Around the world, millions of people face injustice, discrimination, and exploitation daily. Yet, in the face of these challenges, organizations are rising to meet the call for equality and dignity. This spotlight celebrates the extraordinary efforts of four organizations that embody the fight for social justice, freedom, and human rights: International Justice Mission (IJM), Human Rights Watch, Humanity & Inclusion, and Refugees International.
From rescuing families from modern-day slavery to ensuring equity for people with disabilities, defending free speech to advocating for displaced populations, these organizations are creating ripples of hope and systemic change. Through their work, the vulnerable find a voice, the oppressed find freedom, and globally we move closer to a future rooted in human rights and dignity for all.
Read on to explore their inspiring success stories, which remind us that advocacy, compassion, and action can transform lives and pave the way for a just world.
International Justice Mission rescues child slaves
Instead of going to school, 10-year-old Rajeshwari went to work with her parents in a brick kiln after a lender took advantage of her family, breathing in thick dust as they made bricks day after day. They were only rarely permitted to exit the grounds one person at a time — a method used by kiln owners to ensure that families can never escape together.
After three long years, IJM became aware of the family’s situation, but the rescue would be difficult. Using her incredible memory, Rajeshwari drew a richly detailed map and sent it to the IJM rescue team. It was the family’s only shot at finding freedom safely. “It was amazing to see how precisely each tree she drew fit into the path to the site,” an IJM investigator on the case said. “She gave the team all the information they needed to get to the correct location and save the family.”
“Today, after rescue, my dreams are coming true one by one,” a now 16-year-old Rajeshwari shares joyfully. “I am happy I am back at school studying. I want to become a teacher and make sure every child in my community values education.”
Human Rights Watch fights for freedom
The government of Uzbekistan continues to place severe restrictions on religious freedom and freedom of speech – despite numerous promises of reform. In the last three years, Human Rights Watch has documented over a dozen cases in which Uzbek authorities brought criminal charges against people for storing or sharing content containing “religious extremist” ideas or that penalized their freedom of speech. Non-violent content including religious songs or social media posts have been treated as “materials threatening public safety and public order” and outspoken critical bloggers have increasingly been targeted with dubious criminal charges.
Human Rights Watch has been a leading voice urging authorities in Uzbekistan to cease its crackdown on free speech and religious freedom, particularly in the release of three Uzbek prisoners: Otabek Sattoriy, Fazilhoja Arifhojaev, and Jahongir Ulugmurodov. All three were unjustly detained and treated poorly in prison for engaging with social posts and media. Human Rights Watch helped to get each of them released.
Humanity & Inclusion ensures disability equity
Prabin was just 1 year old when his family was first referred to Humanity & Inclusion. He was the youngest child to ever receive an artificial limb at the Community Based Rehabilitation Center in Biratnagar, Humanity & Inclusion’s local partner. He visits the center regularly to for his device to be repaired or replaced. For growing children, new prostheses are needed routinely. Humanity & Inclusion’s support of kids like Prabin ensures he can play, learn, and grow equitably amongst his peers.
Prabin, 6, is full of energy and the life and soul of his classroom at school. He’s also the fastest runner and the highest jumper at playtime. These activities are made possible with support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Refugees International advocates for displaced populations
In 2020, the Refugees International launched the #CallitGenocide campaign, urging the U.S. government to make a determination that the crimes the Myanmar military committed against the Rohingya people in 2017 amounted to genocide. In March of 2022, the U.S. government made this important determination, bolstering international support and accountability and is a solid sign of commitment to justice for all the people who continue to face abuses by the military junta to this very day.
Refugees International also campaigned for the passage of the BURMA Act, which would enact steps to hold the Myanmar military accountable and get much-needed humanitarian aid to the region. Thanks in part to the charity’s advocacy, Congress included large parts of the BURMA Act in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2022 (NDAA). Also, the U.S. government announced a program Refugees International has called for to resettle at least 50,000 Rohingya from Bangladesh and elsewhere in the region in the coming year. This program should serve as a catalyst for further resettlement offers from the United States and other countries.
These stories are just a few examples of the ways that each charity accomplishes their missions. They are powerful reminders that global social justice is not just an ideal — it is an achievable goal when we commit to action. Organizations like International Justice Mission, Human Rights Watch, Humanity & Inclusion, and Refugees International prove that advocacy, intervention, and courage can change lives.
We can all contribute to a world where freedom, dignity, and opportunity are universal rights. Let these stories inspire you to speak out for those who cannot yet advocate for themselves. Together, we can be the change that breaks chains, uplifts voices, and empowers dreams. Learn more about social justice at Global Impact or give at work to support these organizations.
Thank you Human Rights Watch, Humanity & Inclusion, International Justice Mission, and Refugees International for providing content for this blog.
