IJM Legal Fellowship

I have had a lot of questions about the work that I do here at IJM Cambodia, so I thought I would take the time to discuss the office in a bit more detail as well as my day-to-day duties.  There is a lot that I can't talk about or share with you even though I could go on-and-on about the MANY frustrations we face daily and praise the incredible people in my office and some of the national officials who are doing incredible, country-changing work.  So here it goes.  Please feel free to email me with questions or comment below if you want more resources, information or have other questions.  I love talking about IJM!  

So first, IJM is a human rights organization working to protect the poor from violence by partnering with local authorities to (1) rescue victims, (2) bring criminals to justice, (3) restore survivors, and (4) strengthen public justice systems.  We do what's called collaborative casework which means that we partner will different entities of the public justice system to actually run cases through the system.  We are hoping for positive outcomes that deter criminals and bring justice to our clients, but we are also looking for gaps in the system that require more long-term advocacy and work.  Are there laws not being enforced?  Is there corruption in the system that prevents it from performing effectively?  Do the police or court officials need some type of special, technical training to increase their professional skill level?  These are the kinds of things we look for when we do casework.  IJM's long term goal is to create systemic change that will prevent the abuse from happening in the first place.  I love the fact that IJM invests, mentors and partners with the Cambodian government.  Specifically, IJM partners with the Cambodian National Police's Anti-Human Trafficking and Juvenile Protection Police Unit, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), and the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth (MoSAVY) to combat commercial sexual exploitation of children in Cambodia.  IJM Cambodia has been working in Cambodia since 2003, and since that time, the organization has seen a significant decline in the prevalence of young minors available for sex in commercial sex establishments.  According to their research, IJM has found that the prevalence has gone from 30% down to less than 1% (again, this is young minors).      

In our office, we have about 20-something national staff (who are literally some of the most amazing people you will ever meet), and anywhere between 7-9 international interns and fellows, and together we make up our finance, communication, administrative, and casework teams.  I do casework and actually manage the entire casework system.  In our office, there are three casework teams (meaning teams that work directly with clients at some point).  First, we have investigations which does exactly what you'd think they do, they go out and do the groundwork.  They find potential cases and conduct or assist police with operations to rescue girls and arrest the criminals.  They are the first leg of the system.  Coming in at second, we have the legal department.  Legal is responsible for both the civil side of the case (asking for civil compensation on behalf of our client/the victim) and supporting and providing technical and expert support to the prosecutor/criminal component of the case.  The criminal and civil cases happen at the same time which is very different from the US legal system where criminal and civil cases happen separately and at different times.  Lastly, our aftercare team supports our clients throughout their recovery process in shelters and vocational training programs as well as helps our team prepare and support them during the legal process.  They also do months of follow-up after the legal process is long over.  The professionals that I worked with in Cambodia are so hardworking, kind, and passionate.  I feel so, so blessed to work alongside them for this short year.

My department is pretty fantastic too.  There are 4 of us in total: Daden (legal officer), Socheata (legal assistant), Saroeun (Director of Legal/attorney), and me.  Each of them bring unique talents and skillsets to the work we do every day.  I have learned a ton working alongside them.  We also have a lot of fun; they always keep me laughing.  The girls are always giving me hugs and leaving treats on my desk.  They have become my family, and I can't even start to think about how much I will miss them when my time here is up.  I have included some pictures of them from our Christmas party and staff retreat in December, please enjoy!

Sorry this is blurry, stupid iPhone.  Socheata (pictured left) and Daden, my two right-hand Legal Dept. ladies. 

The IJM Cambodia Legal Department. Stellar looking group, huh? 

I know a lot of people think my job is terribly exciting, but day-to-day is actually pretty normal. I'm not busting into brothels or sitting in exciting trials everyday (in fact, I've never busted into a brothel...so sorry to disappoint). I arrive at the office around 8ish, sit down to go through emails, generally make a list of things I need to accomplish that day, and settle into quiet time.  We have 30 minutes of quiet time each day to center ourselves, pray, and spend time with God.  I have been working on reading through the She Reads Truth 365 Bible plan which means I'm attempting to read through the entire Bible this year which would be a pretty incredible personal accomplishment.  Anyways, after quiet time, I continue with emails and work on any special projects that I am working on at the moment.  I email casework teams, update my tracking spreadsheet, and discuss any challenges that are slowing down our cases. I read a lot of research and write memos on specific issues.  At 11:30, our entire office meets in the conference room for Staff Prayer.  This time is so special and has become one of my favorite parts of the day.  Someone leads a devotional and then prayer requests are offered.  These requests say so much about the people who make up this office; there are requests for clients, perpetrators, the upcoming trials, national leaders, the people suffering with Ebola, the attacks in Paris, the families of the Air Asia flight...their hearts are so full of love and compassion for both those that suffer in Cambodia and around the world.  The afternoon usually consists of more emails and projects.  I also attend a lot of meetings.  These meetings are with partner organizations, people interested in IJMs work, students from international universities and law schools, and government officials.  I've even gotten to attend some high-level meetings with the Cambodian National Committee, a variety of secretaries and ministers (public officials, not like church ministers), and the US Embassy and members of the FBI.  Pretty cool, huh?  I love it.  It is definitely challenging and frustrating at times, but I am so thankful to be working for an organization that fights trafficking, something I'm deeply passionate about eradicating.

Sorry to not be able to discuss any casework specifically, but know that the stories are sad, but unbelievably inspiring! Again, let me know if you'd like more info on IJM or have any questions about my work.  I'd be happy to answer them in future posts or in a private email!