call and actively acknowledge our critical role in the fight against all forms of human trafficking. By staying informed, spreading awareness, and supporting initiatives combating this global issue, we contribute to building a safer and more just world for all.

Featured Photo: Anete Lusina: https://www.pexels.com/el-gr/photo/5723260/