Five survivors of bonded labor had a rare opportunity to meet India's President, Droupadi Murmu. President Murmu, who herself comes from a tribal background, hosted the event to engage with Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). IJM and our partners worked with government stakeholders to recommend these outstanding survivor leaders to represent their community. This event was significant in the progress toward uplifting marginalized communities, fighting poverty and reducing the risk of being trafficked and exploited.
This training is part of a series of initiatives implemented by IJM Guatemala to address the challenges victims and survivors face when seeking help from Justice System institutions. These efforts also aim to instill a culture of justice services centered on victims' needs and trauma-informed care.
The government in Tamil Nadu, India established a groundbreaking initiative to protect survivors of bonded labor from further exploitation. This herb garden not only provides a stable income which reduces their risk of re-bondage but also safeguards traditional medicinal knowledge held by the Irula tribal community.
IJM El Salvador partnered with Shelter Helps, a Canadian international NGO that provides housing for people living in poverty and the Prosecutor´s Office of the region of San Vicente. This initiative aimed to equip Shelter Helps with the necessary knowledge to provide comprehensive support to victims of violence.
Trapped in bonded labor on a relative's duck farm, the sisters aged 8 and 10 had to endure abuse while working long hours. After two months, they bravely escaped and journeyed on foot to be reunited with their parents. Through the combined effort of the government officials, Child Welfare Committee, and IJM the girls safely returned home.
