30 Days of Justice: International Justice Mission

The International Justice Mission, or IJM, is one of the most-widely known justice organizations in the world. It's founder, Gary Haugen, has written several books on the topics of injustice. International Justice Mission is a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work with local officials to ensure immediate victim rescue and aftercare, to prosecute perpetrators and to promote functioning public justice systems. IJM officials work in 12 countries throughout Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The investigators, lawyers and social workers intervene in individual cases of abuse in partnership with state and local authorities to ensure proper support for the victim and appropriate action against the perpetrator. Such collaboration is essential to obtain convictions against individual perpetrators and to bring meaning to local laws that are meaningless if not enforced. Haugen and the work of IJM have been featured by the “Today Show,” “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “Dateline NBC,” FOX News, MSNBC, CNN, National Public Radio, Forbes Magazine and The New York Times. Mr. Haugen has authored numerous articles on foreign affairs, international law and human rights. His latest book, Just Courage: God's Great Expedition for the Restless Christian (2008), is a resonant call to courage set on the frontlines of today's battle against violent injustice.

IJM has a special place in my heart because Haugen's book, Terrify No More, was one of the first that I read regarding the issue of human trafficking. It recounts his story of a brothel raid in Phnom Phenh, Cambodia. My eyes were open to terrors I never could have imagined. I love the passion with which IJM acts, and the strong call for Christians to do something about justice. While IJM's work is primarily international, I know they are changing the course of America as well.

Connect with the International Justice Mission here: www.ijm.org