Statement Against Slavery and Human Trafficking
At Texas Electric Service, we vehemently condemn the abhorrent practices of slavery and human trafficking. We believe that every individual deserves freedom, dignity, and the right to live a life free from exploitation and bondage.
Slavery and human trafficking are grave violations of human rights and are an affront to our shared values of equality, justice, and compassion. We recognize that these criminal acts persist in various forms across the globe, affecting millions of men, women, and children, irrespective of their age, gender, nationality, or socio-economic background.
As an organization committed to upholding human rights, we affirm our unwavering dedication to combatting slavery and human trafficking in all its forms. We stand firm in our belief that it is our collective responsibility to raise awareness, educate others, and take decisive actions to eradicate this heinous crime.
To achieve our goal of ending slavery and human trafficking, we pledge to:
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Advocate for Stronger Legislation: We will actively support the implementation and enforcement of comprehensive laws that criminalize all forms of slavery and human trafficking. We will collaborate with lawmakers and government agencies to ensure these laws are rigorous, effective, and provide adequate protection for victims.
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Support Law Enforcement Agencies: We will work closely with law enforcement agencies, both nationally and internationally, to enhance their capacity to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals and networks involved in human trafficking. We will provide necessary resources, training, and expertise to aid their efforts.
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Raise Awareness and Prevention: We will conduct public awareness campaigns to educate individuals, communities, and businesses about the dangers of slavery and human trafficking. We will promote initiatives that foster resilience, empower vulnerable populations, and create opportunities for economic and social development, reducing the risk of exploitation.
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Provide Support and Rehabilitation: We will collaborate with NGOs, community organizations, and service providers to ensure comprehensive support and rehabilitation for survivors of slavery and human trafficking. We will offer safe spaces, access to healthcare, counseling, legal aid, and vocational training to empower survivors on their path to recovery and reintegration.
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Encourage Responsible Business Practices: We will encourage ethical business practices across industries, promoting transparency and accountability in supply chains to prevent the use of forced labor and exploitation. We will engage with our partners, suppliers, and stakeholders to ensure they share our commitment to eradicating slavery and human trafficking.
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Foster International Cooperation: We will actively collaborate with international organizations, governments, and civil society to strengthen global partnerships against slavery and human trafficking. By sharing knowledge, best practices, and resources, we can enhance our collective ability to combat this grave violation of human rights.
Together, we can create a world where every person is free from the chains of slavery and human trafficking. Let us unite in our resolve, raise our voices against this injustice, and take concrete actions to protect the vulnerable, prosecute perpetrators, and restore the dignity and freedom of survivors.
Texas Human Trafficking Initiatives
Numerous organizations have formed in the fight against Human Trafficking in Texas. Additionally, the state of Texas also has a few initiatives. The names of these organizations, initiatives, and links to these resources are listed below.
- Office of the Texas Governor – Child Sex Trafficking Team: www.gov.texas.gov/cstt
- Attorney General of Texas: www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/initiatives/human-trafficking
- Office on Trafficking in Persons, an office of the Administration of Children and Families: www.acf.hhs.gov/otip *This is from the Department of Health and Human Services and is housed out of Washington, D.C.
- National Human Trafficking Hotline: www.HumanTraffickingHotline.org Call: 1-888-373-7888 Text: HELP to BEFREE (233733) or Email: www.HumanTraffickingHotline.org
- National Center for Missing and Exploited Children www.MissingKids.com
- International Rescue Committee (IRC): https://www.rescue.org/search/site/human%20trafficking
- In addition, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services has partnered with Shared Hope International to help Texas congregations learn how to protect their youth and give them tools to protect their community. Learn more by emailing: humantrafficking@dfps.state.tx.us
- Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST) – multiple organizations throughout Texas; available information on both the Texas Governor’s website as well as the Attorney General of Texas
- Texas Department of Health and Human Services: https://hhs.texas.gov/services/safety/texas-human-trafficking-resource-center* This website is responsible for posting the approved training for healthcare providers in compliance with HB 2059.
- Texas Department of Family and Protective Services website: https://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Investigations/Human_Trafficking/resources.asp
a. There are links to other organizations via this website for National, Statewide, and Local resources including the Department of Homeland Security, which houses the Blue Campaign: https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign
- Related legislation:
a.HB 2059: https://legiscan.com/TX/drafts/HB2059/2019, https://legiscan.com/TX/text/HB2059/id/2026167/Texas-2019-HB2059-Enrolled.html
b.Human Trafficking has now been declared a public health concern: https://www2.texasattorneygeneral.gov/files/agency/human_trafficking_2008.pdf, https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/86R/billtext/html/HC00035S.htm