OTC Partners UAHT to Raise Awareness on Human Trafficking

Fri, May 1, 2015
By publisher
4 MIN READ

BREAKING NEWS, Oil & Gas

– 

The Offshore Technology Conference is partnering with the United Against Human Trafficking for the first time to raise awareness on the evils of human trafficking

By Maureen Chigbo  |  May 11, 2015 @ 01:00 GMT  |

THE Offshore Technology Conference, OTC, which takes place May 4 to 7 in Houston, United States, and United Against Human Trafficking, UAHT, are partnering to increase awareness of human trafficking. The ongoing partnership will begin this year and is part of OTC’s commitment to serving the greater Houston community, which also includes activities such as the Energy Education Institute, a daylong workshop for teachers grades 4–12 and a STEM event for high school students ages 15 or older, and the annual OTC Dinner which has donated a total of $925,000 to charitable organisations over the past four years.

“Since 1969, OTC has made a significant impact on the Houston economy,” said Ed Stokes, chairman OTC 2015. “However, we realise that our influence needs to extend beyond boosting business for the local restaurants and hotels that our attendees and exhibitors visit. As such, we are partnering with United Against Human Trafficking and look forward to supporting their efforts to increase awareness about the important issue of human trafficking,” Stokes was quoted as saying in a press release made available to Realnews last week.

“This important partnership opens the door for us to face a complex issue and work together to improve our communities,” added Stokes.

Also, Carole Moffatt, chair of the board of UAHT, said: “We are excited to partner with the OTC. Our participation will enable us to reach people from 130 countries and educate a broad audience on the subject of human trafficking.”

Dana Otillio
Otillio

According to the press release issued by Dana Otillio, senior manager, Marketing, OTC, Americas UAHT has trained OTC staff on human trafficking issues and identification as part of the partnership. The organisation will also work with OTC to include information and messages in OTC communications before and during the conference. In addition, OTC has provided on-site presence for UAHT so that they will have the opportunity to educate conference attendees one-on-one regarding the issue.

“Solving the human trafficking problem will require the involvement of more than just our law enforcement personnel.  The entire community needs to help. We are happy to see OTC being proactive and taking steps with their vendors to help us put an end to this crime,” said Houston Mayor Annise Parker.

UAHT’s mission is to end human trafficking. UAHT increases awareness by training law enforcement, healthcare workers and business owners about how to identify and combat human trafficking in the greater Houston community.

The Offshore Technology Conference is where energy professionals meet to exchange ideas and opinions to advance scientific and technical knowledge for offshore resources and environmental matters. Founded in 1969, OTC’s flagship conference is held annually in Houston.  OTC has expanded technically and globally with the Arctic Technology Conference, OTC Brasil, and OTC Asia.

Formerly known as Houston Rescue and Restore Coalition, UAHT is the lead organisation for a dedicated coalition of Houston-area non-profits, faith-based organisations, government agencies/entities and others whose mission is to prevent and confront modern-day slavery by educating the public, training professionals and empowering the community to take action for the purpose of identifying, rescuing and restoring trafficking victims to freedom. The group was established in 2005 and acquired 501(c)3 status in the state of Texas in December, 2007.

In 2014, HRRC made the decision to transition its name to United Against Human Trafficking in order to better illustrate the work and focus of the agency. The idea of being “United” embodies one of the main tenants of the organization – that it will take everyone, united together to bring a true end to modern-day slavery.

|

Tags: