Harold D’Souza

“Heart of the Father”Award 2022

Organization: EYES OPEN INTERNATIONAL

Biography:

Harold D’Souza is a survivor of labor trafficking and debt bondage in the United States of America. Originally from India, Harold D’Souza is well educated and experienced in sales management. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Business and a Master’s of Commerce from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. Harold stepped down from a senior management position to pursue the American Dream, which he believed was within his reach.

Harold came to the U. S. following the advice and encouragement of a man who would become his trafficker. For over 18 months, Harold was exploited at the hands of the human trafficker, losing his freedom and struggling to keep his family safe.

Today, Harold is a Survivor-Advocate and Public Speaker. His experience has given him a new purpose and meaning in life. Harold is the co-founder of Eyes Open International, a non-profit focused on developing prevention efforts through survivor-informed research. Today, Eyes Open International is an inspiration worldwide. Harold also sits on the Board of Directors for Justice at Last and remains active in local anti-trafficking organizations and efforts.

United States President Barack Obama appointed Harold to the United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking in 2015, and he has continued his service under President Trump through July 2020. He is also an expert consultant to the Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons.

Harold strives to be the voice of courage, hope, and freedom for trafficking victims. He has been invited to speak throughout the United States and India, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. In addition, he has spoken at Harvard University and addressed the United Nations on the importance of recognizing and protecting vulnerable populations susceptible to trafficking.

In 2017 he was awarded both the Liberator Award and the iCan award for his activism and work with other survivors. In addition, he has recently published a book titled Human Trafficking: A Frog in a Well.

Harold has been recognized with the “Rashtra Perna Award 2021” for his social activist mission. In addition, the World Book of Star Record jury members chose Harold D’Souza, based in the United States of America, for his services in India and Worldwide. films are in creation telling Harold’s story.

As of spring 2022, two different films are in production telling Harold’s story