Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has kicked off 2025 by proclaiming the month of January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
Abbott opened the month by joining other elected officials in recognizing January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month, writing in a January 3 statement about the declaration that “Americans cherish the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
“One of the greatest threats to these rights is human trafficking, which impacts approximately 25 million people each year,” stated Abbott.
“Law enforcement and private organizations work in conjunction with statewide entities to carry out prevention initiatives, protect vulnerable populations, and bring traffickers to justice. While there has been meaningful progress through these endeavors, much work remains to eradicate human trafficking once and for all.”
Data provided by the Migration Data Portal states that the most recent global report on human trafficking was produced in 2022 and determined that “50 million people were victims of modern slavery in any given day in 2021.”
“Out of these, an estimated 27.6 million people were in situations of forced labour and another 22 million people were in a forced marriage,” per the data.
Between 2002 and 2022, the United States had the third highest share of human trafficking victims at 10%, trailing only Ukraine (16%) and the Philippines (11%) for the most of any country during that timeframe.
Abbott wrote in the statement that he urges all residents of the Lone Star State to “educate themselves about the dangers and indicators of human trafficking and to take action to eliminate this scourge from our society.”
According to the U.S. Department of State, the governor joined President Joe Biden in declaring January Human Trafficking Prevention Month, continuing a tradition for the President that dates back to 2010.
Biden wrote in a December 30 news release that “Any form of trafficking in people — from forced labor to sex trafficking — must not be tolerated, in the United States or anywhere around the world.”
“During National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, I encourage Americans to learn the signs of human trafficking and share the National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-373-7888), where one can report a tip or ask for help,” added Biden. “Together, we can create a world where every person is treated with dignity and respect, lives free from fear, and can lead a life full of freedom and liberty.”