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Trafficking and slavery

We won’t stop until we end the business of modern slavery for good

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The problem

Trafficking and slavery still exist today

Slavery is illegal almost everywhere. But millions of men, women and children are trapped in modern-day slavery around the world. In India, entire families are enslaved in labor trafficking in brick kilns, rice mills, and garment factories working up to 20 hours a day. In Romania, women are tricked into sex trafficking with false promises of a loving relationship or a good-paying job. In the Philippines, children as young as two are sexually abused live for anyone in the world to watch through online sexual exploitation of children.

 

  • Slavery

    There are an estimated 50 million people held in slavery today.

  • Homes

    An estimated 90% of labor trafficking takes place in the private economy—homes, business and supply chains.

  • Money

    Human trafficking generates about $236 billion a year—with two-thirds coming from commercial sexual exploitation.

Forms of Trafficking and Modern-Day Slavery

  • Labor trafficking

    Labor Trafficking

    Vulnerable people are forced to work for little to no pay, through deception, threat or violence.

  • Sex trafficking

    Sex Trafficking

    Someone deceives and sexually exploits another person for a profit. Sex trafficking includes exploitation in brothels, homes and on the internet.

  • Osec

    Online Sexual Exploitation of Children

    Children are sexually abused by traffickers who spread videos, photos or livestream the abuse for sex offenders to direct from anywhere in the world.

  • Forced scamming

    Forced Scamming

    Criminals use online communication platforms to falsely advertise overseas jobs, but trap workers once they arrive.

Our solution

Our Community Protection Model

We don’t stop at rescuing and restoring people who have been abused. Our goal is to prevent the violence from happening in the first place.

That’s why IJM and our partners collaborate with local authorities to serve individual survivors of violence, pursue sustainable improvements in the justice system and build communities where all people can expect to be safe and protected.

Where we work to end trafficking and slavery

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Meet Foli

A young boy rescued from slavery in Ghana

Foli* was a young boy forced to work 19-hour days casting and untangling nets to produce fish in Lake Volta’s massive fishing industry. For these young children, the only way out of slavery is to drown or be rescued. Foli prayed to God for safety and a chance to escape. After local police found him and brought him to safety, he was able to go to school and play soccer again. Today, there are still thousands of other children like him waiting for rescue.

Explore more stories related to Trafficking and Slavery:
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5 Unexpected Truths About Human Trafficking

MCMC Press Release Photo

NFL Athletes Hunter Henry and Matt Orzech Repping IJM During My Cause My Cleats

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For Appa Rao, freedom is in the little things.

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Building Safety and Freedom in Poland

Slavery and Trafficking Resources

We are seeing evidence that IJM’s model works—that enforcing the law deters criminals and protects people from violence. Here’s proof:

Online Sexual Exploitation of Children in the Philippines: Analysis and Recommendations for Governments, Industry, and Civil Society
Online Sexual Exploitation of Children in the Philippines: A Review of the Criminal Justice System's Response
IJM Justice Review: A Journal on Protection and Justice for the Poor
Child Sex Trafficking in Metro Manila: Using time-space sampling to measure prevalence of child sex trafficking in Metro Manila, the Philippines

Together, we can end trafficking and slavery for good.

Will you send rescue and protection until everyone is free?

Learn more about our Casework
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    Violence Against Women and Children

    Women and children are particularly vulnerable to violence when no laws are enforced to protect them.

  • Slavery

    Slavery

    Millions of men, women and children are trapped in modern-day slavery around the world.

  • Police

    Police Abuse of Power

    When police are free to misuse their power, vulnerable people are the ones who suffer from their violent actions and false accusations.

Learn About IJM

Learn who we are, what drives us, and how we make justice possible.

Explore Our Work

Explore IJM’s work to stop trafficking, abuse, and violence.

Get Involved

You’re invited to join the movement to end slavery and violence.

Ways to Give

Your gift fuels rescue and lasting safety for people facing violence.