Gary Haugen

Gary Haugen is a human rights attorney and founder of International Justice Mission, dedicated to combating violence and trafficking globally. After graduating magna cum laude from Harvard College in 1985 with a B.A. in social studies, Gary Haugen embarked on a distinguished career as a human rights attorney. He served with the U.S.

Department of Justice, applying his expertise to human rights issues before transitioning to a pivotal role in global justice. In 1999, Haugen founded International Justice Mission (IJM), a groundbreaking organization dedicated to protecting vulnerable populations from violence and combating human trafficking on a global scale. Under his leadership, IJM established a robust framework focused on intervention and systemic change in developing countries. As CEO, Haugen has driven IJM’s comprehensive efforts to rescue victims of violence, bring perpetrators to justice, and provide critical support for survivors.

In 2012, he was presented with the prestigious Trafficking in Persons Report ‘Hero Award’ by then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, acknowledging his exceptional leadership and efforts in the field. He has shared his expertise and insights at esteemed global institutions and forums, including Harvard University, Yale Law School, and the World Economic Forum, engaging diverse audiences on critical issues of justice, global violence, and the path to systemic change. An acclaimed author, Haugen has penned several influential books that delve into human rights, justice systems, and the intersection of faith and global violence. His notable titles include ‘Good News About Injustice’ and ‘The Locust Effect’, which have significantly contributed to the discourse on modern-day slavery and global justice.

His and IJM’s impactful work has been extensively featured across major media outlets, consistently highlighting the organization’s measurable impact on global justice and its pioneering approaches to combating human trafficking and violence worldwide.