Historians Against Slavery asks members to back Congressional resolution condemning the modern slave trade in Libya

Dear Historians Against Slavery,

Late last year, some Washington lobbyists working pro bono to get a resolution through Congress approached us for support.  They asked for our support as co-directors of Historians Against Slavery because the resolution is right in HAS’s wheelhouse: it condemns open slave trading in Libya.  Their desire is that we as citizens already self-identified as outraged by and possessed of some expertise about contemporary slavery would help move members of Congress towards co-sponsoring and then voting for this resolution.  We decided very quickly that circulating this call to action to you all was very appropriate.  We hope you agree.

Please use the form letters below to contact your member of Congress.  The first is for a Republican member, the second is for a Democrat.

Cheers,

Stacey Robertson and Matthew Mason
Co-Directors, Historians Against Slavery

For Republican Members of Congress

To Representative X:

I am writing to ask for your support for H.Res 644, a Congressional resolution condemning the modern slave trade in Libya.

H.Res 644 has the support of strong conservatives such as Representatives Mia Love and Ted Poe.

Like many Americans, we reacted in horror at recent media reports about modern day slavery among migrants being detained in Libya. This resolution is an important first step, and I am proud to support it.

As debate on this issue unfolds, we hope that Congress will do more to inquire into both the causes and consequences of the Libyan slave trade. The Libyan slave trade does not happen in a vacuum. H.Res 644 recognizes that Libya’s weak central government and continuing political turmoil are contributing factors to the Libyan slave trade -- and this turmoil resulted from a military intervention launched by the previous administration.

I hope that you will add your voice to those in Congress who are condemning this horrific practice.

Sincerely,
XXXXX

For Democratic Members of Congress

To Representative X:

I am writing to ask for your support for H.Res 644, a Congressional resolution condemning the modern slave trade in Libya. 

H.Res 644 has the support of Ranking Member Eliot Engel of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and a majority of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Like many Americans, we reacted in horror at recent media reports about modern day slavery among migrants being detained in Libya. This resolution is an important first step, and I am proud to support it.

As debate on this issue unfolds, we hope that Congress will do more to inquire into both the causes and consequences of the Libyan slave trade. The Libyan slave trade does not happen in a vacuum. It is caused by horrible human rights violations in the countries that migrants are fleeing, and it is aided and abetted by the indifference of European Union nations to the refugee crisis on their shores.

I hope that you will add your voice to those in Congress who are condemning this horrific practice.

Sincerely,
XXXXX