Chief Police Brigadier General Edgar DM Cacayan said, “Truly, international law enforcement collaboration is one of the keys to addressing trafficking in persons and the online sexual exploitation of children, a crime that is transnational in nature...Together, we can bring more children to safety and protect more from both restrained and deterred perpetrators.”
Congress is deciding where to allocate precious funding, and they need to hear from you! One of the best ways to get their attention is to send an email telling them to fund the fight against modern day slavery. The TIP Office and its initiatives like the Child Protection Compacts are critical US government programs that allow organizations like IJM to continue the work of prosecution of traffickers, protection of survivors, and prevention of trafficking in the first place. And you have the power to make this happen – Congress will not act unless you raise your voice.
Sujina, Starlin, Seemon, Thenmozhi and Manikandan were among 94 people rescued from an abusive brick kiln near Bangalore in December 2005. IJM staff member, who was present during the rescue operation and in this follow-up visit, shared,
“I was overwhelmed and delighted to visit these families recently...It took me a while to process that the young men and women I saw that day were little children at the time of rescue."
Larysa* recently fled her home in Ukraine. Part way through her journey out of the country, she was approached by a man who promised her a new life in Italy. Thankfully, an IJM-trained shelter identified signs of trafficking and were able to keep Larysa safe. This is an example of why it’s so important to stay in touch with refugees as they journey to safety, and for shelters to be able to identify suspicious behavior and signs of exploitation.
On 23 June 2016, IJM investigator Willie Kimani, IJM client Josephat Mwenda and trusted driver Joseph Muiruri were tragically murdered by four accused police officers and a civilian, and almost 5 years later, the "Mavoko 3" trial is finally closing.
We know Willie, Josephat and Joseph's families are eagerly awaiting an end to the legal process and closure on this tragedy. There must be accountability for perpetrators of police abuse of power, and enforced disappearances. Victims must have closure, and Kenyans must have police they can turn to.
Please join us in praying for true justice to be served in this case in Nairobi with no further delays.
The police department presented IJM with an award to “recognize the diligent efforts taken to eradicate the bonded labor system” in the state of Tamil Nadu and to publicly honor IJM as a credible partner in the fight against human trafficking.
IJM commends ECPAT, INTERPOL and UNICEF for conducting this study that was released this month and adding to the evidence of online child sexual exploitation and abuse, along with robust recommendations.
