International Justice Mission Applauds the Confirmation of Ambassador-at-Large for the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons

International Justice Mission (IJM) applauds the confirmation of John Richmond as the next Ambassador-at-Large of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons at the U.S. Department of State. The United States’ promotion of global human rights is stronger because of the effectiveness of the Trafficking in Persons Office, and the leader of this office is critical as they serve as the top diplomat leading U.S. policy on one of the most urgent human rights abuses of our time.

Richmond’s experience in both the public and private sector, working on both sex and labor trafficking cases, in both domestic and international environments, will now position him for success as the Ambassador-at-Large to the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. His work as a prosecutor and efforts to strengthen the criminal justice system to respond and prevent human trafficking will help implement the most effective strategies to bring freedom to victims and sustained restoration of survivors.

“I have had the privilege of working with Mr. Richmond on the front lines of the fight against slavery and witnessed his perseverance as he pioneered breakthrough anti-slavery efforts throughout his career,” said Gary Haugen, CEO of IJM. “I am confident that his proven success will position him well for this most important role.”