Mangaluru: Harold D’Souza, who was appointed to the United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking by US Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump, held a press meet at the Mangaluru Press Club here on November 28 at 10.30 AM in order to highlight the issue of human trafficking.
“In order to end modern-day slavery, it is better for people to stay in India instead of emigrating illegally and eventually becoming a victim of human trafficking,” he said while addressing the media.
Harold D’Souza’s visit to India, to fight against this modern-day slavery and to save Indians from becoming victims of human trafficking, is highly commendable. During his ongoing visit, he has addressed several schools, universities, churches, government organizations, NGO’s, the YMCA and public events in Mumbai, Vadodara, Khambhath, Nadiad, Ahmedabad, New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata and Mangaluru. His last presentation was at St. Aloysius College, Mangaluru on November 27.
He strives to be the voice of courage, hope and freedom for trafficking victims. Harold has been invited to speak throughout the United States as well as in India, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. He has spoken at Harvard University and addressed the United Nation on the importance of recognizing and protecting vulnerable populations susceptible to trafficking. He has recently published a book titled “Human Trafficking: A Frog in a Well” and is currently working on his memoir.
United States President Barack Obama appointed Harold D’Souza to the United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking in 2015, and he has continued his service under President Trump. He is also an expert consultant to the Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. Adding to this, Harold is the co-founder of Eyes Open International, a non-profit focused on developing prevention efforts through survivor informed research. He is a founding member (2008) of the National Survivor Network and CAST (Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking), sits on the Board of Directors for Justice at Last, and is very active in local anti-trafficking organizations and efforts.
Harold believes in fixing the problem rather than laying blame, and believes nothing is impossible if he stays focused on his mission. His favourite quotes include “I am a poor starter, but a strong finisher” and “Don’t worry, be happy”.
Human trafficking is the process of enslaving people, coercing them into a situation with no way out and exploiting them. People can be trafficked for many different forms of exploitation such as forced prostitution, forced labour, forced begging, forced criminality, domestic servitude, forced marriage and forced organ removal.
Dancy D’Souza, Rohan D’Souza, Dinesh D’Souza, Alwyn Saldanha were also present.
