NOT EVERY EXPERIENCE IS ONE YOU CHOOSE
“ESCAPE TRUCK” SETS OFF ON A NATIONAL TOUR
The interactive human trafficking prevention initiative will visit 10 Bulgarian cities from 21 September to 2 October 2026.
On 21 September 2026 in Sofia, the National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (NCCTHB) will launch the national prevention initiative “Escape Truck Bulgaria 2026”.
The initiative is implemented in partnership with the RESHAPE Foundation, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bulgaria, UNICEF Bulgaria, the Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD) and the British Council in Bulgaria, with the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Bulgaria, the Bulgarian Red Cross Youth (BRCY), the Open Space Foundation and the Association of European Journalists – Bulgaria (AEJ-Bulgaria).
The official launch will take place on
- 21 September 2026 | 9:30 a.m.
- Sofia, Gina Kuncheva Square
Children and young people – a key target group of the prevention initiative – will take part in the official launch, alongside representatives of institutions, diplomatic missions and partner organisations.
Mr Mio Nemoto, the new UNICEF Representative in Bulgaria, has confirmed his participation, as has Mr Lachezar Milushev, Deputy Mayor of Sofia responsible for Security.
Invited official guests include Mr Ivo Hristov, Deputy Prime Minister and Chair of the NCCTHB; Prof. Dr Georgi Valchev, Minister of Education and Science; and a representative of the Ministry of Interior.
About the initiative
Escape Truck is coming to Bulgaria for the second consecutive year. In 2025, the initiative reached more than 1,500 participants through 13 events in 11 Bulgarian cities, attracting considerable interest among young people, local communities, partner institutions and organisations.
In 2026, Bulgaria is once again part of the European Escape Truck route, with the national tour visiting 10 Bulgarian cities.
What does an attractive opportunity look like when there is a hidden risk behind it? What warning signs do we overlook? And how easily can a choice turn into a trap?
The Escape Truck is a specially equipped vehicle transformed into an interactive space where participants encounter scenarios inspired by real cases of human trafficking and exploitation.
In groups of up to six people, participants work through a series of tasks, clues and codes, gradually uncovering the story of a person caught in a situation of exploitation. The aim is not simply to find a way out of the room, but to recognise recruitment and exploitation mechanisms, identify warning signs and learn where and how to seek help.
After completing the Escape Truck experience, participants take part in a discussion with experts, where they can reflect on what they have seen, learn more about contemporary forms of human trafficking and receive practical guidance on recognising risks and making safer choices.
National Tour
The initiative will visit:
- 21 September – Sofia – Gina Kuncheva Square
- 22 September – Pazardzhik – Svoboda Park Island
- 23 September – Plovdiv – Rowing Canal
- 24 September – Stara Zagora – M. M. Kusev Blvd.
- 25 September – Sliven – Hadzhi Dimitar Square
- 28 September – Vratsa – Hristo Botev Stadium
- 29 September – Lovech – Gradski Stadium
- 30 September – Gabrovo – Vazrazhdane Square
- 1 October – Veliko Tarnovo – 1 Krakow St., 5000
- 2 October – Ruse – “Angel Kanchev” University of Ruse
Participation in the Escape Truck is organised in small groups according to a pre-arranged schedule and requires registration.
Registration: https://openspacebg.com/escape-truck/
The initiative is implemented with the support of the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Education and Science, and in close cooperation with the municipalities and Local Commissions for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings in the cities along the route.
Human trafficking is a reality. Recognise the risk. Seek help: 0800 20 100