Dr. Kalyani Gopal Founder and President of SAFE (Sex Trafficking Awareness, Freedom, and Empowerment) Coalition of Human Rights (SAFECHR) has definitely exemplified universally the epitome of what Non-Profit Organizations are challenged to do on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
Social melioristic Harold Henry D’Souza an inspiration of hope to ‘Survivors’ worldwide, was honored with ‘2023 Human Rights TRAILBLAZER Award’at the United Nations 2023 Trafficking in Persons World Day International Conference organized by SAFECHR on July 26th, 2023 at Indian American Cultural Center (IACC), Merrillville, Indiana.
Robert Cotton City Councilman of Valparaiso shared, ‘It was very nice of Harold to accept my hand, exchange contact information, and agree to subsequent engagement. Let me begin by expressing how deeply moved I was by the remarkable circumstances of Harold D’Souza’s lived life. The strength of Harold’s voice on this topic is a jolt of lightening resonating the importance of his story into the hearts and mind of your audiences. Thank you!’.
Linda K. Dixon Director for the Department of Defense (DoD) Combating Trafficking in Persons Program Management Office (CTIP PMO) from Washington D.C. announced Harold D’Souza President, Eyes Open International – ‘2023 Human Rights TRAILBLAZER Award’ stating – ‘With amazement and awe of Harold’s Survivor Leadership, concern for the welfare of fellow humans and the commitment to the cause of combating labor-trafficking on a global scale. Thank you for your selfless service.’
Consulate General of India, Somnath Ghosh presented the prestigious award to world renowned – ‘Survivor Ambassador’ Harold D’Souza, the ‘2023 Human Rights TRAILBLAZER Award’ in respect to the United Nations 2023 Trafficking in Persons World Day with a standing ovation event of more than 400 delegates.
Haley Ottoline, Executive Director of The Mosaic Initiative spoke after the conference, ‘Yesterday I flew back from vacation to Indiana for the day so I could attend the SAFECHR 2023 UN TIP World Day Program. I was honored to meet many incredible individuals who are prolific in the fight against human trafficking. Among those honored for their efforts was survivor champion Harold D’Souza. Harold was appointed by Former President Barack Obama to the United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking and continued under the Trump administration through 2020. Harold D’Souza has received countless prestigious awards for his activism both in the United States, U.A.E., and in India, including the one he is holding – ‘Human Rights Hero Award 2023’. Harold was presented with this award on July 6th, at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Harold is a true inspiration to all, and it was an utter privilege to get to speak with him and his beautiful family Dancy and Rohan D’Souza. Thank you for all you’ve done to be a voice for other survivors Harold! In honor of United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on the 30th please read more about his efforts and incredible nonprofit Eyes Open International here - https://eyesopeninternational.org’.
July 30th is declared by United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2023. This year’s theme is, ‘Reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind’. In the context of trafficking in persons, leaving people behind means: Failing to end the exploitation of trafficking victims, failing to support victim-survivors once they are free from their traffickers, and Leaving identifiable groups vulnerable to traffickers.
The brain behind to empower ‘Survivors to Thrive’ Dr. Kalyani Gopal shared, ‘In a jam-packed house with standing room on July 26th, we celebrated our survivors and fierce warriors. The parking was over flowing, people kept arriving, and we needed to add tables! Our powerful panel of speakers and Awardees made the 2023 UN World Day Against TIP a huge success. Thank you and congratulations Harold D’Souza and Lt. Col. Linda Dixon and Judge Mary Beth Bonaventura for your immeasurable contributions to uplifting victims and survivors! Every success has faces and names behind it, ours is no exception. Thank you Consulate General of India Chicago Dr. Somnath Ghosh for your timely arrival and powerful speech! Thank you, Dr. Bharat Barai for making so much happen due to your kindness and presence! We have received so many accolades about the terrific panel thanks to your seasoned and talented expertise. Thank you most of all to all the attendees and survivors and those who work on making all our lives better and communities safer’.
Harold D’Souza the star sensational speaker spoke after receiving the 2023 Human Rights TRAILBLAZER Award, ‘It is my passion to be the Voice for the Voiceless Victims. Two dream projects close to my heart are one: to start a ‘Male Shelter Home’ and the second: ‘Expungement in case of Labor Trafficking Victims Felony’. Every child born on this planet should be educated with the 30 articles of Human Rights declared by the UN. Please save the National Human Trafficking Hotline Number: 1-888-373-7888 on your cell phones’.