Since 2001, the U.S. State Department has released an annual Trafficking in Persons report, which provides the world's most comprehensive assessment on human trafficking. Highlights of the report included education and outreach efforts, victim services, and data collection and sharing efforts.

French law student Elise Hirsch wanted to intern for PACT because of our “comprehensive approach to combating human trafficking, which includes prevention, education, training, and advocacy.” She is particularly interested in PACT’s efforts in legislative action, and how she can apply her knowledge of international human rights to help create systemic change.

The 2024 Freedom Awards have officially come to a close! We are so grateful to everyone who attended our second Freedom Awards as PACT (formerly known as ECPAT-USA). The energy and excitement in the room was palpable, and the stories shared will be remembered for a lifetime.

We had the opportunity to sit down with 2024 Freedom Awards Honoree, Patrick Pacious, Choice Hotels International President and CEO. Read his exclusive interview!

On June 11, 2024 we’ll be hosting our annual Freedom Awards ceremony, an exciting event that brings together survivors of child trafficking, experts and leaders in the field to highlight effective ways to prevent the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children.

Have you purchased your ticket yet?

American Airlines has been a longstanding partner of PACT, demonstrating its commitment to child protection and the prevention of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. We are thankful for American’s continued partnership and its generous contribution of American Airlines AAdvantage® miles in support of PACT’s Survivors Council.

Donna Lynne Hubbard is the daughter of the late author and Community Activist Barbara “Nayo” Watkins and Charles “Charlie” Hubbard, graduates of Atlanta’s historic Booker T. Washington High School. Raised by her mother Nayo and Civil Rights Icon Hollis Watkins who took great pride in cultivating Donnas' social awareness and creative spirit, at 16 she married and became a wife and mother.

Patrick Pacious is President and Chief Executive Officer of Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), one of the largest and most successful lodging franchisors in the world, with nearly 7,500 hotels, representing almost 630,000 rooms, in 46 countries and territories as of September 30, 2023. Mr. Pacious’s nearly 20-year tenure at Choice has been marked by growth, innovation and effectively anticipating and capitalizing on industry trends.

Jackie Shapiro grew up in Greeley, Colorado and thought she wanted to be a diplomat. That didn’t happen. But, a bit unusual for “her time”, she did graduate from college with a triple major in history, East Asian area studies and Chinese language. With great idealism and enthusiasm, she joined the Peace Corps and was sent to teach as a volunteer in South Korea.

We had the opportunity to sit down with 2024 Freedom Awards Honoree, Jacqueline Shapiro, a passionate child protection and human rights advocate and philanthropist who now serves on PACT’s Emeritus Council.

Jess Dannhauser is the Commissioner of the NYC Administration for Children's Services (ACS). Commissioner Dannhauser was appointed by Mayor Eric Adams in 2022 to help lead a more upstream approach to supporting New York families.

This year, as part of our Freedom Awards Benefit, we are proud to honor Saint Ignatius School (SIS) for their remarkable work and engagement in the anti-trafficking field. Please take a moment to read about the school.

Children are being sexually exploited and abused online at alarming rates. The U.S. hosts more child sexual abuse content online than any other country in the world. It is our responsibility as a nation to do what we can to end this heinous crime and #ProtectKidsOnline.

Traffickers often use travel infrastructure such as hotels and airlines to transport and exploit their victims. It is therefore crucial for travel professionals like you to know the signs of trafficking to be able to disrupt this criminal activity.

Today, PACT is launching a new research-based behavioral change campaign aimed at disrupting child sex trafficking at the intersection of public transportation by educating public transportation riders and employees on how to identify the signs of child sex trafficking and safely report.

From its very beginning, the United Nations has designated UN World Days to shed light on and mark particular events and topics, raising awareness and inviting action. In November there are two UN World Days specifically focusing on children. Do you know which ones?

The PACT Survivors' Council has sent a compelling letter to Members of the House Judiciary, urging them to stand with survivors and oppose H.R. 2601, the National Human Trafficking Hotline Enhancement Act. Read the letter here.

Join us for a series of engaging panel discussions and explorations into critical child protection issues within travel and tourism – including the phenomena of voluntourism. Your participation will contribute to a global conversation on enhancing safety, regulations at the intersection of children's rights, sustainable development, and corporate responsibility.

PACT is proud to support ChildFund #TakeItDown global campaign. This campaign has emerged as a crucial initiative in the eradication of child sexual abuse material from the digital sphere.

Join PACT Survivors’ Council Member Cristián Eduardo and Director of Public Policy Alexander Delgado, along with representatives from RESTORE, CATW, NOW-NYC, Sanctuary for Families, and World Without Exploitation for a Press Conference on August 8th, 2023. They will share their insights and interventions on the adverse effects of NYC’s de-facto full decriminalization.