Governor Stein Proclaims National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and Human Trafficking Awareness Day

National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

And

Human Trafficking Awareness Day

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, human trafficking is a violent crime and human rights violation involving the exploitation of a person for labor, services, or commercial sex by means of force, fraud, or coercion; and

Whereas, according to U.S. Homeland Security, this borderless crime impacts an estimated 27.6 million people worldwide, oftentimes with victims and survivors experiencing high levels of trauma and victimization that can lead to physical, psychological, and emotional harm; and

Whereas, human trafficking affects people of all races, religions, genders, ages, and socioeconomic statuses, but disproportionately impacts marginalized populations including immigrants, refugees, Black and Indigenous people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and people living in poverty or experiencing abuse and violence; and

Whereas, agencies funded by the North Carolina Department of Administration’s Division for Women and Youth served 374 human trafficking survivors from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024; and

Whereas, addressing human trafficking demands a multi-level community response from North Carolinians throughout the state, from survivors and anti-trafficking advocates to businesses, faith communities, law enforcement, and policymakers; together, we can make a significant impact in the lives of our community members who are directly affected by human trafficking; and

Whereas, in 2024, the NC General Assembly designated two anti-human trafficking positions within the NC Department of Administration’s Division for Women and Youth to develop, improve, and expand training, technical assistance, and resources for statewide anti-trafficking initiatives; they also introduced House Bill 971 that requires human trafficking awareness training for employees and contractors of lodging establishments and vacation rentals; and that was later followed in 2025 by House Bill 595, Parental Rights for Curriculum and Books, to educate youth; and

Whereas, National Human Trafficking Prevention Month provides a vital opportunity to raise awareness about the most effective practices for protecting community members and preventing exploitation; this month reaffirms our commitment to confront human trafficking through prevention efforts and intervention partnerships, so we can build stronger communities grounded in empowerment and safety for all;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim January 2026 as “National Human Trafficking Prevention Month” and January 11, 2026, as “Human Trafficking Awareness Day” in North Carolina and commend their observances to all residents.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this seventeenth day of December in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.