Human Trafficking Survivor Harold D’Souza Recognized At Pentagon For Advocacy

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – Human trafficking survivor and advocate Harold D’Souza was recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense during its Combating Trafficking in Persons program at the Pentagon on July 30 for his work advancing survivor-informed efforts to combat human trafficking.

The recognition was presented by Linda K. Dixon, director of the Department of Defense’s Combating Trafficking in Persons Office, who acknowledged D’Souza’s survivor-centered advocacy and his efforts to educate leaders and communities about human trafficking.

A survivor of labor trafficking, debt bondage, exploitation and repeated death threats, D’Souza has spent years sharing his lived experience with policymakers, military leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, law enforcement agencies and community organizations to raise awareness about modern slavery and strengthen support for survivors.

Together with his wife, Dancy D’Souza, he co-founded Eyes Open International, a survivor-led nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing human trafficking, empowering survivors and educating communities. The organization works with governments, educational institutions, faith communities and community organizations in the United States and internationally.

D’Souza also served as a member of the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking after being appointed by President Barack Obama and later reappointed under President Donald Trump. In that role, he helped shape survivor-informed recommendations aimed at strengthening the nation’s response to human trafficking.