National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Proclamation

By the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery in which traffickers use force, fraud, or coercion to control victims for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or labor services against his/her will; and

WHEREAS, human trafficking affects as many as 21 million people worldwide, including an estimated 5.5 million children who are trafficked for child labor and sexual exploitation; and

WHEREAS, human traffickers are estimated to exploit an estimated 1.5 million victims in North America alone, despite growing awareness about this crime; and

WHEREAS, Alabama is committed to protecting the vulnerable and ending human trafficking through continued prevention, prosecution, education and awareness; and

WHEREAS, Alabama is committed to sending a strong message to perpetrators that Alabama is a zero tolerance State for all forms of human trafficking; and

WHEREAS, Alabama is committed to protecting victims’ rights and restoring their dignity and freedom; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim January 2016, as

National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month

in the State of Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 18^th day of December 2015.

Robert Bentley
Governor