THE PROBLEM
The impact of Labour Trafficking
Forced labour slavery uses deception, threats or violence to coerce someone to work for little to no pay. Those trapped in labour trafficking are often deprived of basic necessities such as adequate food and sleep.
Although slavery has been outlawed in nearly every country, millions of men, women and children are trapped in slavery in brick kilns, rice mills, garment factories, fishing operations and many other industries.
- False debts are commonly used to trap labourers in a cycle of debt that is by design impossible to pay back. Small advance payments accrue interest faster than it can be paid.
- Approximately 27.7 million people are in forced labour around the world.
- 3.3 million victims of forced labour trafficking is a child.
- 63% of forced labour takes place in the private economy — homes, businesses and supply chains.
OUR SOLUTION
Community Protection Model
Despite being illegal, forced labour trafficking persists due to ineffective law enforcement. Criminals, expecting no consequences, continue to enslave and abuse vulnerable individuals.
But when perpetrators are held accountable, the incidence of these crimes significantly decreases. The outcome? Safer communities where people are protected from exploitation.
Our Response
IJM combats forced labour trafficking in Cambodia, the Dominican Republic, Ghana, India, Myanmar, the Philippines, Romania and Thailand.
Despite being illegal, forced labour trafficking persists due to ineffective law enforcement. Criminals, expecting no consequences, continue to enslave and abuse vulnerable individuals.
Together with our partners, we:
RESCUE VICTIMS: We identify people trapped in forced labor slavery, partner with local authorities to conduct rescue operations and ensure every victim is legally emancipated and receives government support.
BRING CRIMINALS TO JUSTICE: We advocate for police reports to be filed against traffickers, and support prosecution of slave holders.
RESTORE SURVIVORS: We create individualized care plans for each person to respond to trauma and pursue dignifying jobs and educational opportunities.
STRENGTHEN JUSTICE SYSTEMS: We provide hands-on mentoring for law enforcement, government officials and partner organizations. We also create social demand and advocate with state and national leaders to make ending slavery a top priority.
Our Results
IJM has spent more than 25 years partnering with law enforcement and justice system officials to combat some of the worst forms of violence.
We have proven repeatedly that strengthening justice systems to enforce the law deters criminals and protects people from violence. That’s two and a half decades of progress that wouldn’t have been possible without your support and the help of IJM partners. Here is a look at the impact we made together.
IJM-supported operations have had a major impact on cases of forced labour trafficking globally. This is our progress so far (as of 2021).
VICTIMS
RESCUED
PERPETRATORS
CONVICTED
SURVIVORS
RESCUED
SUSPECTS
ARRESTED
MEET MADHESH
Before he was enslaved, Madhesh* was just a little boy with a bright smile and a love for life.
At five years old, Madhesh began working at a rock quarry with his family, who had taken a loan of 5,000 rupees (AUD$94). His childhood dreams were quickly replaced by gruelling days of cutting stones and loading trucks, enduring severe physical and mental abuse, and living in dire conditions.
Madhesh’s life seemed destined for endless hardship, but a glimmer of hope appeared when relatives discovered their plight and connected them with an IJM field worker. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in Madhesh’s life, one that would lead to freedom and a chance to dream again.
Read his story
Will you partner with us to bring freedom and restoration to victims of forced labour slavery?
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