Holly's News From Washington - The TIP Report is Released!
On Wednesday, the State Department released its annual “Trafficking in Persons” Report, which includes tier rankings of 188 countries based on their efforts (or lack of effort) to meet minimum anti-trafficking standards. I am happy to share that the 2013 TIP Report represents a major victory in the U.S. commitment to leadership on the issue of modern-day slavery.
Here’s why:
Read MoreGet Involved in Our Campaign to Pass Safe Harbor!
Join IJM and advocates throughout California for exciting advocacy opportunities located here in our state! This year, we are working to pass “Safe Harbor” legislation in the state of California, which will protect child trafficking victims from being treated as criminals and ensure survivors receive the help they need. This bill (SB 738) has been introduced in the California state legislature and has already passed through the Health and Human Services and Judiciary Committees! Click here to learn more about SB 738.
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Exciting News from DC on Our Letter to the President!
The anti-slavery cause got a huge boost last week when a prestigious advisory group to President Obama released comprehensive recommendations on ending trafficking at home and abroad. The report was produced by the President’s Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships. The Council is a group of faith leaders who are appointed for one year to advise the president on public policies of particular concern to people of faith.
Read MoreIJM Delivers 11,000 letters asking Kroger executives: Will you join the Fair Food Program?
In our Recipe for Change campaign last summer, we learned that most U.S. supermarkets have yet to take the necessary steps to ensure that their tomatoes are not picked by exploited, even enslaved, workers. The problem is real: The Department of Justice has successfully prosecuted 7 cases of slavery in the American Southeast in the past 15 years, freeing over 1200 workers. Most of these cases were out of Florida. Most involved tomatoes.
Read MoreYour Voice Matters: Meet Travis
“I am a cancer survivor, and having gone through cancer treatments it gives you the idea that life can be short and you’re not guaranteed a tomorrow. And for me that also increased my passion to be advocating on behalf of those who aren’t guaranteed a tomorrow either.”
Travis is a volunteer who helps lead IJM's advocacy work in West Virginia. Hear more of his story below.
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The TVPRA passes the House of Representatives!
After 2 ½ years of hard work and prayer, the IJM Advocacy team is excited to announce that the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) just passed the House of Representatives 286 to 138! Now it’s headed to the President—and we are confident he will sign it into law very soon.
Let me first thank each of you for the hours you’ve put into meetings, calls, events, collecting postcards, and praying to pass this bill. We could not have done it without your help, and we are delighted to share this victory with our friends across the globe.
Read MoreYour Voice Matters: Meet Tim
Tim (Nashotah, WI) helps lead IJM's advocacy work in the state of Wisconsin. Hear Tim's story about how he got involved in fighting human trafficking.
Read MoreTVPRA Passes in the Senate!
In an historic decision this morning (and on the anniversary of Lincoln’s birthday), the U.S. Senate finally passed the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA)—extending critical protection to millions of men, women and children trapped in slavery around the world.
Leading the efforts to pass the TVPRA this year were Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL). After the TVPRA failed to pass last session, these senators worked diligently across party lines to uphold this important piece of our nation’s anti-slavery history.
The Long Struggle with Slavery
Read MoreA Year In Review: Our Milestones In The Fight Against Slavery
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Wow, what an incredible and blessed year it’s been.
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