International Justice Mission Australia

Recently, Madeleine Frith, Fiona Lau and Gigi Tupas from our IJM team attended the Micah Australia Women's Network Dinner, joining others committed to justice and advocacy for people experiencing vulnerability around the world. The evening was a powerful reminder of why international aid matters. When women and children are denied safety, healthcare and education, particularly in conflict settings, the consequences are devastating. Our team shared a key message from the night that stood out for them: “A safer world for our neighbours is a safer world for Australia.” Australian Aid plays a vital role in strengthening communities, responding to crises and supporting long‑term stability across our region. As the Federal Budget approaches, we recognise the importance of keeping international development and protection efforts part of the national conversation. Find out more about Australian Aid and the wider discussion: https://lnkd.in/gk4_ADug

Twenty-one people are free today. Recently, IJM and a local partner supported local authorities in South Asia to rescue 21 individuals, including four children, from human trafficking in a violent brick kiln. These families had been lured from their homes with the promise of good wages. Instead, they were trapped: forced to mould thousands of bricks a day, denied fair pay, and subjected to constant verbal and physical abuse. Families lived in small concrete rooms with tarp doors, no toilets, and only a single water tank—for drinking, bathing, and brick-making. Thanks to courageous community members who first sounded the alarm, relentless advocacy from our field teams, and decisive government intervention, these survivors are now safely home and receiving aftercare support 🤝 This was the first time IJM’s championed a major rescue in this District, a milestone that opened the eyes of local officials and partners to the reality of human trafficking. One partner staff member shared: “Rather than discouraging me, this realisation has strengthened my determination... I am committed not only to supporting rescue and rehabilitation efforts but also to creating sustained awareness among government officials so that justice, dignity, and freedom are ensured for every vulnerable community.” Hope is rising. And freedom is moving 💙

“I can see that I have my purpose, I have my strength and power to advocate for change.” 💙 Barbie is a survivor leader and member of the Philippine Survivor Network, using her voice to stand alongside others and call for a future where children are safe from online sexual exploitation 📣 Her leadership reminds us that real change is already happening - when survivors are supported, believed, and empowered to lead. And it shows what’s possible when we choose to stand together. Now is the moment to stand with Barbie. To add our voices to hers. To advocate for safer online spaces where children are protected and can grow, dream, and thrive without fear. ✍️ Add your name to the petition and be part of the change happening right now: https://ijm.au/3ND60kh

Lead with purpose on a global stage. International Justice Mission Australia is a global leader protecting people in poverty from violence - working to rescue victims, restore survivors, bring perpetrators to justice and strengthen justice systems for lasting protection. We are seeking a values-led #Chair (Australia-wide) to guide governance, partner with the CEO and elevate IJM Australia’s influence across philanthropy, government and beyond. A deeply held Christian faith and strong board leadership experience are essential. Explore the role and be part of ending violence globally at https://lnkd.in/gsP2Xip8 #leadership #chair #forpurpose https://lnkd.in/g44p6Y5H

Recently, our team, together with SafeToNet had the opportunity to meet with the National Office for Child Safety (NOCS) during our time in Canberra. We valued the time to connect, listen, and engage in thoughtful discussion about strengthening Australia’s approach to preventing online child sexual exploitation and abuse (OSEC). As momentum builds following the Australian Government’s response to the Online Safety Act review, conversations like these are essential. Meaningful reform depends not only on policy commitments, but on coordinated leadership and collaboration to ensure protections for children are effectively designed and delivered. We’re encouraged by the shared focus on keeping the best interests of the child at the centre - and committed to continuing this work as the next phase of reform takes shape. David Braga John Tanagho Sharon Pursey OBE Briony Camp

Following her recent interview with SBS Filipino, where she spoke in Tagalog about online sexual exploitation of children and the responsibility we all have to protect them, Gigi Tupas sat down with us to share one key message she wants Australians to hear. In Filipino culture, 'malasakit' means compassion, empathy, and collective care. Gigi reflects on this value and explains why protecting children online is something that connects all of us, no matter where we live 🌎 As Gigi reminds us, 'malasakit' isn’t just a Filipino value - it’s a global one. Here in Australia, we’re already seeing progress being made with government, and now the focus is on drafting a strong, robust Digital Duty of Care that puts children’s needs first 💙 When we raise our collective voice, we can help make online spaces safer for children everywhere. 👉 Read the key points from Gigi’s SBS Filipino interview: https://lnkd.in/gb6atHPj ✍️Sign the petition today: https://ijm.au/3ND60kh

Who are we doing this for? For children - whose safety should never be an afterthought. The Government's recent response to the review of the Online Safety Act marks a significant step forward. One of its key highlights is the recognition that the best interests of the child should be a primary consideration in how online technologies are designed and operated - a principle IJM has long advocated for in the fight to protect children from Online Sexual Exploitation. This alignment shows that when we come together and speak up, progress is possible. It strengthens the case for a legislated digital duty of care that embeds protection by design across online platforms. Because of supporters like you, walking this journey with us, change is taking shape 💙 👉 Add your voice and sign the petition: https://ijm.au/3ND60kh

Every child deserves freedom from exploitation and the chance to thrive. When it comes to protecting children online, there can be a lot of uncertainty about what’s possible, what works, and where responsibility sits. Last week, the Australian Government responded to the review of the Online Safety Act - a significant and encouraging step forward toward. This response brings greater clarity, and with it, a real opportunity to move forward with purpose. The opportunity before us is to ensure these commitments translate into legislation that prioritises the safety and best interests of children and embeds protection by design across online platforms. Because of your voice, we are seeing meaningful change take shape. This is the moment to keep going. ✍️ Add your voice and help shape what comes next. Sign the petition: https://ijm.au/3ND60kh Learn more about the four myths about technology and child protection: https://lnkd.in/gPeayj5b SafeToNet

Meet Dayspring, who turned a simple lemonade stand into hope and protection for children around the world. 🍋✨ What started as a small idea pushed her outside her comfort zone - and into meaningful impact. Through her stall, she shared IJM’s mission with her community and used her creativity to fuel justice. Her story reminds us: Courage, compassion, and small acts done now can protect children around the world 💙🌎 Join supporters like Dayspring today: https://lnkd.in/gHsfhg88

Last night, our CEO David Braga was invited to speak on SBS News about the human trafficking crisis behind forced scamming. He shared how: 💬 Many scam messages come from people who are also victims 📍 Hundreds of thousands are trapped in scam compounds across Southeast Asia IJM has had the honour to help remove, care for and/or support victim identification for over 2,700 individuals whom we determined to be victims of forced scamming within Southeast Asia’s scam compounds. Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/gZHeMbNe Learn more about how IJM works to protect people from exploitation and bring perpetrators to justice: https://lnkd.in/g4V8YNtt