2024 was a year of significant progress towards a reality where all are free and safe—thanks to people like you! These are some of our favourite moments when we look back on the year:
1. First Police Training in new IJM office in Bangladesh
Since early 2024, IJM has been working as an official partner of the government in Bangladesh to protect thousands of children from sex trafficking. In May, the first police training took place where over 50 officers were educated on how to recognise signs of human trafficking and conduct victim-centred investigations. Participants were also certified as trainers, enabling them to pass on their expertise in future trainings. This strong start built the foundation for a trusted partnership with government authorities in Bangladesh.
2. Federal Anti-Slavery Commissioner announced in Australia
Former Minister, Chris Evans, was appointed as Australia’s first Federal Anti-Slavery Commissioner in 2024! The Commissioner will work to strengthen how government, business and civil society prevent and respond to modern slavery. IJM Australia has long advocated for the establishment of a Federal Anti-Slavery Commissioner to play a powerful role in combatting modern slavery locally and beyond.
3. In June, Attorney Sam Inocencio received TIP Award
IJM Philippines’ National Director Sam Inocencio was selected as a recipient of the 2024 Trafficking in Persons Hero Award. The honour, presented by the U.S. Department of State, recognises individuals for their outstanding efforts in combating human trafficking. Sam has dedicated his career to securing justice for victims of the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC).
4. Briella*, Survivor of OSEC, Visited Canberra
Powerful things happen when the voices of survivors are amplified. Briella* travelled to Australia and shared her story as a survivor of online sexual exploitation at Parliament House. She shared, “I believe that our shared goal is a future where no child will ever have to experience what I, and so many others, went through. A future where online sexual exploitation of children is prevented because online safety laws prevent offenders from demanding the online sexual abuse of children, including in live streamed video. We need you, our policymakers and leaders, to take a stand.”
5. The Malaysian Government awarded a certificate of appreciation to IJM.
In 2024, Malaysia was upgraded to Tier 2 in the U.S. Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, the country’s best ranking in seven years. To mark this progress, the home Affairs Ministry held an appreciation ceremony on 30 July, recognising efforts to combat human trafficking. The Home Affairs Minister presented a certificate of appreciation to IJM for their contributions. IJM Malaysia’s Field Office Director Ji Lien Ooi and Government and Community Engagement Lead Karen Tai attended to receive the award.
6. We celebrated IJM Australia’s 10-year anniversary
Together, we celebrated 10 years of IJM in Australia: A decade of impact, partnership, and unwavering commitment to ending slavery and violence. Since launching in 2014, IJM Australia has played an important role in strengthening global efforts to protect people in poverty from violence, mobilising Australia, and partnering with governments to bring lasting change. This milestone is a testament to the commitment of you and thousands of people in Australia.
7. Digital Duty of Care Announcement in Australia
Together, we successfully advocated for stronger protections for children against online sexual exploitation. After signing petitions, emailing MPs, and IJM staff meeting with federal parliamentarians and advisors, Michelle Rowland, the Minister for Communications, announced in November that a digital duty of care would be developed and legislated! This achievement is a reminder of the power of our collective advocacy to protect kids in Australia and beyond from exploitation.
8. We joined Lauren Daigle on the ‘Kaleidoscope’ Tour
We were incredibly grateful to be part of the Australian leg of Lauren Daigle’s Kaleidoscope Tour! With stops in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth, we had the amazing opportunity to share IJM’s mission and Joy’s* story with thousands of attendees. Beyond raising awareness about the fight against human trafficking and modern slavery, we also had meaningful conversations with many concertgoers. It was inspiring to see so many people eager to learn more, get involved, and stand for justice alongside us.
9. Strengthening the Justice System in Romania
Following extensive advocacy efforts from our Romanian counterparts, legislation was introduced to increase sentencing for slavery, human trafficking, and child trafficking offences in Romania. The law increases minimum sentences from 3-10 years to 5-12 years, and aggravated forms from 5-12 years to 7-15 years. ““Generations of victims will be protected through this legislation, and accountability just took a huge step forward in Romania.”, says Shawn Kohl, Director European Anti-Trafficking Program, International Justice Mission.
10. Nary’s Inspiring Journey Featured in “Free to Be Me”
This documentary shares Nary’s story about her journey as a survivor of sexual exploitation. She traveled from Southeast Asia to Washington, D.C. to meet some of the team, including IJM’s CEO and founder, Gary Haugen, and IJM President of North America, Sharon Cohn Wu, who partnered with the government to help rescue her as a child in 2003. Today, Nary is a world-class cake decorator, business owner, and mentor to other survivors.
Thank you. None of these moments would be possible without generous supporters like you. You can give today to make more moments like these possible in 2025.
*a pseudonym.
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