International Organization for Migration facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
International Organization for Migration

Formation	6 December 1951; 73 years ago (1951-12-06)
Type	UN Related Organization
Headquarters	Geneva, Switzerland
Membership (2023)	175 member states and 8 observer states
Official languages	English, French and Spanish
Director General	Amy Pope
Revenue (2021)	US$2.5 billion
Staff (2021)	17,761

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a special group that works with the United Nations. Its main job is to help people who are moving from one place to another. This includes people who have had to leave their homes, like refugees, or people who move for work, called migrant workers.

The IOM has its main office in Geneva, Switzerland. The person in charge is called the Director General, and her name is Amy Pope.

How IOM Started and Grew

Helping People After World War II

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was created in 1951. This was after World War II, when many people in Europe had lost their homes. They were called displaced persons or war refugees.

At first, IOM helped almost a million people move to new places in the 1950s. Over the years, its name changed a few times. It started as a committee for European migrants. Then it became a committee for migration. Finally, in 1989, it became the International Organization for Migration. This shows how its work grew to help people all over the world.

Working with the United Nations Today

In 1992, IOM started working closely with the United Nations. In 2016, it officially became a partner organization of the UN. This made their teamwork even stronger. It helps IOM do its job better for migrants and member countries.

IOM also helped create the Global Compact for Migration. This is an important agreement made in 2018. It helps countries work together on international migration. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, set up a special group called the UN Network on Migration. IOM helps lead this group. Other groups like UNHCR and WFP are part of it too.

IOM has helped people during many big events. These include the Kosovo War in 1999, the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, and the 2010 Haiti earthquake. IOM believes that helping people move in a safe and organized way is good for everyone.

How IOM is Set Up

Where IOM Works

IOM's main office is in Geneva, Switzerland. It also has offices in New York City and Addis Ababa. There's a special center in Berlin that looks at information about migration.

In 2020, IOM had over 15,000 staff members. These staff came from 168 different countries. The most important group at IOM is the Council. All member countries are part of this Council. They meet regularly to decide on the budget and what IOM will do. IOM's official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

Who Leads IOM

The Director General is the main leader of IOM. They are chosen by the member countries for a five-year term. The current Director General is Amy Pope from the United States. She has two Deputy Directors General who help her.

What IOM Does

IOM's main job is to help people who are moving. This includes migrant workers, refugees, and people who are displaced inside their own country. Because IOM helps with so many different situations, it can be very flexible during emergencies.

IOM often works with the UNHCR. For example, they work together to help people from Venezuela. They work with 17 countries in South and Central America and the Caribbean.

The UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs says IOM is a key helper in humanitarian aid. Especially when people are forced to leave their homes. IOM provides things like:

• Shelter (places to live)
• Protection
• Basic medical care
• Clean water and sanitation
• Safety measures
• Help with communication and supplies

When there's a big emergency, IOM and UNHCR often work together. They help manage camps for displaced people. IOM also helps countries rebuild and create peace. This is all part of helping people move safely and with dignity.

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  Internally displaced people receive humanitarian aid after an earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

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  US Secretary of State Blinken during an IOM mission in Obock, Djibouti.

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  Evacuation after a tsunami in Banda Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia.

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  Trees uprooted by Typhoon Haiyan are used for reconstruction aid in the Philippines.

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  In Zaatari, Jordan, IOM supports the medical care and education of refugees.

Countries Working with IOM

Member states of the IOM:
 member
 observer
 non-members

As of 2023, IOM has 175 member countries. It also has 8 observer countries.

• Member States:

• Observer States:

• Non-Member States:

See also

• Global Compact for Migration
• Mohamed Muktar Jama Farah, a famous runner and IOM Goodwill Ambassador
• United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)