International Organization for Migration

US Navy 100224-N-6278K-173 International Organization for Migration volunteers pass out shelter packages for earthquake survivors, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Deputy Secretary Blinken is Given a Tour of the IOM Facility in Obock, Djibouti (24643556610)

US Navy (USN) SENIOR CHIEF Aviation Structural Mechanic (AMCS) Ray Adams (right), Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 11 (HC-11), and an International Organization for Migration (IOM - DPLA - d38d4735323c66802aec26019bb993d5

Turning palm trees felled by Typhoon Haiyan into timber for reconstruction (13957580749)

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Zaatari Refugee Camp, Jordan by Planet Labs

International Organization for Migration (IOM) is an intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants, including internally displaced persons, refugees, and migrant workers. Founded in 1951 as the Intergovernmental Committee for European Migration (ICEM) to help resettle people displaced by World War II, the IOM has since expanded its scope to deal with all aspects of migration management.

History

The IOM was established in the wake of World War II, initially to facilitate the resettlement of European displaced persons, refugees, and migrants. Over the decades, its mandate has broadened to include a wide range of migration management activities. In 1989, the organization changed its name to the International Organization for Migration to reflect its growing global role. The IOM became a related organization of the United Nations in 2016, further solidifying its position as a key player in international migration issues.

Mission and Activities

The IOM's mission is to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants. Its activities include the promotion of international cooperation on migration issues, assistance in the search for practical solutions to migration problems, and providing humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced people.

The organization's work encompasses a range of migration management tasks, including but not limited to:

• Emergency response
• Migration health
• Counter-trafficking
• Migration and development
• Labour migration
• Integration
• Voluntary return and reintegration

Structure

The IOM is made up of Member States and operates worldwide. Its governing bodies include the Council and the Executive Committee. The Council is the highest authority and meets annually to determine policies, approve the budget, and review the work of the organization. The Executive Committee is responsible for approving projects and the admission of new members, among other duties. The Director General, elected by the Council, is the head of the organization and is responsible for its overall management.

Membership

As of the last update, the IOM has 173 Member States and 8 observer states. Membership is open to states that uphold the principle of voluntary migration and are committed to providing humane treatment to migrants.

Challenges and Criticisms

The IOM faces numerous challenges, including the increasing scale of migration, the complexity of migration issues, and the need for cooperation among member states. Criticisms of the IOM include concerns over its role in managing migration control for wealthy countries and the potential for compromising the rights of migrants.

Conclusion

The International Organization for Migration plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by migration. Through its work, the IOM contributes to ensuring that migration is safe, orderly, and beneficial for all involved.