Obama Speaks Out Against Slavery and Human Trafficking

President Barack Obama issued a proclamation declaring this to be National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Obama asked all Americans to recommit in our efforts to stop human traffickers.

"The victims of modern slavery have many faces. They are men and women, adults and children," Obama said in the proclamation. "Yet, all are denied basic human dignity and freedom."

Even though the "dim years of chattel slavery" in the United States ended by President Abraham Lincoln's actions and the Civil War, Obama said "the darkness and inhumanity of enslavement exists."

Obama called on the global community to provide safe havens to victims and to prosecute the 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."

National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month culminates in National Freedom Day Feb.1, Obama said.

"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."

The Electronic Village participates in a monthly blog campaign on the 27th of each month called, 'Am I Not Human?'. Bloggers all around the world use this monthly effort to raise awareness of human rights abuse, including slavery and human trafficking. I hope that all bloggers reading this post will support our blogging campaign this month!