Serfdom is not a relic of the past, but a frightening reality. After all, millions of people still live under modern Slavery and suffer violence every day. Therefore, the non-profit organization IJM Germany, as the German branch of the global network International Justice Mission, has made it its mission to campaign for the rights of poor people. It is about protecting those affected by violence and combating human trafficking and modern slavery. IJM Germany also aims to draw attention to this important issue and to carry out preventive work.
Since its founding in 2009, IJM Germany has become a driving force in the fight for Human rights With a unique approach, the organization has already paved the way for thousands of people to live a life free of violence and self-determination. This is based on strengthening local legal systems and providing direct support to those affected.
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From vision to reality
The work of IJM Germany is based on a clearly defined goal: a world in which slavery is a thing of the past and people in poverty are protected from violence. This vision is based on the conviction that every person has a right to dignity, freedom and security. These basic rights must be independent of origin, gender or social status. The organization has therefore set itself the goal of freeing 2030 million people from slavery and violence by 35. In addition, the NGO wants to protect 500 million vulnerable people from Exploitation The plan also includes initiating needed transformations in 56 jurisdictions around the world.
In the long term, IJM Germany also aims to global standard for effective prosecution of human trafficking and exploitation. In addition, the organization aims to develop self-sustaining local structures in all project countries and promote the integration of human rights standards into all relevant economic and political processes.
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Holistic action plan:
To put these goals into practice, IJM Germany has developed a multi-stage action plan:
- Strengthening legal systems: By working with local authorities and governments, gaps in the legal system are identified and closed.
- Liberation and support: In cooperation with local partners, people are liberated from slavery and violent situations and subsequently supported in settling into their new lives.
- Prevention and Enlightenment: Through educational work and campaigns, awareness of modern slavery is raised in society.
- Political influence: IJM Germany advocates at national and international level for laws and measures that improve the protection of vulnerable groups.
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Key topics of IJM Germany
IJM Germany focuses its work on three main areas, because in these areas people are particularly vulnerable to exploitation and violence. In all of these areas, IJM Germany pursues an approach that aims to provide immediate help to those affected as well as long-term structural changes.
combating labor slavery
Modern slavery is a global problem that affects millions of people. Slavery is present in almost all economic sectors. The service sector, construction, manufacturing, agriculture, forestry and fishing are particularly at risk. This means that numerous global supply chains affected by slavery. In Germany alone, goods worth 44 billion US dollars are imported every year that have an increased risk of being linked to slavery. IJM Germany works with local partners to identify those affected, free them and support them in their reintegration. At the same time, work is being done to improve laws and their enforcement in order to hold perpetrators accountable.
protection from sexual exploitation
A particular focus of IJM Germany is on protection against sexual violence - especially against children. Every year, millions of people around the world fall victim to human trafficking for sexual exploitation. Many of them are held in brothels, clubs, hotels or private homes and are exposed to severe abuse on a daily basis. Another horrifying form of exploitation that is currently increasing rapidly is the sexual exploitation of children on the Internet. IJM Germany is therefore committed to strengthening child protection laws and better prosecuting perpetrators worldwide. Education and prevention in vulnerable communities is also essential. The non-profit organization's work also includes supporting survivors in coping with their traumatic experiences.
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campaign against human trafficking
More and more people in Europe are at risk of human trafficking. After all, poverty, lack of prospects, lack of protection and inadequate prosecution of the perpetrators create ideal conditions for this type of crime in many places. Those affected are often misled with false promises of wealth or love. All of this only to then be sexually exploited or forced into labor - including in Germany. Within the EU, criminals can transport victims across national borders almost unhindered. The reason for this is that there is currently no coordinated, Europe-wide cooperation to effectively combat human trafficking. In order to combat human trafficking across the whole of Europe In order to specifically curb this, the organization promotes the cross-border criminal prosecution of perpetrators through training. At the same time, together with partner organizations, it is building professional aftercare structures in order to offer those affected sustainable support.
Violence prevention
Violence against Women and girls is widespread in many parts of the world. This is supported by the United Nations as any form of gender-based violence that causes or can cause physical, sexual, economic or psychological harm to women. This includes the threat of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, regardless of whether these take place in private or public spaces. IJM Germany therefore offers support to victims of domestic and sexual violence. The organization is committed to strengthening legal systems in order to consistently prosecute perpetrators. It also works with Awareness campaigns to change social norms that tolerate violence against women. Their goal is also to empower women and girls to stand up for their rights.
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Holistic work approach
IJM Germany is characterized by a holistic and sustainable approach in the fight against modern slavery and violence. This approach is based on years of experience and scientific findings and includes several core elements:
Collaboration with external partners
A central aspect of IJM Germany's work is close cooperation with the police, judiciary and other government agencies in the project countries. Through training and joint casework, the capacities of local authorities are strengthened to effectively combat human trafficking and exploitation. Cooperation with the private sector is also becoming increasingly important. This includes advising companies on how to avoid the use of slavery in their supply chains. Joint initiatives to promote fair working conditions in risk regions are also part of the cooperation.
Legal support for those affected
IJM Germany ensures that survivors of slavery and violence receive competent legal representation. Lawyers accompany those affected through often lengthy court proceedings and campaign for appropriate punishments for perpetrators.
Holistic aftercare
The support of IJM Germany does not end with liberation from slavery or violent situations. A comprehensive aftercare program helps survivors to process traumatic experiences and build a self-determined life. This includes psychological support, educational opportunities and professional qualifications.
prevention work and awareness-raising
In order to sustainably break the cycle of exploitation and violence, IJM Germany focuses on prevention and education. Information campaigns and educational programs strengthen potential victims and sensitize society to the issue. The organization's work also includes lobbying and educating political decision-makers about the need to improve laws against human trafficking.
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Previous successes of IJM Germany
The work of IJM Germany has led to a lasting improvement in the lives of thousands of people in recent years. Since its inception, the organization has worked with local partners to free over 95.000 people from situations of slavery and violence and supported them with comprehensive aftercare programs to enable them to return to a normal life.
Great progress has been made in IJM Germany's core goal of sustainably optimizing legal systems. This includes, for example, training over 387.000 actors from the judiciary, police and civil society. The organization has also contributed to more than 7.200 convictions of perpetrators. The measurable result is a reduction of violent and exploitative crimes in the project regions by up to 86%.
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Support for the fight against slavery and violence
It cannot be done without help: In order to implement IJM Germany's vision for a world without slavery and violence, commitment and support from all areas of society are needed. 1.200 trained volunteer ambassadors are already supporting the movement in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. There are also other ways to support the organization in its work. Private individuals, companies and foundations can also help with one-off or regular donations, for example. When using the funds, IJM Germany attaches great importance to transparency and regularly informs about their use.
Supporters can also get involved politically and socially in support of IJM Germany’s goals. This includes participating in petitions and letter-writing campaigns or contacting political decision-makers to draw their attention to the problem. And everyone can also make a valuable contribution in everyday life by supporting the cause in their private lives or via Social Media draws attention to the grievances. In this way, awareness of the issue can grow in society at large and it will be possible to jointly shape a future in which everyone can live in dignity and freedom.
