The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is an intergovernmental organization that was established in 1951 with the purpose of providing services and assistance to migrants. Over the years, the organization has grown and evolved to address the complex and multifaceted challenges of migration. However, in light of the growing global nature of migration and the increasing need for a coordinated and harmonized response, there is a growing argument to transform the IOM into a World Migration Organization (WMO).
One of the main reasons for this transformation is that the scale and complexity of migration challenges have increased significantly in recent years. The number of migrants worldwide has grown dramatically and migration has become a global phenomenon that affects countries and regions in different ways. This calls for a more comprehensive and coordinated response at the global level, and a WMO would be able to provide this.
Another reason is that the IOM has gained valuable experience and expertise in migration management over the years. This knowledge and expertise should be shared and utilized more effectively at the global level. A global organization like WMO would be able to provide a unified voice on migration issues and would be able to engage in dialogue and cooperation with other organizations and governments on migration issues. This would help to ensure that migration policies are developed and implemented in a coordinated and harmonized manner, globally.
Additionally, the IOM has a strong commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of migrants. As a global organization, WMO would be able to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of migrants on the global stage, which would be more effective in promoting and protecting the rights of migrants.
A global organization like WMO would also increase the organisation’s capacity to respond to migration crises and emergencies, by providing the neceassary means to mobilize resources and coordinate its efforts with other organizations and governments.
In conclusion, the transformation of the International Organization for Migration into a World Migration Organization would enable the organization to more effectively address the complex and multifaceted challenges of migration and promote and protect the rights of migrants on a global scale. This will require a lot of political will, but as the world is increasingly becoming interconnected, it’s important to have a global organization which will be able to provide a coordinated and harmonized response to the migration challenges.
Vugar Ibrahimov
PhD Candidate in Law
Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg
References
- Kluth, W., Jack, N. (2023). UNHCR and IOM as Actors of Global Migration Management. In: Cremades, J., Hermida, C. (eds) Encyclopedia of Contemporary Constitutionalism. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31739-7_209-1
- International Organization for Migration (IOM) Website, https://www.iom.int/
- Global Migration Trends, United Nations, https://www.un.org/en/global-issues/migration
- Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, United Nations, https://www.iom.int/global-compact-migration
