Bolivia

IJM has a flexibility of response which it can bring to bear on the issues it deals with.

Concerned with safeguarding the rights of vulnerable members of Bolivia’s society, and  with protecting children and women from abuse and exploitation, Jamie McIntosh recently headed a team of seven to link with the newly opened IJM office in La Paz, Bolivia.

The team, all Christians, included an Ontario judge, a lawyer, a psychologist, a social worker and a private investigator.

IJM usually seeks first for responsive leaders in a given country, who want to ‘do the right thing.’

In Bolivia, they were able to have a private meeting with Miguel Vasquez (see opposite page), the General Commander of Bolivia’s National Police.

Vasquez warmly welcomed IJM to the country, and pledged full support of IJM Bolivia’s efforts to defend the rights of vulnerable members of Bolivian society.

CUTLINE  IJM Canada head Jamie McIntosh interacts with two Bolivian girls in El Alto. IJM has opened an office in La Paz, Bolivia, to protect children and women from abuse and exploitation.

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Philippines

One of the most isolating and fearful acts of injustice against its victims is the rape of young girls.

In the Philippines, IJM has worked to curb this destructive trend by standing with victims of rape and sexual abuse – to help bring healing, and to secure accountability for the perpetrators.

A Manila girl named Alina was 11 when she was raped by the local Chief of Police. Her rapist threatened to kill her if she told anyone.

IJM learned of Alina’s case in 2001, and stood beside her through three years of investigation, counselling, court dates and legal proceedings.

Though the rapist bribed Alina’s mother – who sided with the police and testified against her daughter – Alina stood her ground, telling the truth.

In February 2004, the Chief was arrested, and dismissed from his post.  

Alina told an IJM social worker: “From now on I’m very happy, because IJM helped me to be strong. I never thought that I [could] do it—that I’m here now, standing and strong.”

Alina is now a third year high school student and wants to study law, so she can help victims of abuse. Because of her renewed hope, she encourages other girls to never lose heart but to always persevere.  

Winter/Spring 2008