Harold D’Souza, a beacon of hope and resilience, has earned global recognition for his unwavering commitment to combating labor trafficking and advocating for the rights of survivors. In 2023, the United Nations honored him with the prestigious ‘Human Rights Hero Award’ at their headquarters in New York. He was also bestowed with the esteemed ‘2023 Human Rights Trailblazer Award.’
He hails from Bajpe, near Mangalore in Karnataka, where he received his early education. He rose to a senior management position but decided to pursue his ‘American Dream’. After reaching the USA, he was shocked to learn that he was trafficked there as a laborer.
Harold’s journey has been one of transformation, from a survivor of labor trafficking and debt bondage in the United States to a Survivor-Advocate and Public Speaker. As a co-founder of Eyes Open International, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing prevention efforts through survivor-informed research, he has become an inspiration worldwide. In recognition of his tireless efforts, he was appointed to the United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking by President Barack Obama in 2015 and continued his service under President Trump through July 2020. He also serves as an expert consultant to the Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons.
He has been invited to speak throughout the United States and in countries across the globe, including India, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. His powerful speeches have resonated at prestigious institutions like Harvard University and the United Nations.
Harold has received numerous awards, including the Liberator Award and the iCan award in 2017 for his activism and work with fellow survivors. In India he was honored with the “Rashtra Perna Award 2021” by the World Book of Star Record, for his social activist mission. He received the prestigious “Heart of the Father Award 2022” in Los Angeles. He has also authored a book, titled ‘Human Trafficking: A Frog in a Well.’
His story is set to be told on the silver screen. The documentary film ‘To Be Free’ is currently in development, produced and directed by Benjamin Ryan Nathan and executive produced by Martin Sheen. A biopic film about his remarkable life is also in progress by International Film Producers & Directors. Harold’s ethos seems to be explained in four slogans: Be Happy, Think Positive, Never Quit, and Believe in Yourself.
He serves on the Ambassador Advisory Council of the Human Trafficking Commission at the Office of Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost.
His impact is not confined to borders or boundaries; it transcends continents and cultures, offering hope, inspiration, and a call to action in the global fight against human trafficking.
*(Collected through an interview with Harold D’souza, the president of eyesopeninternational.org ) UPDATED ON 13/11/2024.
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://eyesopeninternational.org/
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