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“…Our destiny is connected to those beyond our shores.”

— President Barack Obama
State of the Union Address, January 27, 2010

Dear Supporter,

Today, we’re asking all IJM supporters to invest a few minutes to ensure the U.S. government makes the fight against human trafficking a priority.

As you watched President Obama’s first State of the Union address, no doubt you had many concerns on your mind and likely Haiti was among them.

Breakdown of rule of law across the country in the wake of the January 12 earthquake has left many Haitians, particularly the tens of thousands of children orphaned in the disaster, vulnerable to violent human rights abuses, including human trafficking. I hope you’ll take just a few minutes of your time to join IJM in asking the President to address the critical needs of some of the world’s most vulnerable people.

On Inauguration Day 2009, many of you answered the call to sign a letter to President Obama, asking him to make the eradication of slavery and trafficking a hallmark of his presidency. Since that time, President Obama has appointed committed diplomats and made a powerful statement by declaring January National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

I’d like to ask you once again to join IJM in calling on President Obama to protect children from trafficking and exploitation, in Haiti and around the world.

IJM has demonstrated in slavery-burdened countries like Cambodia and the Philippines that when local governments have the necessary political will, financial resources and training, it is possible to rescue and protect victims and put the criminals who prey on them behind bars. We need your help to ensure that the Obama Administration continues to provide the resources and diplomatic support to help foreign governments make more victories like these possible. Rebuilding Haiti’s police and courts must be a top priority.

Your voice makes a difference. Please sign your name to IJM’s letter to President Obama and forward this to others, urging them to do the same.

Thank you for all you do to protect children, women and men from violent injustice.

In partnership,
Eileen Campbell
Director of Justice Campaigns
International Justice Mission

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