Quinn declares day for human trafficking

April 20, 2009 Governor Pat Quinn has proclaimed Saturday, April 25th to be Human Trafficking Outreach Day.

According to the governor's office, 600,000-800,000 people are trafficked across international borders each year. Millions more are trafficked within their own countries.

Many of those involved are woman and children made to work in the sex trade or as forced labor. "The USA is one of the top destination countries for human trafficking. Human trafficking generates $23 billion annually, making it one of the top three international crimes," Michelle Saddler, the governor's director of policy, said.

Organizers say people need to be more aware that human trafficking is such a problem before inroads can be made in reducing the crime.

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