Write Comment     |     E-Mail To a Friend     |     Facebook     |     Twitter     |     Print

“Unmasking the Shadows”: Rohan D’Souza Leads Mission to Raise Awareness on Human Trafficking in Asia

Mumbai, India & Kathmandu, Nepal – June 26, 2024 – Eyes Open International (EOI), a global nonprofit dedicated to combating human trafficking, has recently concluded a successful visit to India and Nepal. This visit marks a significant step in EOI’s mission to expand its reach and deepen its impact in South Asia.

Rohan D’Souza, Board Member of EOI, led the delegation with the primary objective of connecting with local organizations and community leaders to foster partnerships and enhance understanding of the local challenges in combating human trafficking. One of the major highlights of the visit was the appointment of Nirmal Kumar Upreti, founder of Forum for Nation Building Nepal (FNBNepal), as the Regional Director for EOI in Nepal. Nirmal has been working alongside EOI for over a year, helping navigate and assist efforts in Nepal, and will now play a fundamental role in advancing EOI’s mission in the region.

Rohan D’Souza spent 8 days in Nepal, visiting Kathmandu and Pokhara, and 10 days in India, covering Mumbai and Hyderabad, with plans to extend his visit to Gujarat and New Delhi. During his time in Nepal, Rohan engaged with FNBNepal and participated in an ‘Art for Peace’ program at a local government school in Kathmandu. Organized by Nirmal, his wife Manju, and their team, the program provided students with art supplies to create pieces reflecting their vision of peace. This initiative highlighted the power of art in expressing hopes and dreams and emphasized the importance of peace and safety for children.

In Hyderabad, India, Rohan collaborated with Padmalochan Bagh Founder Director of Save Water and Safe Water Foundation. Their discussions focused on the intersections of environmental sustainability and social justice, exploring how these areas can contribute to preventing human trafficking. In Mumbai, Rohan had productive meetings with Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, Activist, Speaker, Columnist and Manoj Gursahani, Author, Global Strategist, and Business Coach delving into community engagement strategies and support mechanisms for trafficking survivors. These discussions underscored the need for a multifaceted approach, involving various sectors of society, to effectively combat trafficking.

“This trip has been an eye-opener,” said Rohan D’Souza. “The resilience of survivors and the commitment of local organizations are truly inspiring. It is clear that localized approaches, tailored to the specific challenges and contexts of each region, are essential in our fight against trafficking. The support and collaboration from community leaders and organizations in both India and Nepal have reinforced our belief that together, we can make a significant impact.”

EOI is committed to leveraging the insights and relationships gained during this visit to enhance its programs and initiatives in South Asia. The organization plans to collaborate more closely with local partners, focusing on education, prevention, and support for survivors. The appointment of Nirmal Upreti as the Regional Director in Nepal is a testament to EOI’s dedication to establishing strong, on-the-ground leadership to drive its mission forward.
Tracy Issac, Founder/CEO at The Rapha Tree/Hope Essentials Oils from Kathmandu, Nepal said; It was a wonderful time meeting our friend’s and Co-Founder of Eyes Open International, Harold D’Souza amazing son, Rohan D’Souza, EOI Board of Directors and Nirmal Kumar Upreti, Board Member at National Network for Safe Migration-NNSM in Kathmandu. We had passionate conversations among us regarding the need to spread awareness and prevention, intervention for the vast Labour and Sexual Human Trafficking happening here in Nepal, India and abroad! Much praise to these gentlemen Rohan, Nirmal and their organizations for their unwavering and empowering efforts to make a valuable difference against this darkness.

As EOI continues to expand its efforts, the organization remains focused on building a world free from exploitation and human trafficking. This visit to India and Nepal is a critical step in that direction, paving the way for more robust and effective interventions.

About Eyes Open International

Eyes Open International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing human trafficking and supporting survivors through education, advocacy, and community engagement. Founded by Harold and Dancy D’Souza with a passionate team committed to creating a world free from exploitation, EOI works globally to raise awareness and drive change.