National Human Trafficking Awareness Day 2024 (US): The 11th of January is observed as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, a day to bring attention to the ongoing problem of human trafficking. While January as a whole has been officially designated as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, this particular day is dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for measures to prevent this illicit activity.
Additionally, it should be noted that this holiday is not to be confused with the World Day Against Trafficking Persons, which was officially declared by the United Nations. Since the Senate established this day of observance in 2007, it has received strong public support in the form of official events and private donations. Human trafficking is an abhorrent injustice that can impact individuals of all races and backgrounds. On this day, we are all obligated to combat human trafficking in all its forms.
National Human Trafficking Awareness Day: A Historical Context
Unitas defines human trafficking as the forced, fraudulent, or coercive exploitation of another individual for domestic servitude, commercial sexual activity, or labor. It also includes the enslavement or exploitation of others against their will. Unfortunately, some form of slavery has existed for centuries and continues to exist to this day, even though many remain oblivious to it.
The majority are informed about the slave trade that occurred after the 1400s. Millions of Africans from all over the continent became slaves as a result of the European-initiated slave trade, which later subjected them to labor or sexual exploitation. For centuries, this practice thrived in nations such as Spain, the expanding United States, Holland, France, Sweden, and Denmark.
Governments did not begin criminalizing the transatlantic slave trade until the late 1700s and 1800s. Great Britain was the first to do so in 1807, and the United States followed suit in 1820. Although the slave trade was criminalized and punishable by death, it took many years before greater freedom was achieved on a global scale. The Thirteenth Amendment of 1866 effectively abolished slavery, which the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863 essentially discontinued.
Following the condemnation of the Transatlantic Slave Trade as unethical, discussions among governments shifted towards “white slavery,” an alternative term for sexual human trafficking that was prevalent at the time. Twelve nations ratified the International Convention for the Suppression of the White Slave Trade in 1904. European monarchs ratified the International Agreement for the Suppression of the White Slave Traffic into law in 1904. As soon as possible, the League of Nations reclassified the practice from “white slavery” to “trafficking in women and children.”
During the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the anti-human trafficking movement experienced significant advancements. As the initial federal legislation to address the issue of modern-day slavery, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act was enacted in 2000. Additionally, the American charitable organization Free the Slaves, which is affiliated with Anti-Slavery International, was established. In 2007, the United States Senate approved a proposal designating January 11 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. President Obama devoted the entire month of January 2010 to human trafficking prevention and awareness. Presently, to combat this illicit practice on a global scale, more than fifty established organizations are in operation, and awareness is greater than ever before.
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FAQs regarding National Human Trafficking Awareness Day
National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is observed in which locations?
The country of origin is the United States.
What are some organizations whose mission is to eradicate human trafficking? May I solicit your support?
Charity Navigator ranks Agape International Missions, Love146, the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking, Polaris, and the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women as the top five organizations committed to eradicating human trafficking. Determine through inquiry which one will have the greatest impact on you.
Where can individuals seeking to expand their knowledge regarding human trafficking locate relevant resources?
Additional resources about human trafficking are available on numerous websites, including those of the Department of Defense, End Slavery Now, and Unitas.
January 11th: Are there any additional national holidays?
National Day also features National Milk Day, National Hot Toddy Day, and National Girl Hug Boy Day, all of which occur on January 11.
National Human Trafficking Awareness Day: Guidelines for Observance
Make Contributions to Anti-Slavery Groups
Every donation counts and the utilization of your funds by anti-slavery organizations will unquestionably have a significant impact. Polaris, the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women, and Agape International Missions are a few organizations that may be interested in contributing.
Donate to Combat Human Trafficking
Any local professional institution, community organization, or anti-slavery group would be grateful for a contribution of assistance. If finances are limited, EndslaveryNow.org provides an antislavery directory that can assist you in locating organizations to which you can donate your time.
Advocate for Human Trafficking Education
Presently, there are numerous misunderstandings surrounding human trafficking; therefore, educate yourself and assist others in doing so. Numerous facets of modern slavery can be illuminated through the use of books and documentaries, such as “A Crime So Monstrous: Face-to-Face with Modern-Day Slavery” by Benjamin Skinner and “Understanding Global Slavery” by Kevin Bales. Additionally, we recommend participating in a community training program, establishing an anti-trafficking resource library, or organizing an informational screening or book club.
Five Essential National Human Trafficking Awareness Day Facts
Numerous types of exploitation exist.
At present, labor exploitation constitutes 19% of human trafficking, whereas sexual exploitation comprises approximately 80%.
Presently, an astounding number of individuals are enslaved.
Presently, an estimated 20 to 40 million individuals are enslaved worldwide.
Human trafficking generates enormous profits.
Although the $15.5 billion generated annually in industrialized nations from slave trafficking is abhorrent, the industry reportedly generates $32 billion in profit globally.
Trafficking impacts women disproportionately.
While men can be trafficked and exploited for labor purposes, the occurrence of trafficking and exploitation involving women is considerably more prevalent, primarily for sexual gratification.
Red flags for human trafficking detection can save lives.
Not returning home at night, new tattoos (of cherries, roses, dollar signs, or crowns), excessive crying, depression, exhaustion, secrecy, having older significant others, having many unknown adults on social media, having STIs or STDs, or ceasing to engage in regular social behaviors are all indicators that a teen may be involved in human trafficking.
NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | January 11 | Thursday |
| 2025 | January 11 | Saturday |
| 2026 | January 11 | Sunday |
| 2027 | January 11 | Monday |
| 2028 | January 11 | Tuesday |
