From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
LEEDS — At a meeting on Monday, Jan. 28, the Leeds City Council voted to pass a proclamation that was read declaring the month of January “Human Trafficking Awareness Month.”
The proclamation cited a U.S. State Department estimation of between 600,000 and 800,000 people trafficked across international borders per year.
“WHEREAS, the first step in eliminating human trafficking is to educate others,” the proclamation reads. “We must work to ensure that all our residents are aware of this problem and how to spot it. We must work together as a community so that human traffickers are punished and to protect and assist their victims. Through the vigilance and perseverance of our citizens, effective enforcement of justice will someday be a reality; and
“WHEREAS, we ask all residents of this community to join us in raising the visibility of this crime whose victims are all too often invisible. Together, we can become more informed about this pressing issue and work to combat its injustices.”
The full proclamation can be seen in the agenda packet on the City of Leeds’ website.