Google.org, IJM and NGO Coalitions Launch Historic Anti-Slavery Initiatives

Susheela and Laxmana's Story

Over the past decade, IJM has partnered with local governments to bring rescue to thousands of forced laborers. Now, the movement to end slavery for good is taking on new momentum through powerful, game-changing initiatives supported by Google.org.

On December 14, 2011 Google.org announced that it is supporting IJM’s vision to end slavery through the creation of three innovative anti-trafficking coalitions that will seek to:  

• Rescue thousands of children, women and men trapped in forced labor.
• Protect millions of vulnerable people so they are never enslaved in the first place by strengthening the enforcement of existing anti-slavery laws and seeking improved anti-trafficking legislation.
• Launch an unprecedented mobilization campaign that will empower vulnerable people to influence legislation to protect themselves
• Equip freed forced laborers with critically needed resources to build a secure livelihood
• Empower Americans to help eradicate slavery in the U.S. and around the world.
• Motivate U.S. policymakers to support critical anti-slavery policies, including foreign assistance to promote rescue and deterrence overseas.

To support these ambitious goals, Google.org has committed unprecedented support to three major new projects:

1.      On-the-ground casework to fight forced labor in India – IJM will train partners to dramatically expand and support government-led rescue operations in 12 key districts.

Goal: Thousands rescued from forced labor slavery.

Partners include: International Justice Mission, Justice Ventures International (India), Aide et Action

2.      Country-wide advocacy, awareness and mobilization in India – Led by IJM,  this first-of-its kind coalition will launch a massive advocacy and awareness campaign

Goal:  Millions of vulnerable people will be protected – through knowledge, a responsive government, and excellent legislation – so they are never enslaved in the first place.

Partners include: International Justice Mission, BBC World Service Trust (UK), Justice Ventures International, ActionAid

3.      Launch of largest-ever U.S. domestic campaign to fight slavery – This collaboration will engage millions of Americans in the fight against slavery and human trafficking in the U.S. and around the world.

Goal: Millions of Americans will call on the U.S. government to implement strong anti-slavery policies that will make a difference for countless children, women and men held in slavery at home and abroad.

Partners include International Justice Mission, Polaris Project and Slavery Footprint

Learn more about this campaign: joint press release