US Ambassador to Beirut Mora Connelly has stressed the need for action to combat human trafficking. Connelly described the crime as “slavery” in a speech at a special showing of the movie Lincoln, which was sponsored by the US-Lebanese Trade Chamber. The American diplomat underlined the fact that the film, which explores slavery during the US civil war, has been launched during January; the national month dedicated by the US to combating slavery and human trafficking. She added that over 21 million people around the world are still facing violence and forced labour.