Understanding the Role of International Organization for Migration (IOM)

International Organization for Migration (IOM)

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration. Established in 1951, it became a related organization of the United Nations (UN) system in 2016. IOM works with governments and migrants worldwide to address the complex challenges and opportunities of migration.

Mandate

IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. Its objectives include:

• Ensuring the humane and orderly management of migration.
• Promoting international cooperation on migration issues.
• Assisting in finding practical solutions to migration challenges.
• Providing humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

Areas of Work

IOM’s work spans four main areas of migration management:

• Migration and development
• Facilitating migration
• Regulating migration
• Forced migration

Activities

IOM’s activities cut across these thematic areas and include:

• Promoting international migration law and policy dialogue.
• Protecting migrants’ rights and welfare.
• Enhancing migration health initiatives.
• Addressing the gender dimension of migration.

Membership and Headquarters

• Membership: As of 2024, IOM has 175 member states and 8 observer states.
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

Historical Context

IOM was founded in 1951 to manage the large-scale displacement following the Second World War. Initially, its focus was on providing logistical support for the transportation and resettlement of displaced persons.

Relationship with the United Nations

IOM works closely with UN agencies such as the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees). It officially became a related organization within the UN system in 2016 and also coordinates the UN Network on Migration.

Conclusion

IOM plays a vital global role in addressing migration challenges, supporting both governments and migrants through policy, humanitarian, and development-focused initiatives.