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 (2024)	175 member states and 8 observer states
Official languages	English, French and Spanish
Director General	Amy E. Pope
Budget	US$2.5 billion (2021)
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, often called migrants. This includes people who have had to leave their homes, like refugees, or those who move for work.

The IOM helps these people in many ways. They provide support and programs to make sure migrants are safe and treated fairly. The main office of the IOM is in Geneva, Switzerland. The current leader of the IOM is Amy E. Pope.

How the IOM Started

Early Years and Name Changes (1951-1989)

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) began in 1951. It was created after World War II, when many people in Europe had lost their homes. They needed help moving to new places.

At first, the IOM mainly helped with transportation. In the 1950s, it helped almost one million people move. Over the years, the IOM changed its name a few times. It started as the Provisional Intergovernmental Committee for the Movement of Migrants from Europe (PICMME). Then it became the Intergovernmental Committee for European Migration (ICEM). Later, it was called the Intergovernmental Committee for Migration (ICM). Finally, in 1989, it became the International Organization for Migration (IOM). These name changes show how the organization grew to help migrants all over the world.

Joining the United Nations and Modern Work (1990-Today)

In 1992, the IOM became an observer at the United Nations General Assembly. This meant they could attend meetings and share their ideas. In 2016, the IOM officially became a group connected to the UN. This made their work even stronger and helped them better support migrants and countries.

The IOM also helped create the Global Compact for Migration. This is an important agreement made in 2018. It helps countries work together to manage migration in a safe and fair way. The IOM helps lead a group called the UN Network on Migration. This group includes other important organizations like UNHCR and the WFP.

The IOM has helped people during many big events. This includes natural disasters like the Asian tsunami and the 2010 Haiti earthquake. They also help during crises like the European migrant crisis. The IOM believes that helping people move in an organized and kind way is good for both migrants and society.

How the IOM Works

Organization and Offices

International Organization for Migration headquarters in Geneva

The main office of the IOM is in Geneva, Switzerland. They also have offices in New York City and Addis Ababa. A special center for looking at migration data, called GMDAC, is in Berlin. In 2020, the IOM had over 15,311 staff members from 168 different countries.

The most important group that makes decisions for the IOM is called the Council. All member countries are part of this Council. They meet regularly to decide on the yearly budget and what the organization will focus on. The official languages used by the IOM are English, French, and Spanish. In 2020, the IOM's budget was about two billion US dollars. This money comes from countries that choose to donate and other contributions.

Director General

The Director General is the main leader of the IOM. They are chosen by the member countries for a five-year term. The current Director General is Amy Pope from the United States. Ugochi Daniels from Nigeria is one of the Deputy Directors General.

What the IOM Does

The IOM's main goal is to help migrants around the world. This includes people who move for work, those who are forced to leave their homes, and people who are displaced within their own country. The IOM works closely with the UNHCR because their goals are similar.

For example, the IOM helps coordinate efforts for people affected by the situation in Venezuela. They work with UNHCR and 17 countries in South and Central America and the Caribbean.

The IOM is a key organization in providing humanitarian aid within the UN system. They are especially important when people are forced to move. The IOM helps by providing:

• Shelter and safe places to stay.
• Protection for vulnerable people.
• Basic medical care and sanitation.
• Ways to keep people safe.
• Help with communication and getting supplies where they are needed.

When there are big emergencies, the IOM often works with UNHCR to manage camps for displaced people. The organization also helps with rebuilding communities and promoting peace in areas affected by migration.

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  People who lost their homes get help after an earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

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  A US official visits an IOM mission in Obock, Djibouti.

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  Helping people after a tsunami in Banda Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia.

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  Trees knocked down by Typhoon Haiyan are used to rebuild homes in the Philippines.

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  In Zaatari, Jordan, the IOM helps refugees with health care and education.

Countries Working with IOM

Member states of the IOM:
 member
 observer
 non-members

As of 2023, the International Organization for Migration has 175 countries that are full members. There are also 8 countries that are observer states, meaning they watch and participate in some ways.

Observer States:

Learn More

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