April 2012

CEBU, THE PHILIPPINES – IJM assisted anti-trafficking police with back-to-back operations at two different karaoke bars where girls had been trafficked.

Five young women were rescued from the first karaoke bar. At HerSpace, the safe government shelter set up for trafficking survivors, each one signed statements that will be used as evidence in court against the suspected traffickers. IJM will represent the survivors as the case develops.

One of the underage girls who was rescued in the operation said her uncle started raping her when she was just 9 years old.

For nearly a year and a half, advocates like you have been working hard to pass the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA). Thanks to your efforts, the bill has 40 Senate cosponsors from all across the political spectrum—we are so grateful for your tireless work to pass this bill that will help end trafficking at home and around the world!

We’ve come so far, but we’re not stopping here. IJM is teaming up with World Vision, Polaris Project and Safe Horizon to gain even more suport for the TVPRA and to ensure that it passes quickly.

NAIROBI, KENYA – Late last week, two innocent men who were charged with a violent crime they had not committed were finally acquitted and declared free after nearly two years.

IJM staff met the men a year and a half ago. Their trial has been ongoing since January 2011, wrought with delays and much frustration.

CHENNAI, INDIA – This week, over two dozen children, women and men were released from slavery in a rice mill in rural India. After IJM documented evidence of forced labor in the abusive rice mill, government authorities responded by conducting the rescue operation.

IJM Chennai’s Director of Aftercare, Pranitha Timothy, added that the rice mill owner went to their village and offered them money and a better future. “That false promise lasted only a few days before the abuse began,” she said.