We were eager to hear Apple's efforts to protect the vulnerable from the dangers of Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC). Introduced by Apple in August, the child safety features were aimed at limiting the spread of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). But now, the tech giant has delayed its efforts. Our Executive Director of IJM's Center to End OSEC, John Tanagho, disagreed with the delay of these safety features and is featured in both
USA Today and the Washington Post speaking up in support of these efforts and why protection is imperative in the digital age.
"Apple's changes are a positive step forward and must not be delayed," he wrote in a statement. "The world should not elevate the hypothetical and unlikely corruption of child safety solutions over the known and rampant misuse of existing technology to harm children."
In the past, when a victim of violence came forward to press charges against their aggressor, their testimony was gathered in a cold and intimidating police station. They then had to return to the home where they were unsafe. IJM, alongside our partners, launched a new of its kind of survivor-friendly interview space and shelter in Kampala, designed to make the process of reporting to police a safe and supportive one and is on track to serve as a model that could be replicated.
Kumar was only seven when he was orphaned and became accountable for his family's debt. He was forced into slavery in a brick kiln. In 2003, he was ten when IJM rescued him, and when asked what his hopes were for the future, he said "The one thing I want to do is study." After obtaining his bachelors and masters, Kumar's story comes full circle as he joins IJM staff.
Eight Families, including 16 minors, are now living in freedom and finding the bravery to pursue justice. Their owner was a man who believed the law did not apply to him, he felt untouchable. But these survivors and IJM fought for justice and proved him wrong.
These gates were once the entrance to a lumber factory where innocent people were enslaved. Today, these overgrown hedges are tangible proof that justice system transformation is possible. After being held accountable for bonded labor slavery, the master of one of these sites increased workers' wages by 473%.
It has been five years since the murders of IJM Kenya lawyer Willie Kimani, our client Josephat Mwenda and taxi driver Joseph Muiruri. It has also been five years of a seemingly never-ending case. We are now one step away from pronouncing the accused as guilty. And this Kenyan judge is looking for answers.
Urge Congress to cosponsor legislation to protect women and children in Central America. This bill is bipartisan and passable, but the House and the Senate must act! Tell your reps that ending violence must be prioritized!
