Post date: Sep 25, 2012 7:53:20 PM
NEW YORK, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (SEPTEMBER 25, 2012) (CGI) - U.S. President Barack Obama focused on the issue of human trafficking at the Clinton Global Initiative in New York on Tuesday (September 25) shortly after speaking at the United Nations General Assembly.
On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, U.S. President Barrack Obama details U.S. efforts to combat global human trafficking at the Clinton Global Initiative.
The Clinton Global Initiative, founded by former U.S. President Bill Clinton, seeks solutions to some of the world's most important development, economic and social issues.
Obama told the audience, human trafficking affects more than 20 million people around the world.
He appealed for an end to the exploitation of workers, forced labor, child labor and the sex trade.
"It ought to concern every person because it is a debasement of our common humanity. It ought to concern every community because it tears at our social fabric. It ought to concern every business because it distorts markets. It ought to concern every nation because it endangers public health and fuels violence and organized crime. I am talking about the injustice, the outrage of human trafficking, which must be called by its true name modern slavery," said Obama.
"Nations must speak with one voice. Our people and our children are not for sale," he pronounced.
Obama detailed new United States' efforts to curb human trafficking.
"As one of the largest purchasers of goods and services in the world, the United States government will lead by example. We've already taken steps to make sure our contractors do not engage in forced labor and today we are going to go further. I've signed a new executive order that raises the bar. It is specific about the prohibitions. It does more to protect workers. It ensures stronger compliance. In short, we are making clear that American tax dollars must never ever be used to support the trafficking of human beings. We will have zero tolerance. We mean what we say. We will enforce it," he declared to thunderous applause and called for global unity.
"Of course, no government, no nation can meet this challenge alone. Everybody has a responsibility. Every nation can take action. Modern anti-trafficking laws must be passed and enforced and justice systems must be strengthened. Victims must be cared for," he said.
Obama also urged U.S. citizens to act.
"Every citizen can take action by learning more, by going to the website that we helped create, SlaveryFootprint.org, by speaking up and insisting that the clothes we wear, the food we eat, the products we buy are made free of forced labor, by standing up against the degradation and abuse of women. That's how real change happens, from the bottom up."
Near the end of his speech, Obama hailed three women who survived human trafficking to become advocates for human rights.
Marie Godet Niyonyota, from the Congo, Ima Matul from Indonesia and Sheila White of New York City received a standing ovation from the audience after Obama shared their story.
"These women endured unspeakable horror, but in their unbreakable will, in their courage, in their resilience, they remind us that this cycle can be broken. Victims can become not only survivors, they can become leaders and advocates and bring about change," he said.
Obama's speech was a break from the U.S. Presidential campaign where he is seeking reelection. On Wednesday, Obama will resume his campaign in Ohio.