National Day of Human Trafficking Awareness Freedom Fair and Freedom Walk NA11008kr

WHAT:          
Fair and Walk

WHEN:    
Jan. 11, 2011
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE:
El Pueblo Plaza Pico House
Los Angeles, CA

WHO:    
Representatives from Federal, State, and Local Agencies that form the L.A. Metro
Task Force on Human Trafficking, including these lead organizations:
The Los Angeles Police Department
Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles
US Attorney’s Office

WHY:
To mark the 4th Annual National Day of Human Trafficking Awareness. A myriad of service providers, religious organizations, and law enforcement entities will join together to bring awareness and resolve, to the ongoing effort to combat and end modern day slavery.

The day will begin with a Freedom Walk starting at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels and take a 27 block walk to Olvera Street Plaza for the Freedom Fair.

According to the 2010 Trafficking in Persons Report released by the U.S. Department of State, there are an estimated 12.3 million slaves in the world today – some reports go as high as recording 27 million enslaved people.  The U.S. Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Human Beings reported that out of the 800,000 victims who are trafficked across international borders every year, at least 50,000 are transited through the United States. California ranks among the top three states in the country in trafficking identification;  Los Angeles,specifically, is known as one of the top five destination cities in the United States. The L.A. Metro Task Force on Human Trafficking has been recognized nationwide as a leader in the fight against trafficking.  

CONTACT:     
For further information, contact LAPD Media Relations Section at 213-486-5910.