Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

January marks National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, an important opportunity to raise awareness, strengthen advocacy efforts, support survivors, and engage communities in a collective call to action to combat human trafficking.  Human trafficking exploits individuals, fractures communities, undermines the rule of law, and threatens national security.  Governments should lead on developing strong anti-trafficking responses.

Over the course of the past four years, we have sought accountability for individuals and organizations profiting from forced labor and launched innovative partnerships with foreign governments to prevent trafficking, protect survivors, and prosecute traffickers. We have also worked to help foreign governments and communities engage trafficking survivor-leaders and establish formal ways for survivors to shape and inform anti-trafficking efforts.

As we look ahead to 2025, we acknowledge both the gains made in the fight against this terrible crime and the need for sustained, joint efforts to eliminate human trafficking, in all its forms, around the world. Together, we can create a world where human trafficking is no longer tolerated and every individual can live in dignity and freedom.