January 11, 2022, is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. This day was created to advocate for the rights of victims of human trafficking and to bring attention to their plight. The entire month of January has been designated as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, but this day is especially important for doing so.
In 2011, President Barack Obama declared January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
A Presidential Proclamation was issued by President Barack Obama in 2011 declaring the month of January to be National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Human Trafficking Awareness Day is observed annually on the anniversary of this proclamation.
While the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States for good in December 1865, human trafficking continues to rise at an alarming rate; and besides the fact that we live in a first-world country, human trafficking has become a lucrative business for some in our society.
History of Human Trafficking Day
The history of human trafficking in the USA begins with the institution of slavery. The Thirteenth Amendment outlawed slavery in the United States in December of 1865. Human trafficking is increasing at an alarming rate in the United States despite these efforts and the fact that it is a first-world country.
It’s become quite profitable for some people in society. The continued existence of human trafficking in the 21st century is evidence of a society lacking in empathy and respect for its fellow human beings, as well as a society plagued by arrogance and other moral blind spots.
Human trafficking refers, in the simplest terms, to the practise of transporting or recruiting people through the use of abduction or fraud. This also includes bribery, which is the practise of paying or receiving benefits from someone in a position of authority over another person or receiving such payments or benefits yourself. Besides forced labour, slavery, sexual exploitation, servitude, and organ harvesting are all forms of exploitation.
These days, victims can be anyone from people of any country in the world to American citizens. Forced labour, sex trafficking, forced marriage, debt bondage, and involuntary servitude are just some of the atrocities to which these people are subjected.
Also Read: Hollywood Actor Gwyneth Paltrow Joins Shark Tank US As Guest Judge
Significance of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day
| Year | Date | Day |
| 2021 | 11 January | Monday |
| 2022 | 11 January | Tuesday |
| 2023 | 11 January | Wednesday |
| 2024 | 11 January | Thursday |
| 2025 | 11 January | Saturday |
Human trafficking affects approximately 2.25 million people annually. Nationwide, people are encouraged to wear blue on October 24th, National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, to call attention to the issue. Also, the majority of human trafficking occurs annually from Asia to Europe, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
Asian victims are trafficked to a wider variety of European countries, while European victims are trafficked to a wider variety of global locations. Furthermore, Sexual exploitation is still the most common form of human trafficking. Simply put, it’s the most evident. It’s not just sexual exploitation that goes unnoticed.
The rates of trafficked forced labour are highest in the following industries: construction, agriculture, catering and restaurants, apparel and textiles, domestic work, healthcare expenditures, recreation, and the sex industry.
Some Interesting Facts about Human Trafficking
Exploitation comes in a wide variety of forms. Today, sexual exploitation accounts for roughly 80% of human trafficking cases, while labour exploitation accounts for 20%.
A shocking number of people are currently held in slavery. There are currently between 20 and 40 million slaves worldwide.
The profits from trafficking human beings are through the roof. Slavery reportedly brings in $32 billion annually in profits, with $15.5 billion of that coming from industrialised nations.
Women are disproportionately impacted by human trafficking. While men are also victims of human trafficking and exploitation for their labor. Whereas, sexual exploitation is the primary motivation for the trafficking of women.
Identifying indicators of human trafficking can save lives. Not returning home at night, getting new tattoos (cherries, roses, dollar signs, or crowns), crying excessively, depression, exhaustion, secrecy, having older significant others, having many unknown adults on social media, sexually transmitted infections, or sexually risky behaviours are all indicators that a teen may be involved in human trafficking.
How to Observe National Human Trafficking Awareness Day
The 31:8 Project is one avenue for participation. The group’s mission is to empower individuals and communities to combat human trafficking head-on. Moreover, Project 31:8 is inspired by Proverbs 31:8 and the belief that those who are unable to speak for themselves must be heard.
Through events like talks, workshops, webinars, and community service, they expect to affect over 25,000 people this year.
Send a letter or make a phone call to your representatives to express your support for legislation to end human trafficking.
Get involved in local awareness-raising activities to help spread the word in your neighbourhood, schools, and workplace.
Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 if you think someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking. The emergency number 911 can also be used to get in touch with the police.
At last, teens should be given the freedom to leave any situation they feel unsafe in or suspicious of.
Tweet with the hashtag #HumanTraffickingAwarenessDay to raise awareness.
Conclusion
Throughout January, Blue Campaign organises several events and workshops to celebrate and educate the public about this significant day.
At Last, the public is encouraged to take pictures of themselves, their friends, family, and coworkers wearing blue clothing. Also Posting them on social media with the #WearBlueDay hashtag in order to bring attention to the issue of human trafficking.
