Gary A. Haugen

Gary A. Haugen is the founder and CEO of International Justice Mission (IJM), a leading global organization dedicated to the protection of the poor from violence. Under his leadership, IJM has become one of the most influential human rights organizations in the world, working to rescue victims of human trafficking, forced labor, sexual violence, and other forms of abuse. Haugen's work has been instrumental in bringing international attention to issues of injustice and advocating for systemic change to protect vulnerable populations.

Gary Haugen’s career in human rights began in the early 1990s, when he served as a senior official with the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. His experience in Rwanda, witnessing firsthand the devastating impact of injustice and the aftermath of the 1994 genocide, deeply shaped his vision for the work of IJM. Haugen’s commitment to fighting injustice is rooted in his Christian faith, and he has been a tireless advocate for integrating justice and mercy in efforts to combat poverty and violence.

He is the author of several books, including The Locust Effect: Why the End of Poverty Requires the End of Violence, Good News About Injustice, and Just Courage: God’s Great Expedition for the Restless Christian. In these works, Haugen explores the intersection of justice, faith, and global poverty, urging Christians to take action in the fight against injustice.

Gary and his wife, Kathy, have three children. Together, they are committed to a life of service and advocacy, focused on bringing hope to those who are oppressed. Through his leadership, Gary A. Haugen has made an enduring impact on global efforts to secure justice for the poor, transforming the lives of countless individuals in the process.