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United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking Annual Report 2024 [1]

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Date: 2024-12

Preface

Connecting the Council’s Experiences in Alaska and at the Texas-Mexico Border

In our work, we bear witness to the deep scars left by historical and ongoing injustices. We also have the privilege to witness the powerful and generational beauty of the many diverse communities who face these injustices. In 2024, the United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking took two regional trips. These trips to the diverse lands of Alaska and the Texas-Mexico border illuminated the many ways in which injustice manifests—through high rates of human trafficking and violence that continue to harm communities. Though these regions may seem worlds apart, they share common threads woven from the fabric of cultural values, community, ceremony, and celebration that continue to strengthen and unite each generation’s fight against colonialism, systemic oppression, and the extraction of resources and people.

Both regions, though geographically and culturally distinct, are united by the common threads of systemic violence, exploitation, and the resilience of their people. The contributing factors to the high rates of trafficking and violence—such as poverty, lack of access to resources, and the ongoing effects of colonization—are deeply intertwined with the land and the histories of these areas.

Our 2024 annual report reflects on and makes recommendations based on these regional trips. As we reflect on both, it becomes clear that the struggle against trafficking and violence in these regions is not just a fight against individual acts of harm, but a battle against the very systems that perpetuate these injustices. In this report, we hope to amplify an intentional celebration and magnification of the wisdom of these communities, including their ability to lead and heal, and to protect themselves within their own cultures and communities. Our work must honor the resilience of these communities while advocating for the restoration of what has been stolen— land, culture, resources, language, autonomy, preventive and healing practices, and safety.

In Alaska and at the Texas-Mexico border, we see the urgent need for a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of trafficking and violence, centering the voices of those who have been most affected. This need is not unique to these regions but is reflective of broader challenges faced across the United States, a nation characterized by its remarkable diversity.

The United States is one of the most racially and ethnically diverse countries in the world, with significant populations of various racial and ethnic groups. [1] This diversity is a strength, offering a rich tapestry of cultures, perspectives, and experiences. However, it also means that issues such as trafficking and violence can manifest differently in different communities, requiring tailored solutions that consider local contexts and the unique needs of each population.”

[1] (Jensen, E., Jones, N., Rabe, M., Pratt, B., Medina, L., Orozco, K., & Spell, L. (2021, August 12). 2020 U.S. population more racially and ethnically diverse than measured in 2010. U.S. Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/08/2020-united-states-population-more-racially-ethnically-diverse-than-2010.html

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[1] Url: https://www.state.gov/united-states-advisory-council-on-human-trafficking-annual-report-2024/

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