Mobile Escape Room Against Human Trafficking

An innovative mobile escape room has arrived in Bulgaria in the fight against human trafficking.

Interactive Escape Room on Wheels

Bulgaria has welcomed for the first time an interactive "escape room on wheels_, part of a national information campaign for the prevention of sexual and labor exploitation. The initiative, supported by the National Commission for Combating Human Trafficking (NCCHT), will continue until October 9 and aims to raise awareness of this serious problem.

Daniela Saveklieva, Secretary of the NCCHT, emphasized to BTA the gravity of the crime, calling it an attack on human dignity. "Prevention is important to us. It is extremely important to give voice to this problem and to say that anyone who sets out to seek realization and a better future for themselves can fall into such a situation", she said. Saveklieva highlighted the need for active counteraction to human trafficking, emphasizing that in addition to repressive measures, prevention is key to preventing future victims.

The project was implemented with the assistance of the Ministry of Justice of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, its diplomatic representation in Bulgaria and the Netherlands National Police, demonstrating international commitment in the fight against this type of crime. This is a clear signal of the seriousness of the problem and the need for cooperation between states.

Martein Straten from the Reshape foundation added that the aim of the initiative is to raise awareness among young people and citizens about the risks associated with human trafficking. "In this truck we have three storylines – sexual exploitation, criminal exploitation and labor exploitation. Here in Bulgaria, we will present sexual exploitation and labor exploitation. We believe that when you experience something and hear real stories, and experience them through a kind of game, and then have a conversation with professionals outside, it will change something in the participants_q_ behavior, he explained. Straten pointed out that the interactive approach is key to effectively reaching the target audience.

The escape room truck will visit 11 cities in the country, including Sofia, Botevgrad, Montana, Lukovit, Pleven, Blagoevgrad, Sandanski, Petrich, Kardzhali, Burgas and Varna, with the planned 13 events focusing on the risks of labor and sexual exploitation. This large-scale tour is evidence of the serious approach to combating human trafficking.

The game is interactive and engages participants in solving a series of tasks and deciphering codes to help a virtual character – a victim of exploitation – to break free. The design of the escape room is inspired by real stories, making the experience more realistic and emotionally engaging. The goal is to increase empathy and understanding of the difficulties faced by trafficking victims. Participation is by prior registration at [email protected]. Currently, the mobile escape room is located in the parking lot in front of the Vasil Levski National Stadium in Sofia.