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WHEREAS, Human trafficking is a crime that involves the use of 1
force, fraud, or coercion to recruit, harbor, transport, provide, or 2
obtain a person for the purposes of labor or sexual exploitation; and3
WHEREAS, Human trafficking is also a significant public health 4
and human rights issue, inflicting trauma on individuals, families, 5
and communities while undermining safety, dignity, and fundamental 6
freedoms; and 7
WHEREAS, The United States Department of Homeland Security 8
estimates tens of millions of people worldwide are subjected to 9
modern day slavery, with cases occurring across Washington state; and10
WHEREAS, Vulnerable populations — including those experiencing 11
poverty, homelessness, substance use disorders, mental health 12
challenges, survivors of abuse, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, and 13
Black, Indigenous, and communities of color, including individuals 14
born outside the United States, regardless of immigration status — are 15
at increased risk of trafficking and exploitation; and16
WHEREAS, The ongoing exploitation and trafficking of people is 17
deeply rooted in the legacy of colonization and slavery, systems that 18
historically commodified and oppressed human beings, particularly 19
people of African descent, Indigenous people, and other marginalized 20
communities, and continue to perpetuate inequality, vulnerability, 21
and the exploitation of individuals to this day; and22
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2025-4614 , by Representatives Zahn, Leavitt, Simmons,
Callan, Thai, Walen, Ryu, Berg, Parshley, Fosse, Burnett, Duerr, Nance, and Macri
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WHEREAS, Public awareness and education are essential to 1
preventing human trafficking, protecting victims, and ensuring 2
justice for those affected; and 3
WHEREAS, Every year since 2010, the President of the United 4
States has designated the month of January as "National Human 5
Trafficking Prevention Month" to bring attention to this critical 6
issue; 7
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House 8
of Representatives recognize January as Human Trafficking Awareness 9
Month and reaffirm its commitment to eradicating human trafficking 10
through education, policy, and community engagement.11
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I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of13
Resolution 4614 adopted by the House of Representatives14
January 31, 2025 15
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__________________________ 20
Bernard Dean, Chief Clerk 21
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