New York, NY, October 27, 2025 — The International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) announce the launch of AntiTraffickingResponse.org. This digital platform will use artificial intelligence (AI) to equip first-line responders with resources to identify and respond to human trafficking and guide survivors toward safe employment and recovery pathways.
Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the world, affecting as many as 50 million people worldwide. Between 2019 and 2022, the U.N. reported a 31% rise in child trafficking and a 47% increase in trafficking for forced labor. Vulnerable populations, including asylum seekers and refugees, face heightened risks of human trafficking due to misinformation, limited access to formal labor markets, and inadequate protection mechanisms.
The IRC’s new digital platform, AntiTraffickingResponse.org, supported by HPE and HPE Foundation, centralizes critical anti-trafficking resources and training materials in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. At its core is the development of two AI-powered chatbots, designed to serve:
- First Line Responders and Anti-Trafficking Practitioners, such as health care workers and social service providers, by providing specific anti-trafficking information and specialized resources to help identify trafficking situations and understand how to respond effectively.
- Survivors of Trafficking, by providing personalized, trauma-informed guidance and resources to help them re-enter the labor market, thereby fostering economic independence and reducing the risk of being re-trafficked.
“Economic empowerment is critical for survivors of exploitation,” explains Jeannie Annan, IRC Chief Research & Innovation Officer. “By helping survivors access resources, vocational training, and sustainable employment opportunities, we aim not only to reduce their risk of being re-trafficked but also lay the foundation for long-term autonomy, resilience, and socio-economic security.”
For many survivors, reaching out to hotlines or live representatives can feel intimidating or unsafe, or may not even be available. AI-driven chatbots provide an alternative—offering a safe, anonymous, and judgment-free way to access reliable information. Combined with generative AI video technology, the platform can deliver critical content in several languages, ensuring users can comfortably access culturally appropriate and trauma-sensitive information.
“At HPE, we believe technology must be used to address humanity’s toughest challenges,” said John Schultz, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating & Legal Officer for Hewlett Packard Enterprise. “By combining advanced AI with the IRC’s frontline expertise, we are not only creating tools to prevent trafficking but also empowering survivors with resources to rebuild their lives.”
The IRC has been leading anti-human trafficking efforts in the United States and Europe for the past 20 years. With a global focus, this partnership combines HPE’s technological expertise with the IRC’s humanitarian expertise, revolutionizing the fight against human trafficking and connecting more survivors than ever before with lifesaving information.
Learn more about efforts to protect vulnerable communities and support survivors at AntiTraffickingResource.org.
Notes to editors:
- The IRC and HPE are committed to ensuring the responsible, ethical, and sustainable use of AI and have ensured this project closely aligns with HPE’s AI Ethics Principles.
- The IRC’s Anti-Trafficking Unit leads the implementation of this project and underscores the urgent need to understand the rapidly evolving environment in which traffickers operate. The IRC and its partners are harnessing technology to strengthen prevention, improve detection, and deliver resources that support survivors in rebuilding their lives, reintegrating into society, and protecting themselves from re-trafficking.