Ozark Henry appointed UN ambassador against human trafficking

Flemish musician Piet Goddaer, better known by his stage name, Ozark Henry, has been appointed a National Goodwill Ambassador against human trafficking. He was chosen by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for his vast international network among activists and artists and his past commitment to campaigns on social issues.

Goddaer is the department’s first Goodwill Ambassador in Belgium. “Mr Goddaer is a prominent Belgian artist who has demonstrated a strong commitment to helping raise awareness about the crime of human trafficking,” said UNODC director of public affairs Jean-Luc Lemahieu. “His rhythmic voice and melodic music make him one of Belgium’s most influential modern-day storytellers, who will help UNOCD spread the word about this horrific crime that afflicts so many vulnerable victims.”

Goddaer (pictured) previously served as an ambassador for Doctors Without Borders, fundraising and headlining a benefit concert in South Africa, which inspired the tracks on his 2004 album, Sailor Not the Sea. In 2013, he was involved in Belgium’s campaign against road deaths, writing a song based on conversations with the families of young people who died in traffic accidents.

Goddaer’s upcoming concerts in New York and Antwerp will help fund the UNODC’s Blue Heart campaign against human trafficking. “Human trafficking is one of today’s most lucrative crimes and can be seen as a form of modern-day slavery,” said Goddaer upon his appointment. “We’re all appalled when we learn about these things in history books. We should be more appalled that it’s still happening today.”