National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, 2018

This proclamation designates January 2018 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month and February 1, 2018 as National Freedom Day. It describes ongoing administration efforts against human trafficking and calls upon various societal actors to observe the month with awareness activities, but creates no new binding policy or programs.

Federal Register Open PDF 83 FR 587

Impact dates

Feb 1, 2018
National Freedom Day annual celebration
Jan 1, 2018
National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month begins

Key directives

Proclaim January 2018 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
Call upon industry associations, law enforcement, private businesses, faith-based organizations, schools, families, and all Americans to recognize roles in ending modern slavery and observe month with appropriate programs

Timeline

Immediate

Proclamation of January 2018 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Near term (90d)

National Freedom Day observance on February 1, 2018
Anticipated signing of S. 1536 and S. 1532 referenced in text

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

References to legislative actions (S. 1536, S. 1532) and prior executive order as accomplishments rather than new directives; proclamation itself is hortatory with no enforcement mechanism
Vague 'appropriate programs and activities' language leaves observance entirely discretionary