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South Asia
100+ Trained Officials, Six Simultaneous Operations, One Baby Born in Freedom
19 October 2026 — Today, 39 people are now living in freedom after being brought to freedom from bonded labour at charcoal worksites – and one baby was born into freedom, just after the families safely returned home. Local authorities led six simultaneous rescue operations across two districts to rescue the families.
A remarkable bonded labour case in South Asia has led to freedom for 39 children, women, and men – with one baby born in freedom, once the survivors had safely returned home.
IJM received two reports from two young men who had escaped bondage and returned home. The reports alleged that several members of their families had been trafficked to a charcoal-making worksites, where they were facing daily abuse and deprivation. IJM quickly partnered with other NGOs to identify six worksites across two districts, where the families were being forced to work without pay.
Our team shared the case with the District Collector – the most senior official in the district – who immediately took action. The District Collector recommended that the rescue operations take place simultaneously across the two districts to ensure effective coordination and prevent any tip-offs between the worksite owners.
IJM trained 116 officials ahead of the rescue operation, ensuring local authorities had a deep understanding of the relevant bonded labour laws and Standard Operating Procedures.
IJM supported law enforcement as they entered all six worksites simultaneously. Authorities carefully confirmed the reports of abuse and helped the families pack their belongings to move to a safe location.
For victims of bonded labour, a rescue operation has the potential to create even more fear. In many cases, the owners manipulate the victims into believing that local authorities will reprimand them or dismiss their testimonies.
However, the trained officials ensured to alleviate any fears and demonstrated remarkable sensitivity – even high-fiving and playing with the young children to help them feel at ease.
By the end of the day, the coordinated operations were successful in securing freedom for 39 people. Officials patiently documented each survivor’s testimony and issued Release Certificates to officially mark them as free.
Two suspects were arrested for their alleged abuse.
Local authorities provided armed escorts to protect the survivors on their journey home. The survivors also received temporary housing, warm meals, and emergency medical care.
The homecoming was especially meaningful for one young woman who was nine months pregnant on the day of the rescue. Safe at home and supported by local officials, she was able to deliver her baby safely, in a hospital and in freedom.
This story offers a glimpse of the future we are working towards – a future where trained local authorities go above and beyond to make freedom and healing possible, and where the next generation can grow up in freedom.
*Some faces have been blurred in the images in this story, to protect survivor identities.
