Gary Haugen

Gary Alan Haugen, born on April 16, 1963, is an American attorney known for his work in human rights. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College in 1985 with a B.A. in social studies. Haugen later founded International Justice Mission (IJM) in 1999, an organization focused on protecting vulnerable populations from violence in developing countries. Before establishing IJM, he served as a human rights attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice.

At IJM, Haugen has led efforts to rescue victims of violence, bring perpetrators to justice, support survivors, and strengthen judicial systems. His work has involved addressing issues such as human trafficking and sexual exploitation. IJM collaborates with local authorities in various countries to achieve its mission. Haugen has also authored several books on topics related to human rights, justice systems, and the role of faith in addressing global violence, including “Good News About Injustice” and “The Locust Effect.”

Over his career, Haugen has been recognized for his contributions to human rights. He has spoken at institutions globally, including Harvard University, Yale Law School, and the World Economic Forum. In 2012, he received the Trafficking in Persons Report “Hero Award” from then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. His efforts through IJM have been featured in major media outlets, highlighting the organization’s impact on global justice and its approach to combating modern-day slavery.