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International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Website:

www.iom.int/
Type:

United Nations (UN) Agency
Location:

17 Route des Morillons

Geneva, Switzerland
Formation:

1951
Director General:

Amy Pope
Budget (2022):

Revenue: $2.9857 billion

Expenses: $2.9228 billion

Assets: N/A 35

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International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the migration agency of the United Nations (UN). It serves as the coordinator and secretariat of the UN Network on Migration. 1

One of IOM’s primary goals is facilitating what it calls “regular migration.” 2 IOM works with its member states to establish regular migration pathways, notably between Central and South America and the United States. 2 IOM has received at least $1.4 billion from the U.S. government through 332 separate transactions. 3 It has received grants to support the U.S. government to provide temporary lodging at refugee camps, charter flights for refugees in the United States, collect biometrics for refugee applicants in Africa, 4 support for the Central American Unaccompanied Minors Parole Program, and others. 5

Former Senior Advisor on Migration to President Joe Biden Amy Pope is IOM’s director general. Pope has said it is IOM’s goal to “enable the choice to migrate.” 6 Pope was also the Deputy Homeland Security Advisor to President Barack Obama. 7 8

History and Leadership

International Organization for Migration (IOM) was founded by 18 countries in 1951 as the Provisional Intergovernmental Committee for the Movement of Migrants from Europe (PICMME). 9 IOM was initially chartered to identify resettlement countries for 11 million refugees displaced by World War II and arranged transport for approximately one million people in the 1950s. In 1952, PICMME became the Intergovernmental Committee for European Migration (ICEM) before becoming the Intergovernmental Committee for Migration (ICM) in 1980. In 1989, ICM changed its name to the International Organization for Migration. 10

In 2016, the United Nations (UN) unanimously adopted a resolution approving an agreement to make IOM a related organization of the UN. 11 As of March 2024, IOM has approximately 19,500 staff working in 171 countries. IOM also has 175 member states and 8 states holding observer status within the organization. 7 10

Amy Pope is the director general of the IOM. 12 Prior to becoming IOM Director General in October 2023, Pope was the Senior Advisor on Migration to President Joe Biden. She also worked as the Deputy Homeland Security Advisor to President Barack Obama. In her Biden administration role, Pope developed and implemented policies to address migration, refugee resettlement and climate-related issues. Pope also worked during the Obama administration at the Department of Justice and in the office of Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid (D-NV). 7 8

IOM is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. 13 It has a special liaison office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and a mission to the UN in New York City. 14

Activities and Funding

International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the United Nations (UN) migration agency. 1 It serves as the coordinator and secretariat of the UN Network on Migration. In this role, IOM seeks to enhance the ability of the UN system to support international migration. It also coordinates the implementation of the UN’s controversial Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM). 15 The Network on Migration was established in May 2018 (over opposition from the Trump administration 16) to create coordinated UN system-wide support for the implementation, follow-up, and review of the GCM. 15

One of IOM’s primary goals is facilitating what it calls “regular migration.” IOM works with its member states to establish regular migration pathways, notably between Central and South America and the United States. IOM affirms that climate change and migration are “intricately linked,” supports the left-of-center concept of climate-induced migration, and plays a major role in addressing these issues and advocates for policy at national and international levels promoting the inclusion of migration consideration in climate change policies. 2

IOM has four formal elements of its relationship with the UN, including its role as coordinator for the NOM. In 1992, IOM received UN General Assembly observer status. IOM also is included as a standing invitee in the UN’s Inter-Agency Standing Committee (ISAC), has a cooperation agreement with the UN, and maintains a permanent observer office in New York. 17 IOM supports the implementation of the left-of-center United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 18 and coordinates its efforts with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations World Food Program (WFP), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). 15 19

IOM seeks to manage migration in four broad areas: migration and development, facilitation of migration, regulating migration, and reducing forced migration. 20 In its 2024-2028 strategic plan, IOM called migration a “cornerstone of development” and a “part of the solution” for climate and digitization-related challenges. IOM also calls migration an “integral part” of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development that will support the SDGs. 2

IOM says that a changing climate is reshaping migration patterns across the globe. As a result, it is committed to supporting individuals it classifies as climate refugees and taking action to support those individuals. In 2022, 23 of IOM’s offices engaged on climate-related activities, including participation in and sponsorship of 55 side events in the UN’s Climate Change conference, COP27. IOM also stood up the International Migration Review Forum to support international migration governance. 21

Activities in the United States

International Organization for Migration works with its member states to establish regular migration pathways, notably between Central and South America and the United States. 2 IOM has supported Biden administration pro-migration policies and supports left-of-center refugee, migration, and immigration policy in the United States. 22 Former migration advisor to President Joe Biden and current IOM Director General Amy Pope has said it is IOM’s goal to “enable the choice to migrate.” 6

IOM has received at least $1.4 billion through 332 separate transactions from the U.S. government. 3 It has received grants from U.S. Agency for International Development, Department of State, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). 23 These grants from the U.S. government include $19 million to support 3,000 beneficiaries under the Family Reunification taskforce; 24 $938,000 for the Central American Unaccompanied Minors Parole Program in 2023; 5 and $537,58 for lodging at refugee camps, charter flights, and transportation in Africa for migrants and refugees. 25

IOM has received grants from the U.S. government to provide temporary lodging at refugee camps and charter flights for refugees in the United States. It has also received grants from the U.S. government to conduct biometrics collection for refugee applicants in Africa. IOM has conducted other projects in the U.S. in conjunction with the United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, Lutheran Immigrant and Refugee Services, World Relief Refugee Services, and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. 26

IOM maintains an office in Washington, D.C., to support IOM missions funded under grants and contracts from the U.S. government. Its Community Stabilization unit works closely with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for sub-grant management mechanisms. IOM’s U.S. office has received support from the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), USAID Office of Transition Initiatives, and the USAID Office of US Foreign Disaster Assistance. 27

IOM provides support to the United States Refugee Admissions Program, including migrant processing, health assessments, transportation, program administration, and travel loans programs, through its Department of Operations and Emergencies (DOE) and the Resettlement and Movement Division (RMM). 27

IOM offers interest-free travel loans to all refugees arriving in the United States. The organization also arranges for refugee travel within the United States using funds provided by the Department of State. Its interest free loans are issued in coordination with the left-of-center Church World Service; Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, Episcopal Migration Ministries (DFMS); Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS); and International Rescue Committee. 26

Policy Advocacy in the United States

In an official statement with the United Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR), International Organization for Migration’s global office supported the lifting of Title 42 entry restrictions at the U.S.-Mexico border. 28

In 2021, IOM supported Biden administration efforts to reinstitute the Central American Minors Parole Program 22 and submitted written consultation to the administration praising its Executive Order on Rebuilding and Enhancing Programs to Resettle Refugees and Planning for the Impact of Climate Change on Migration. 29

Development Fund

International Organization for Migration has run the IOM Development Fund since 2001. The fund has operated more than 1,000 projects in 125 countries, with a focus on strengthening countries’ migration management capabilities. Its projects often focus on counter-trafficking, labor migration, development, border management, and other issues. The IOM Development Fund has an annual budget of approximately $16.7 million. 30

Partners

International Organization for Migration operates USA for IOM to coordinate some of its nonprofit activities in the United States. 31

USA for IMO’s partners include the Americas Society, Citi, Citi Foundation, United Nations Climate Change, Harvard University Data Science Review, Concordia, the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, apparel maker Uniqlo, Benevity, the Shapiro Foundation, and Global Giving. 32 IOM has also partnered with American technology firm Meta (formerly known as Facebook) on other global projects. 33

Funding

International Organization for Migration (IOM) is funded by donations and grants from its member states. 34 In 2022, IOM reported combined revenue of $2.9857 billion and expenses of $2.9228 billion. 35 10

References

  1. “UN Migration agency seeks $7.9 billion to help people on the move and communities that host them.” Associated Press. January 22, 2024. Accessed April 1, 2024. https://apnews.com/article/iom-migration-amy-pope-funding-appeal-a2b9b6010d9d28b0ca3bf9398fc3debb.
  2. “IOM Strategic Plan 2024-2028.” IOM. January 8, 2024. Accessed March 29, 2024. https://publications.iom.int/books/iom-strategic-plan-2024-2028.
  3. “International Organization for Migration.” USA Spending.gov. Accessed March 302, 204. https://www.usaspending.gov/recipient/472c2dc8-009a-30c6-7578-72bf109e7057-C/all.
  4. “International Organization for Migration (IOM).” USASpending.gov. Accessed April 1, 2024. https://www.usaspending.gov/search/?hash=fbf238ab67951355a42fbb41e0e39863.
  5.  “Definitive Contract PIID 70SBUR23C00000008.” USA Spending Government Contract Database. May 1, 2023. Accessed March 30, 2024. https://www.usaspending.gov/award/CONT_AWD_70SBUR23C00000008_7003_-NONE-_-NONE-.
  6. “Amy Pope, new head of the IOM, wants to change the conversation about migrants.” NPR Interview. May 25, 2023. Accessed April 1, 2024. https://www.npr.org/2023/05/25/1178103153/amy-pope-new-head-of-the-iom-wants-to-change-the-conversation-about-migrants.
  7. “Biography: IOM Director General.” IOM UN Migration. Accessed March 28, 2024. https://www.iom.int/biography-iom-director-general.
  8. “Experience.” Amy Pope LinkedIn Profile. Accessed March 29, 2024. https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyepope/details/experience/.
  9. “Who We Are.” IOM UN Migration. Accessed March 28, 2024. https://www.iom.int/who-we-are.
  10. “IOM History.” International Organization for Migration. Accessed April 1, 2024. https://www.iom.int/iom-history#:~:text=The%20International%20Organization%20for%20Migration%20(IOM)%2C%20or%20as%20it,following%20the%20Second%20World%20War.
  11. “IOM Becomes a Related Organization to the UN.” IOM UN Migration. July 25, 2016. Accessed March 30, 2024. https://www.iom.int/news/iom-becomes-related-organization-un.
  12. “IOM Executive General.” IOM UN Migration. Accessed March 28, 2024. https://www.iom.int/iom-director-general.
  13. “IOM Organizational Structure.” IOM. Accessed March 29, 2024. https://www.iom.int/iom-organizational-structure.
  14. “Special Liaison Offices.” International Organization for Migration. Accessed April 1, 2024. https://www.iom.int/special-liaison-offices.
  15. “Intergovernmental Organizations.” International Organization for Migration. Accessed April 1, 2024. https://www.iom.int/intergovernmental-organizations#:~:text=Since%20the%20Organization%20joined%20the,(UNCTs)%20as%20official%20members.
  16. Deen, Thalif. “US Blast Migrant’s Compact – Even as 180+ Countries Embrace it.” Global Issues via United Nations Press Service. December 10, 2018. Accessed March 31, 2024. https://www.globalissues.org/news/2018/12/10/24779.
  17. “Intergovernmental Organizations.” IOM. Accessed March 29, 2024. https://www.iom.int/intergovernmental-organizations.
  18. “International Organization for Migration (IOM).” United Nations. Accessed March 30, 2024. https://sdgs.un.org/un-system-sdg-implementation/international-organization-migration-iom-44214.
  19. “GCM Development Process.” International Organization for Migration. Accessed March 30, 2024. https://www.iom.int/gcm-development-process.
  20. “Who We Are.” IOM. Accessed March 29, 2024. https://www.iom.int/who-we-are.
  21. “Annual Report 2022.’ International Organization for Migration. June 19, 2023.  Accessed March 28, 2024. https://publications.iom.int/books/annual-report-2022.
  22. “IOM Welcomes President Joe Biden’s Executive Actions on Migration.” IOM. February 4, 2021. Accessed April 1, 2024. https://rosanjose.iom.int/en/news/iom-welcomes-president-joe-bidens-executive-actions-migration-0.
  23.  “Spending by Prime Award.” USASpending.gov Spending Trackers. Accessed March 30, 2024. https://www.usaspending.gov/search/?hash=fbf238ab67951355a42fbb41e0e39863.
  24. “Government Contract PIID 70RDAD21C00000011.” USASpending.gov Government Spending Archive. Start Date August 13, 2021. Accessed March 30, 2024. https://www.usaspending.gov/award/CONT_AWD_70RDAD21C00000011_7012_-NONE-_-NONE-.
  25. “Definitive Contract PIID 70SBUR23C00000011.” USA Spending Government Spending Archive. July 7, 2023. Accessed March 30, 2024. https://www.usaspending.gov/award/CONT_AWD_70SBUR23C00000011_7003_-NONE-_-NONE-.
  26. “United States of America.” ION. Accessed March 29, 2024. https://www.iom.int/countries/united-states-america.
  27. “United States of America.” IOM. Accessed March 29, 2024. https://www.iom.int/countries/united-states-america.
  28. “The Americas at a Crossroads: IOM and UNHCR Call for a Collaborative Response to Refugees and Migrants.” IOM. May 12, 2023. Accessed March 29, 2024. https://www.iom.int/news/americas-crossroads-iom-and-unhcr-call-collaborative-response-refugees-and-migrants.
  29. “Written Consultation to the Biden Administration in Response to the Executive Order on Climate Change and Migration.” IOM. February 4, 2021. Accessed April 1, 2024. https://environmentalmigration.iom.int/sites/g/files/tmzbdl1411/files/MECC%20IOM%20Submission%20for%20Biden-Harris%20Administration%20_%2020%20May%202021.pdf.
  30. “IOM Development Fund.” International Organization for Migration. Accessed March 30, 2024. https://www.iom.int/iom-development-fund.
  31. “Home.” USA for IOM. Accessed April 1, 2024. https://usaforiom.org/.
  32. “Our Partners.” USA for IOM. March 30, 2024. https://usaforiom.org/.
  33. “Using Facebook Ads for Diaspora Engagement on Humanitarian Assistance In the Philippines.” IOM, META, and Build Safter Report. Accessed March 29, 2024. https://www.iom.int/sites/g/files/tmzbdl486/files/documents/2023-03/Case%20Study-formal_DRAFT.pdf.
  34. “Donate.” International Office for Migration. Accessed March 31, 2024. https://donate.iom.int/.
  35. “Abridged Annual Report for 2022.” International Organization for Migration. July 24, 2023. Accessed April 1, 2024. https://publications.iom.int/books/abridged-annual-report-2022.
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