International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Organisation Internationale pour les Migrations

Organización Internacional para las Migraciónes (OIM)

Established: On December 5, 1951, in Brussels, Belgium, as a provisional movement to facilitate migration from Europe; formal constitution effective November 30, 1954; present name adopted in November 1989.

Purpose: To advance understanding of the causes and effects of migration; to collect, analyze, and disseminate information on migrant rights and welfare; to provide a forum for discussion of practical solutions to migration issues; to assist states in managing migration through resettlement, immigration, and the return and reintegration of migrants, refugees, displaced persons, and former combatants.

Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

Principal Organs: Council (all members and observer states), Executive Committee (33 members), Director General’s Office.

Web site: www.iom.int

Director General: William Lacey Swing (United States).

Membership (146): Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua ...