Around the world, children are trafficked for reasons including: forced labour, sexual exploitation in commercial establishments, and online sexual exploitation, amongst other forms.

The UN defines human trafficking as: 'the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of people through force, fraud or deception, with the aim of exploiting them for profit. Men, women and children of all ages and from all backgrounds can become victims of this crime, which occurs in every region of the world. The traffickers often use violence or fraudulent employment agencies and fake promises of education and job opportunities to trick and coerce their victims.'

There are an estimated 50 million people held in slavery today. One in four of these is a child.

Learn more about IJM Ghana's approach to combating child trafficking on Lake Volta, Ghana here.

IJM is a global organisation working to protect people in poverty from violence, slavery and exploitation.

IJM’s work tackling the trafficking of children means we know first-hand how children can be violently exploited and abused. Exploitation can often last for years, leaving children traumatised and robbing them of an education and the chance of a strong future.

Partnering with local people to protect the most vulnerable

We partner with local authorities to bring individual victims of violence and slavery to safety, and provide trauma-informed counselling to survivors as well as support to access school and vocational opportunities. IJM and local authorities have brought over 85,000 people to safety from slavery and violence.

Bringing Criminals to Justice

We work alongside justice system officials to ensure that criminals are held accountable, stopping the cycle of violence and deterring others from abusing vulnerable people.

Strengthening Justice Systems

Slavery and trafficking exists because traffickers and abusers in many communities around the world expect no consequences for these crimes. Laws are not effectively enforced, so they continue to abuse and exploit people. We collaborate with local authorities to build communities where all people can expect to be safe and protected. We provide training, mentoring and support to local police, law enforcement and other community leaders to slow down and stop the cycle of violence. We've seen slavery decrease by up to 86% in placed where we've worked.

The COVID-19 crisis has led to increases in vulnerability for people in poverty and already in vulnerable situations.

Over the past year, COVID-19 lockdowns and the associated school closures, poverty and joblessness have increased risks of violence around the world, especially for women and girls. An estimated 150 million more people were expected to fall into extreme poverty in 2020 alone, leaving them vulnerable to unscrupulous traffickers taking advantage of people desperately needing to make an income.

At this critical moment, countering modern slavery and violence must be at the forefront of government and civil society and all of our efforts domestically and internationally.

In order to build back better, we must also build back safer, by prioritising protection for people at risk of violence.

Your time, talents and passion are a vital part of mobilising the movement to protect people in poverty from slavery and violence.

1. GIVE

Your giving can help change lives and entire communities. Help IJM work alongside partners on the ground to address slavery and violence at source, and build a future where all can be free to live in dignity and without fear.

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2. VOLUNTEER

Become an IJM Champion! There are so many ways to get involved, from fundraising, to advocating in your work place or university, or even becoming a Regional Champion Leader for IJM UK!

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3. STAY CONNECTED

Learn more about IJM and join us in this urgent mission. Whether you’re interested in using your voice, mobilising your networks, praying about issues of injustice – or just want to know more – you can get regular updates about IJM's work, breaking news, and opportunities to get involved.

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