Paris, France – Unbound Now is proud to co-lead the Open Doors Initiative, a strategic action plan in preparation for the 2024 Olympic Games to prevent human trafficking and create pathways to freedom for victims, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Center for Countering Human Trafficking (CCHT) and the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Attaché’ Office in Paris, France.
Globally, less than half of 1% of victims are identified or recovered (Source: U.S. TIP Report 2023). This shocking statistic compels a strategic response. The Olympic games present an opportunity to leverage the global attention, resources, and momentum brought to Paris to prevent this heinous crime and support as many victims as possible in escaping exploitation and trafficking.
The Open Doors Initiative will involve equipping professionals across the hospitality industry to recognize the signs of trafficking and make safe and effective reports. According to a research by the Polaris Project, “75% of survivors [surveyed] reported coming into contact with hotels at some point during their trafficking situation.” Equipping hotel staff to respond to suspected cases of human trafficking can make the difference between continued exploitation and freedom for victims.
This Initiative facilitates collaboration with a host of stakeholders across France, including hotels, government officials, innovative technology leaders, non-profits, and the faith community.
Brian Anderson, Unbound Now CEO, says, “Partnering with law enforcement to support victims in finding freedom is at the core of Unbound Now’s mission. We have repeatedly seen the power of collaboration within a multidisciplinary approach to combat Human Trafficking, and we are grateful for the opportunity to come alongside officials in France at the 2024 Olympics.”
Allison Byrd, J.D. candidate at Texas A&M University School of Law, and Unbound Now’s Europe Strategy Director says, “We are tremendously grateful for the leadership of the Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking and the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Attache’ Office in Paris, France. Their proactive, trauma-informed approach is making an impact in the lives of trafficking victims, and we look forward to working together in France.”
Since its founding in 2012, Unbound Now has served 3,007 child and adult victims of human trafficking in their journey towards restoration. Today, Unbound Now provides 24/7 crisis response and relationship-based case management in 39 counties across Texas and 10 parishes in Louisiana. Unbound Now also serves in Mongolia, Indonesia, and Poland. Unbound Now is a member of Interpol’s Human Trafficking Expert Group and a proud partner of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking, including the Blue Campaign, and HSI Paris.