The International Organization for Migration (IOM) launched for the first time on Monday an appeal for funding, for $7.9 billion, to face the ever-increasing challenges of population displacement.
“Irregular and forced migration has reached unprecedented levels and the challenges we face are increasingly complex,” underlined the head of the IOM, Amy Pope, to justify this request for funds for 2024 in a context difficult financial situation for all humanitarian organizations, faced with the multiplicity of serious humanitarian crises.
“It is indisputable that migration, when well managed, contributes greatly to global prosperity and progress,” says Ms. Pope, while it is often seen as a threat in many countries and is at the heart of political confrontations. on the eve of important electoral deadlines, in Europe and the United States for example.
“We are at a critical moment and we have designed this appeal to help deliver on that promise. We can and must do better,” insists Ms. Pope, the first woman to lead the organization, since October 2023.
Full funding would enable IOM to care for nearly 140 million people, including internally displaced people and the local communities that host them, an IOM statement said.
Development
“Importantly, it would also expand IOM’s development work, which would help prevent further displacement,” the document adds. This is one of the strategic areas of intervention of the general director, who also wants to mobilize the private sector, which in Western countries often cannot find the workforce and relies on immigrants.
The IOM appeal has several components, including US$3.4 billion “to save lives and protect people on the move”.
The Organization estimates the needs at 2.7 billion to “work on solutions to displacement, including reducing the risks and impacts of climate change” and 1.6 billion to facilitate regular migration routes.
Finally, the institution wants to devote $163 million for work aimed at transforming the IOM “in order to provide services in a better and more efficient way.” »
IOM promises to focus on initiatives and programs focused on strengthening climate adaptation, protecting human rights, labor market needs and supporting governments in their migration management.
60,000 dead and missing
IOM’s Missing Migrants Project shows that at least 60,000 people have died or disappeared over the past nine years during their journey. For the IOM, “fragmented and underfunded assistance” comes at a higher cost not only in terms of money, but also in danger for migrants who find themselves at the mercy of traffickers and other smugglers.
“Investing in quality, consistent and flexible funding will streamline and optimize IOM’s response to displacement crises,” argues IOM.
Like many other NGOs and UN agencies, IOM advocates for resources that allow problems to be tackled over time rather than in an emergency, which costs more.
“Migration is a cornerstone of development and global prosperity,” insists the organization, which estimates that the 281 million international migrants generate 9.4% of global GDP.
“Well-managed migration has the potential to advance development outcomes, contribute to adaptation to climate change and promote a safer, more peaceful, sustainable, prosperous and equitable future,” insists IOM.