RESOLUTION NO. 220005

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Declaring January 2022 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

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WHEREAS, in 2010, a presidential proclamation, declared January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Since then a continued effort to emphasize the importance of being aware of human trafficking and the current developments in the world today; and

WHEREAS, in 2016, the first convening of the U.S. Advisory Council took place on Human Trafficking. In 2017, the State Department launched its largest anti-trafficking program, "The Program to End Modern Slavery" and in 2020, a whole-of-government website on human trafficking was implemented by Executive Order on Combating Human Trafficking and Online Child Exploitation; and

WHEREAS, the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) reports 4,609 total calls for trafficking and 1,281 total trafficking cases in Missouri since 2007, and it is estimated that of more than 27,072 endangered runaways reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in 2020, 16% of endangered runaways was reported as a trafficking victim; and

WHEREAS, the best way to fight human trafficking is through awareness by educating individuals, businesses, employees, law enforcement, medical professionals, and students in schools. Be aware of your surroundings and if you see something that isn't right or see people that are unable to speak for themselves, or there is somebody always around controlling them, the observer can call the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department; and

WHEREAS, Human Trafficking Prevention Month provides a vital opportunity for citizens to learn more about how to prevent human trafficking and to show support for the numerous organizations and individuals who provide critical investigation, reporting, advocacy, services and assistance to victims; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

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