2023 House Resolution 9

Whereas, Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery involving the illegal trade of people for exploitation or commercial gain; and

Whereas, Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the world, second only to drug trafficking as the most profitable form of crime, according to the U.S. Department of State; and

Whereas, The best estimates indicate that approximately $87 million per day is made off of sex trafficking victims; and

Whereas, Michigan gained national attention at both the state and federal levels after passing effective legislation in 2013 and 2014 to help combat human trafficking and strengthen victim rights, and was named the most improved state in 2015 for its laws addressing child sex trafficking, according to Shared Hope International. Michigan has gone from a rating of “F” in 2011, to a “B” rating in 2019 according to Shared Hope International’s Protected Innocence Challenge study. While this state has made considerable advances in fighting against human trafficking, we all must understand that there is still work to be done; and

Whereas, This legislative body encourages all Michiganders to educate themselves about human trafficking and be aware of how prevalent it is in our state; and

Whereas, We support victims of human trafficking who have yet to escape or be liberated and offer the gravest concern for those who have had loved ones become victims to human trafficking; and

Whereas, We commend the individuals who have been victims of trafficking, survived, and have overcome the atrocity, and continue to support all who have dedicated themselves to putting an end to human trafficking in Michigan; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare January 11, 2023, as Human Trafficking Awareness Day in the state of Michigan.