Navajo Leaders Speak Out Against Human Trafficking

Officials in the Navajo Nation hope to draw attention to the issue of human trafficking. A releasefrom the Navajo Nation says Navajo President Russell Begaye and Vice President Jonathan Nez signed a proclamation on Monday recognizing the month of January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Human trafficking involves the illegal movement of people, often women and children, for sexual exploitation, forced labor, or other criminal acts. Begaye says human trafficking does occur on the Navajo Nation. He calls on law enforcement, community organizations, and families to pay special attention to the issue. A law passed last year allows for the tribe to prosecute human traffickers within the boundaries of the reservation.