For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010
WASHINGTON— The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced a new partnership between the DHS Blue Campaign and TravelCenters of America to combat human trafficking.
“The Department is pleased to welcome TravelCenters of America as the DHS Blue Campaign’s newest partner in our work to fight human trafficking. We continue to broaden our network of partners, working towards our common goal to identify and rescue victims of this heinous crime and bring the perpetrators to justice,” said Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Today, during Human Rights Week, we recommit ourselves to ending this form of modern slavery.”
President Barack Obama has proclaimed December 10 as Human Rights Day and the week beginning December 10 as Human Rights Week in recognition of the anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the continued commitment to upholding equal rights for all and ending human trafficking worldwide.
This partnership with TravelCenters of America, operator of the TA® and Petro Stopping Centers® travel center brands, seeks to shine a light on and eliminate instances of human trafficking that may occur along the interstate highway system. Through this first-of-its-kind alliance, TravelCenters of America will provide the DHS Blue Campaign’s training and awareness materials – including posters, handouts, and a Public Service Announcement – to over 250 locations and more than 15,000 employees across the United States. These materials will help TravelCenters of America personnel and customers identify and recognize indicators of human trafficking, as well as provide information on how to report suspected cases of human trafficking. In particular, TravelCenters of America’s involvement in the trucking industry makes it a critical partner in the fight against human trafficking. Truck drivers who know potential indicators of human trafficking and how to report it provide eyes and ears all around the country.
The DHS Blue Campaign works in collaboration with law enforcement, government, non-governmental and private organizations, to protect the basic right of freedom and to bring those who exploit human lives to justice.
In June 2013, the DHS Blue Campaign unveiled new public awareness materials including a Public Service Announcement, posters and handouts to educate on victim identification and crime reporting, the investigation process, and resources for victim support.
DHS works closely with public and private sector partners to distribute these awareness materials across the nation. In October, DHS announced partnerships with the City of Phoenix and the Arizona Human Trafficking Council of the Governor’s Office for Children, Youth and Families to provide training and awareness materials ahead of Super Bowl XLIX in February 2015. The DHS Blue Campaign also has partnerships with Western Union, and the Department of Transportation and Amtrak.
For more information, visit www.dhs.gov/bluecampaign.
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