International Justice MissionIn a world where the poor have no voice and are often the victims of brutal violence and abuse, it is often the case that the difference between life and death – freedom and prison – justice and injustice – starkly depends upon whether or not someone can show up on their behalf.

International Justice Misison exists to protect people from violent forms of injustice by securing rescue and restoration for victims and accountability for perpetrators, ensuring that public justice systems work for the poor. Founded in 1997, IJM began operations after a group of human rights professionals, lawyers and public officials launched an extensive study of the injustices witnessed by overseas missionaries and relief and development workers. This study, surveying more than 65 organizations and representing 40,000 overseas workers, uncovered a nearly unanimous awareness of abuses of power by police and other authorities in the communities where they served. Without the resources or expertise to confront the abuse and to bring rescue to the victims, these overseas workers required the assistance of trained public justice professionals.

IJM have a four-fold purpose:

  • Victim Relief – Relieve the victim of the abuse currently being committed.
  • Perpetrator Accountability – Bring accountability and just consequences under the law to the specific perpetrator(s) of abuse.
  • Structural Prevention – Prevent the abuse from being committed against others who are also at risk by strengthening community factors that are likely to deter potential oppressors, reduce the vulnerability of at-risk populations and empower local authorities to stop such abuses.
  • Victim Aftercare – Provide access to services to help victims transition to their new lives and to encourage long-term success.

Find out more from International Justice Misison UK at www.ijmuk.org

Share|