The International Justice Mission (IJM) Country Director, Anita Budu, has acknowledged that her organization has learned valuable lessons from the mistakes made during a recent rescue Operation.
The operation, which took place in the Northern region of Ghana, has come under scrutiny after a recent BBC documentary revealed that it may have been a cover-up for child trafficking activities.
In the documentary, a girl stated that she was taken from her family at gunpoint. However, Madam Budu explained that while the operation did not go exactly as planned, IJM is committed to learning and improving for future operations. She emphasized the importance of building good relationships with government partners and continuously seeking growth and improvement.
Regarding the allegations of wrongdoing in the operation, Madam Budu maintained that IJM followed due process and that the negative narratives may stem from emotional reactions. She stated, “We had no wrongdoing in terms of the processes and steps.”
However, Madam Budu acknowledged that there are factual and material inaccuracies in the BBC documentary, and she contended that the situations covered are more nuanced than presented. She emphasized that IJM's work aligns with Ghana's Children's Act and Human Trafficking Act and aims to support and strengthen the public justice system.
IJM has more questions to answer
Bright Appiah, the Executive Director of Child Rights International, has raised concerns about the methods used by the International Justice Mission (IJM) in rescuing children from abuse. The concerns arise from a Bbc Africa Eye investigation that alleged IJM wrongfully removed children from their homes.
Mr. Appiah highlighted the importance of following due process, observing professional standards, and prioritizing the best interest of the child in such operations. He stressed the need for answers to these questions to determine whether IJM acted professionally.
Mr. Appiah emphasized that the interests of children should always be held in high esteem and decisions should be made based on what best serves the child. He expressed uncertainty about whether IJM followed the recommendations made in the social welfare inquiry, citing the Country Director's response as inconclusive. Mr. Appiah advised IJM to adhere to laid-down processes to ensure the reduction of child abuse.
Factual and material inaccuracies
Anita Budu, the Country Director of the International Justice Mission (IJM), has accused BBC's Africa Eye of publishing factual and material inaccuracies in their documentary about IJM's alleged involvement in a kidnapping scandal.
She defended IJM's approach to child trafficking and exploitation, stating that their main goal is to support and strengthen the public justice system. Ms. Budu emphasized that IJM's work aligns with Ghana's Children's Act and Human Trafficking Act and refuted the impression created by the documentary that IJM is solely target-driven at the expense of children and poor families.
Ms. Budu explained that IJM is not directly responsible for rescue missions but works in conjunction with Ghanaian authorities. The organization reports suspected cases of child trafficking to the police for investigation and subsequent rescue missions if evidence is found.
She clarified that IJM does not conduct independent investigations but ensures the accuracy of information provided to the police. Ms. Budu reported all uncertainties concerning the situation to the police and emphasized transparency in their operations.
IJM has described the allegations against aspects of its operations in Ghana as “incredibly concerning” and characterized the documentary's claims as having “material inaccuracies.” The BBC Africa Eye documentary alleged that IJM wrongfully removed children from their families and prosecuted their relatives as child traffickers. It also raised questions about the aggressive tactics used and a target-driven culture within IJM.
In response, IJM defended the comments made by their staff captured in the documentary, stating that they were taken out of context. Anita Budu, the Country Director, clarified that while targets are set for measuring productivity, the focus remains on the passion to rescue trafficked children. She denied firing or refusing to increase salaries for employees who fail to meet targets.
The recent BBC documentary has raised important concerns and led to a broader discussion on the methods, adherence to due process, and the best interest of the child in rescue operations. IJM and other relevant stakeholders will need to address these concerns and work towards ensuring child protection while upholding transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights.
