Creating a Safer World, Together
Since 1997, courageous partners worldwide have driven the mission of IJM relentlessly forward. From our first rescue operations to our rapid global expansion that has since scaled to protect millions from violence, we are closer than ever to creating a world where all are safe and free.
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Late 1990s — We Were Told It Was Impossible
Gary Haugen was a leading human rights lawyer with the United States (US) Department of Justice. As the Director of the United Nations' investigation of the Rwandan genocide, his firsthand experience investigating systemic human rights abuses helped him recognize a troubling pattern: people living in the world’s poorest communities also experienced relentless daily violence. In addition to the struggle of surviving extreme poverty, they also lived in constant physical danger. Gary wanted to know why, and he found the answer: they had no one to protect them. Their local justice systems weren’t equipped to defend them from the violence they faced every day. Gary was told that this would never change, but he believed otherwise.
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2000s — A Global Movement Catches Fire
In the first few years, IJM helped secure safety and freedom for hundreds of vulnerable people, and awareness of the global problem of violence and human trafficking spread quickly. Government leaders, churches, community groups, advocates and local communities everywhere were inspired to become a crucial part of this movement.
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2010s — Communities Transformed Through Stronger Justice Systems
As IJM and partners continued to rescue vulnerable people from exploitation, more and more perpetrators were arrested and convicted for their crimes. And as accountability grew, crime began to decrease, communities became safer and vulnerable people became less vulnerable. This was IJM’s model of protection at work. As IJM and local partners continued to work together to build lasting change, the future of protection began to look clearer every day.
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2020s — IJM Proves Protection for Millions is Possible
As justice systems are transformed and millions are protected, a future is fast approaching where half a billion people are protected from the everyday threat of violence. Despite a global pandemic that put millions of vulnerable people at even further risk of exploitation, justice proved to be unstoppable. More government authorities and justice systems were trained, equipped and empowered to protect their most vulnerable communities, and thousands more were rescued from exploitation.
Global Progress
Working Together Means Protection for Millions
For over 25 years IJM’s mission has been to protect vulnerable people from violence
and create a safe future that lasts.
This is just a glimpse of the tangible impact made possible by courageous people like you who are committed to making the world safer for our most vulnerable communities.
The People That Make Protection Possible
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Field Office Staff
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Legal Professionals
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Social Workers
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Local Governments
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Law Enforcement
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Advocates
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Corporations
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NGOs
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Grassroots Community Groups
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Volunteers
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Survivors
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and Partners Like You
You are part of a global communityunited by a common vision for justice. Together, we have actively made the world a safer place.
Where We Work
Over 10.4 million people
have been sustainably protected from the ongoing threat of everyday violence.
And that number grows more and more every day.
To find out how you can partner with IJM, please contact our team today.