Gary Haugen of International Justice Mission Named 2012 U.S. State Department TIP Report Hero

IJM President and CEO is Second American Honored for Global Anti-Trafficking Efforts

WASHINGTON, June 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today honored Gary A. Haugen, president and CEO of International Justice Mission (IJM) as a 2012 TIP Report Hero in the Fight against Modern-Day Slavery after the release of the U.S. State Department's 2012 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report.

The second-ever American to be named TIP Report Hero, Mr. Haugen received this distinction for IJM's long-standing efforts to combat human trafficking. IJM has brought relief to more than 11,000 children, women and men since 2005 and protected tens of thousands more, many of whom were victims of forced labor slavery or sex trafficking, the fastest growing criminal industry globally.

"It is a great honor to accept this distinction on behalf of my brave colleagues who are working in their own communities around the world to rescue and protect victims of violent oppression," said Mr. Haugen, referring to IJM's staff of over 400, approximately 95 percent of whom are nationals of the developing countries where they work. "Through the dedication of leaders in governments around the world, and the tireless support of Ambassador CdeBaca and the TIP Office, the global anti-trafficking movement is seeing real gains in the fight as governments succeed in ensuring that the law works for everyone – particularly the poor, who are most vulnerable to trafficking."

The annual TIP Report Hero honorees are part of the U.S. State Department's TIP Report published by the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons to encourage partnership and increased determination in the fight against forced labor, sexual exploitation, and modern-day slavery.

"Our TIP Report Heroes remind us one person's commitment, passion, and courage can have a huge impact," said Secretary Clinton prior to honoring Mr. Haugen of IJM as a 2012 TIP Report Hero. "The U.S. is not alone in this fight and it is a high priority for President Obama and the administration."

Prior to the TIP Report release, IJM presented a letter today to White House officials signed by over 73,000 concerned Americans who support a strong anti-slavery policy. While the U.S. has long been a global leader in the fight against modern-day slavery, this letter is part of IJM's broader efforts to build bipartisan support in the U.S. to confront slavery and trafficking at home and abroad by calling on the President to initiate anti-slavery policies.   

Mr. Haugen's vision has reset the global landscape of human rights advocacy and is empowering a new generation of activists in the U.S. and around the world to help local governments transform justice systems to protect the poor from violence. This powerful model is working—independent evaluation has demonstrated that after four years of IJM partnership with local law enforcement in Cebu, the Philippines, the availability of minors available for sex decreased by 79 percent. 

Before founding IJM, Mr. Haugen served as a trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division, where he directed investigations into police misconduct, and served as Officer in Charge of the UN investigation in the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide. Under Mr. Haugen's leadership, IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work in 15 communities in developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America with local officials to secure immediate victim rescue and aftercare, to prosecute perpetrators and to ensure that public justice systems - police, courts and laws - effectively protect the poor. In addition to IJM's work against modern-day slavery, the organization is bringing its innovative model to address sexual violence, property seizure, illegal detention, and police brutality.

To learn more about IJM's president and CEO, Gary Haugen, visit www.ijm.org/staff/gary-haugen.

To learn more about IJM's efforts to combat human trafficking, visit www.ijm.org.

About International Justice Mission

International Justice Mission is a human rights agency that brings rescue to victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work in 15 communities in developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America with local officials to secure immediate victim rescue and aftercare, to prosecute perpetrators and to ensure that public justice systems - police, courts and laws - effectively protect the poor.          

CONTACT: Lacey Hanson
[email protected] 703-465-5495

SOURCE International Justice Mission