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UN Human Rights Call for Code AI Austin AI Hub
Call for Code AI: United Against Trafficking

United Against Trafficking.

A global hackathon calling on developers, designers, artists, and advocates to build AI that combats human trafficking — built with and for the communities it serves.

May 1 – July 30, 2026 Global Hybrid 100th Anniversary · 1926 Slavery Convention
Register Now View tracks
4
Challenge tracks
4
Weeks to build
Free
To participate
Yours
You own your IP
Challenge Tracks

Choose one track.

All share the same mission: using AI to combat human trafficking.

Track 1

Anticipate & Disrupt.

AI systems designed to detect and disrupt trafficking networks before they reach their targets.

  • Real-time pattern detection across digital platforms and social networks
  • Supply chain monitoring and forced-labor risk identification
  • Financial flow analysis and trafficking network mapping
  • Privacy-preserving intelligence architectures
Example: An AI agent that monitors recruitment posts across job boards and social platforms in 40+ languages, flagging coercive language patterns and fake recruiter networks before they reach potential victims.
Track 2

Assist & Amplify.

Survivor-centered AI tools supporting identification, recovery, protection, and long-term resilience.

  • Survivor-facing navigation and resource platforms
  • Trauma-informed AI interfaces built with survivor-serving organizations
  • Case management and frontline coordination tools
  • Identity-protection systems for cross-organization collaboration
Example: A trauma-informed, multilingual assistant that helps survivors navigate shelter, legal aid, and healthcare resources — designed with survivor-serving organizations from day one.
Track 3

Accountability & Justice.

AI systems strengthening victim reporting of abuse and exploitation, legal processes, evidence gathering, and prosecution pathways.

  • Legal evidence analysis and cross-jurisdictional case pattern identification
  • Documentation and evidentiary workflow acceleration
  • Cross-border coordination platforms for law enforcement and legal advocates
  • Survivor-centered testimony and witness-protection tools
Example: A cross-jurisdictional evidence correlator that helps prosecutors and investigators connect trafficking cases across state and international lines — turning months of manual work into a guided review.
Special recognition

Art Against Trafficking.

Highlighting the use of AI in storytelling, media, and public engagement to shift awareness and mobilize action.

  • Survivor-informed narrative experiences
  • Generative media that raises awareness responsibly
  • Interactive public-engagement projects
  • Responsible, consent-first artistic AI workflows
Example: An interactive, survivor-informed data visualization that lets the public explore trafficking patterns anonymously — making invisible networks visible without retraumatizing victims.

Not sure? Pick the one that best describes your primary focus. Art Against Trafficking is available across all tracks.

Key Dates

Timeline.

Three months. Four phases. One mission.

MAY 1

Registration Opens

Sign up on the platform.

JUN 11

Hackathon Launch

Submissions open.

MID-JUN

Judges Announced

Meet the panel.

JUL 9

Submission Deadline

11:59 PM CT.

JUL 9 – 18

Technical Review

Code, originality & ethics rubric.

JUL 18 – 27

Panel Judging

Impact, feasibility & survivor-centered design.

~ JUL 27

Winners Notified

Privately, ahead of the ceremony.

JUL 30

Awards Ceremony

Capital Factory + Virtual.

Step by Step

How to Participate.

Five steps from idea to impact.

01

Register

Sign up on the hackathon platform. Every team member registers individually.

02

Learn

Review the resources and guidelines. Join the Discord for questions and support.

03

Build

4 weeks. Any language, framework, or AI platform. No required tech stack.

04

Submit

Submit your project before the deadline. See requirements in the Guidelines.

05

Post-Hackathon

Top teams join the AI Hub Incubator — a 6-month mentorship program.

New to hackathons?

You belong here.

A thoughtful, well-scoped idea that works beats an ambitious concept that doesn't.

Free & open worldwide ~2 minutes to register Solo or team of up to 5
Register for Call for Code AI
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions.

Do I need a team to participate?

No — you can compete solo or in a team of up to five. You can also register as "looking for teammates" and we'll help connect you via Discord.

Can my team submit more than one project?

Only one submission per team. Individuals can only be listed on a single team.

Do I need to know how to code?

No. Designers, researchers, policy experts, artists, and advocates are all welcome — especially in Assist & Amplify and Art Against Trafficking.

Can I start before June 11?

You can research and ideate anytime. Implementation must happen between June 11 and July 9.

I'm not in Austin. Can I participate?

Yes — this is a global hybrid hackathon. Register as a virtual participant.

Can I use pre-built AI models?

Yes. You may use any language, framework, or AI platform. Follow the ethical use guidelines in the rules document.

Is there a cost?

No — participation is free.

How does judging work?

Two stages. Stage 1 is a technical review of every valid submission (July 9–18). The top shortlisted projects advance to stage 2 panel judging (July 18–27) with judges from AI, anti-trafficking, and policy backgrounds.

How do I find teammates?

Join the Discord and tell us what you're good at. Lots of people are looking for collaborators.

What happens after the hackathon?

Winning teams enter a 6-month mentorship and pilot pathway — moving projects from prototype to responsible deployment.

Meet Our Judges

Eminent Judges.

Leaders from the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Anwar Mahfoudh

Anwar Mahfoudh

Chief, Innovation & Analytics Hub

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

Anwar Mahfoudh leads the Innovation & Analytics Hub at UN Human Rights in Geneva, with over two decades advising senior UN leaders on harnessing data and technology to advance human rights and the Global Goals.

Amy-Louise Shelver

Amy-Louise Shelver

Program Management Officer, Innovation & Analytics Hub

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

Amy Shelver leads rights-respecting AI innovation at UN Human Rights' Innovation and Analytics Hub, with two decades shaping global narratives on technology, human rights, and the creative economy across the UN system.

Clara Pascual de Vargas

Clara Pascual de Vargas

Human Rights Officer

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

Clara Pascual de Vargas is a Human Rights Officer at UN Human Rights in Geneva, supporting the UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons with a focus on exploitation in business operations and supply chains.

Become a Judge.

Help evaluate hackathon submissions. Technical review: July 9–18, 2026. Panel review: July 18–27, 2026.

Apply to Judge Judge sign-in →
Submissions

Submit your project.

Deadline: July 9, 2026, 11:59 PM CT.

Start your submission
Safety & Code of Conduct

Survivor-centered & respectful.

We follow UN Do No Harm principles. All participants, judges, and reviewers agree to our Code of Conduct, which prohibits harassment, discrimination, and intimidation.

Read the Code of Conduct

Report a Concern.

Reports are confidential. Email team@austinaihub.org or use the Discord #report channel.

Violations can be reported confidentially at any time during or after the hackathon.

Important: This hackathon is not a reporting or emergency response service. If you or someone you know may be in immediate danger or trafficking risk, please contact local emergency services or a national trafficking hotline (in the U.S., the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888).