Impact Report

All around the world, we are dancing, cheering and celebrating because of what you helped make possible in 2024.

Four reasons we’re celebrating our way into the new year because of you! 

Thanks to you, we’ve seen more victims rescued, more survivors restored, more communities strengthened, and more progress towards a future where all are safe and free. 

And we haven’t even seen the full extent of your impact throughout the past year! IJM field offices are still sending updates about the transformative impact of your support – and we can’t wait to recap it all for you in our upcoming Annual Report. But we just couldn’t wait to share the good news. So here are four reasons to celebrate with us as we close out an incredible year of impact. 

1. We’re ready to unleash a tidal wave of protection for vulnerable people across South Asia 

In South Asia, we are celebrating increased momentum in our expansion across 10 states, as well as the launch of a new office in Bangladesh. By expanding into these densely populated regions where exploitation often occurs, IJM can begin collaborating with the local government to help protect millions more people from exploitation and abuse. 

One of the ways IJM helps justice systems better protect vulnerable people is through intensive training programs that also help strengthen our trust and credibility. Read more about the impact of our training in Bangladesh here. 

2. IJM Philippines Director honored by U.S. Department of State for his role in protecting children from online sexual exploitation 

Attorney Sam Inocencio, IJM Philippines Director was selected as a recipient of the 2024 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Hero. This award is the highest honor given by the U.S. government to recognize extraordinary leadership in the fight against trafficking and slavery, and a resounding affirmation of the impact and effectiveness of IJM’s work in the Philippines to protect children from harm. 

For over 20 years, Atty. Sam has guided the team’s efforts to rescue and restore 1,400+ children from the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC), forged groundbreaking partnerships with the government, and helped decrease child sex trafficking by more than 77% across three provinces in the Philippines. To learn more about the TIP Hero Award and IJM’s work in the Philippines here. 

3. Victims of forced scamming received justice in IJM Thailand’s landmark case  

Since forced scamming began to emerge in Southeast Asia, this case marked IJM Thailand’s first forced scamming case to go to trial and receive a significant verdict – the perpetrator was found guilty and sentenced to 30 years and 8 months of imprisonment. 

Sentences exceeding 30 years are rarely seen in human trafficking cases in Thailand. This case and its verdict set a clear precedent that acknowledges the reality of victims being trafficked and forced to work in scamming compounds. It also challenges misconceptions held by some government authorities in the region that most individuals working in scamming compounds are there voluntarily and complicit in the scamming crimes. 

4. IJM Romania receives grant to help protect children vulnerable to trafficking 

Our office in Romania is celebrating a US$10 million grant awarded to IJM and World Vision to lead a Child Protection Compact in Romania. This grant will enable IJM to lead a consortium and work with the U.S. and Romanian governments to create a victim-centered and trauma-informed approach to protecting vulnerable children from this pervasive crime. Read more about the grant and its objectives here. 

Every IJM office around the world has unique milestones and accomplishments to celebrate. But they all have a unified theme: you. 

Because you give generously toward the work of justice, thousands of people who were once enslaved and trafficked are now free. Because you courageously advocate for a future of safety and freedom, millions of people no longer live in fear of violence because they are now protected. And with your continued partnership into 2025 and beyond, we can continue to bring rescue and protection to those who need it most, every day, until all are free.