2000 to 2001 - First Field Offices Open, Leading to Hundreds Freed

IJM’s initial operations helped build trust with government leaders and local authorities in several countries. This foundation of trusted partnership led to the establishment of IJM’s first five field offices. Mumbai, Manila, and Chiang Mai offices opened in 2000 to help protect women and children from sexual violence and trafficking. In 2001, offices in Chennai and Kenya were established to combat forced labour slavery and protect vulnerable people from violence and wrongful imprisonment, respectively. 

2003 to 2005 - Justice System Strengthening in Cambodia

In 2004, NBC’s Dateline featured IJM’s rescue of 37 girls under 10 years old from a brothel outside Phnom Penh. In 2005, the Cambodian government invited IJM to train over 100 officials, lawyers, and judges to help protect children from trafficking and sexual exploitation. IJM held many workshops, eventually training 520 police officers to combat human trafficking in their communities. This level of partnership with the highest governing authorities was a sign that, with IJM’s support, Cambodia’s justice system could grow to protect its most vulnerable communities. As a result, Cambodia’s commercial sex industry decreased significantly in the years that followed. 

2006 - IJM UK Office Opens
Founded in 2006, IJM UK was launched to utilise our global expertise and experience to engage UK government, businesses, churches, and activists in the movement to stop slavery and violence, both globally and locally.

2005 to 2006 - First Two IJM Field Offices in Latin America Open

When IJM expanded into Latin America, human rights experts said the justice systems were too broken to be fixed, and that people in poverty could not be protected from violence. Undeterred, field offices in Guatemala and Bolivia were established, demonstrating a commitment by local governments to change the narrative and stand up for children and women in their communities. 

2007 - Sex Trafficking of Minors Significantly Reduces in Thailand

Thanks to IJM's presence in Chiang Mai, local brothel owners became unwilling to traffic children because the risk of getting caught was too severe. Instead, criminals began trafficking members of a stateless ethnic minority group – an easier crime to hide, at least for the moment. To address this rising new crime, IJM shifted focus towards citizenship rights in order to protect this vulnerable migrant population. 

2009 - Infamous Brothel Kingpin Arrest Leads to Dozens Freed

After seven failed attempts, an infamous brothel owner in Kolkata — known for violently abusing dozens of young girls — was finally arrested by IJM and local authorities. This monumental arrest led to the conviction of nine traffickers and the rescue of four young girls. One of the young girls, Maya*, later became a casework assistant for IJM.