History was scripted in the hearts of millions when former President Barack Obama appointed Honorable Harold D’Souza to the United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking at The White House in 2015. In crusader Harold D’Souza community members world-wide see a dynamic, decisive, and development-oriented ‘Survivor Activist’ who has emerged as a ray of hope for the dreams and aspirations of victims globally.
Internationally proclaimed inspirational speaker Harold D’Souza was invited to address the United for Human Rights Open House on September 23, 2023 at Columbus on the auspicious United Nations International Day of Peace, a day dedicated to world peace and celebrated since 1981.
The International Day of Peace (IDP) was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. Two decades later, in 2001, the General Assembly unanimously voted to designate the Day as a period of non-violence and cease-fire.
Harold D’Souza spoke, ‘The United Nations 30 articles should be practiced, preached and publicly distributed to all delegates born on this ‘Planet’. International Day of Peace should be celebrated every second, every minute, and every day of our life. Article 1 states; ‘We are all Born Free and Equal’. Article 4 states; ‘No Slavery’. Article 17 states; ‘The Right to Your Own Things’ and Article 26 states; ‘The Right to Education’. Every child born on this Universe should be taught the 30 articles of U.N. Human Rights like we teach our kids a, b, c, d, or 1, 2, 3, 4.”.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said; “Peace is needed today more than ever. War and conflict are unleashing devastation, poverty, and hunger, and driving tens of millions of people from their homes. Climate chaos is all around. And even peaceful countries are gripped by gaping inequalities and political polarization.”
His focus on education, development, eye for detail and efforts to bring a qualitative difference in the lives of the poorest of the poor victims has made Harold D’Souza a popular and respected survivor ambassador across the length and breadth of the World.
2023 is also the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide. IDP 2023 encourages all youth to be ambitious in their engagement as positive and constructive social agents, to join the movement to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and contribute to building sustainable peace. Together we can help to lead our world towards a greener, more equitable, just, and secure future to all.
Harold D’Souza’s life has been a journey of courage, compassion and constant hard work. Today, Harold D’Souza is a Co-Founder of Eyes Open International a non-profit focused to combat human trafficking and empower survivors.
Recently Harold D’Souza was honored with the Human Rights Hero Award 2023 at United Nations’ Head Quarters in New York.