IOM Becomes a Related Organization to the UN

Member States of the United Nations (UN), through the General Assembly, unanimously adopted a resolution which makes the International Organization for Migration (IOM) a Related Organization of the UN.
 

The Agreement outlines a closer relationship between IOM and the UN to strengthen the cooperation and enhance their ability to fulfill their respective mandates in the interest of migrants and Member States. Through the Agreement the UN recognizes IOM as an indispensable actor in the field of human mobility. This includes protection of migrants and displaced people in migration-affected communities, as well as in areas of refugee resettlement and voluntary returns, and incorporates migration in country development plans.
 

“IOM has worked closely with the UN since our foundation at both operational and policy levels. IOM Member States recognize IOM as the global lead agency on migration …” said IOM’s Director General DG Swing.

“We are living in a time of much tragedy and uncertainty. This Agreement shows Member States’ commitment to more humane and orderly migration that benefits all, where we celebrate the human beings behind the numbers. This is an historic day, not only for IOM and the UN, but for migrants and their families across the globe. I look forward to 19 September when Secretary-General Ban-Ki Moon and I will sign this Agreement into reality.”   
 

IOM, which assisted an estimated 20 million migrants in 2015, is an intergovernmental organization with over 9,500 staff and 450 offices worldwide. Founded in the wake of the Second World War to resettle refugees from Europe, IOM celebrates its 65th anniversary in December of this year.


In 2013 Youmanity delivered Migration, Stories of a Journey photography award under the patronage of IOM.