Press Statement by NAAG President and Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna
“Human trafficking is a $32 billion global industry, the fastest growing and second largest criminal activity in the world, tied with arms and after drug dealing. I applaud President Obama’s effort to bring this issue to the forefront in the minds of Americans by proclaiming January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
“Modern slavery takes many forms, including forced labor, sex trafficking and involuntary domestic servitude. There is no one type of victim -- men and women, adults and children are all vulnerable. From every corner of our nation to every part of the globe, we must stand firm with victims.
“In June, I launched a National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) presidential initiative called ‘Pillars of Hope: Attorneys General Unite Against Human Trafficking.’ Attorneys General will continue to make the case that action must be taken to hold traffickers accountable, to mobilize care for victims and to build public awareness.
“Although law enforcement has made great strides, more work needs to be done. We stand with those throughout the world working every day to end modern slavery, bring traffickers to justice, and empower survivors to reclaim their freedom. I urge all Americans to educate themselves about all forms of modern slavery and the signs and consequences of human trafficking. Together, we will combat this crime within our borders and join with our partners around the world to end it.”
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Editor’s Note:More information about the NAAG Presidential Initiative on Combating Human Trafficking can be found here: http://www.naag.org/2011-2012-presidential-initiative.php. The Victim Hotline is 1-888-373-7888.
The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG), www.naag.org, was founded in 1907 to help Attorneys General fulfil the responsibilities of their office and to assist in the delivery of high quality legal services to the states and territorial jurisdictions.
