Mission

Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. IOM is part of the United Nations system, as a related organization.

IOM supports migrants across the world, developing effective responses to the shifting dynamics of migration and, as such, is a key source of advice on migration policy and practice. The organization works in emergency situations, developing the resilience of all people on the move, and particularly those in situations of vulnerability, as well as building capacity within governments to manage all forms and impacts of mobility.

The Organization is guided by the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, including upholding human rights for all. Respect for the rights, dignity and well-being of migrants remains paramount.

The organization’s work is guided by several core frameworks. The 12-point strategy, adopted by IOM’s Council in 2007, outlines the core objectives of the Organization, and provides an effective description of the scope of IOM’s work. In 2015, IOM Member States endorsed the Migration Governance Framework (MiGOF), which sets out overarching objectives and principles which, if fulfilled and enacted, form the basis for an effective approach to migration governance.

In 2019, at the request of the Director General, a five-year Strategic Vision was elaborated to support the overall strategic planning and direction of IOM. This document represents the Organization’s reflection on its needs and priorities, based on a landscape assessment of what the next decade of mobility will bring, and how IOM as an organization needs to develop over the five-year period – from 2019 to 2023 – in order to meet new and emerging responsibilities.

For more information about the organization and its key activities and impact, please see the IOM Snapshot, which is regularly updated.