IDP. The Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Programme includes IDP relief, assessment and monitoring activities, as well as addressing the needs of IDPs and the communities in which they reside, through Community Assistance Projects (CAPs).

IOM is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society.

As the leading international organization for migration, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to:

• Assist in meeting the growing operational challenges of migration management,
• Advance understanding of migration issues,
• Encourage social and economic development through migration, and
  
• Uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants.

FACTS AND FIGURES

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What IOM does...

After half a century of worldwide operational experience, IOM has become the leading international organization working with migrants and governments to provide humane responses to migration challenges.

Established in 1951 as an intergovernmental organization to resettle European displaced persons, refugees and migrants, IOM has now grown to encompass a variety of migration management activities throughout the world.

With offices and operations on every continent, IOM helps governments and civil society through:

• rapid humanitarian responses to sudden migration flows,
• post-emergency return and reintegration programmes,
• assistance to migrants on their way to new homes and lives,
• facilitation of labour migration,
• assisted voluntary return for irregular migrants,
• recruitment of highly qualified nationals for return to their countries of origin,
• aid to migrants in distress,
• training and capacity-building of officials,
• measures to counter trafficking in persons,
• migration medical and public health programmes,
• mass information and education on migration,
• research related to migration management and other services for migrants.

While not part of the United Nations system, IOM maintains close working relations with UN bodies and operational agencies. IOM has as partners a wide range of international and non-governmental organizations.

"Migration will be one of the major policy concerns of the twenty-first century. In our shrinking world, more and more people will look to migration - temporary or permanent - as a path to employment, education, freedom or other opportunities. Governments will need to develop sound migration policies and practices. Properly managed, migration can contribute to prosperity, development and mutual understanding among people. IOM exists to help migrants with all their needs and to assist governments in managing migration for the good of all..."

"In reacting to conflicts and emergencies, speed and flexibility are essential if humanitarian needs are to be properly met. In the post-conflict rebuilding phase, IOM helps returnees restart their lives through a variety of individual and community programmes…"

"The human rights of migrants deserve greater attention. Trafficked migrants are routinely exploited, mistreated or even killed. Migrant workers often find themselves without protection or recourse, either from their own governments or in the country where they are working. IOM is dedicated to assisting migrants in distress."

Brunson McKinley
IOM Director General
May 2000