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EP07CoordinationIntergovernmental OrganisationsInternational Organization for Migration (IOM)History and experience In 1951 an International Migration Conference was convened inBrussels, resulting in the creation of the Provisional Intergovernmental Committee for theMovements of Migrants from Europe (PICMME) which subsequently became the IntergovernmentalCommittee for European Migration (ICEM). ICEM became the International Organization forMigration (IOM) upon the amendment and ratification of the 1953 Constitution.Resources In 1993, the UN General Assembly gave IOM the right to draw on the resourcesavailable in the Central Emergency Revolving Fund (CERF). It is the only non-UN organisationauthorized to do so. Financing is through contributions from Member States according to a scale ofassessment. In addition, IOM has an operational budget that is based on voluntary contributionsfrom governments and multilateral donors.Location and coverage IOM maintained 19 country offices, 100 country missions in 2000. Theirheadquarters are located in Geneva.Emergency unit or branch The IOM Emergency and Post-Conflict Division (EPC) coordinates orassists IOM’s response to migration emergencies, such as population displacement, and large-scaleevacuations and returns. It initiates contingency planning for IOM and early intervention action bysupporting Field Missions in addressing emergency situations. EPC is responsible for preparing andcoordinating the rapid deployment of staff and resources in emergencies.Basic mandate or mission As stated in its Constitution, IOM is mandated: (a) to makearrangements for the organized transfer of migrants, for whom existing facilities are inadequateor who would not otherwise be able to move without special assistance, to countries offeringopportunities for orderly migration; (b) to concern itself with the organized transfer of refugees,displaced persons and other individuals in need of international migration services for whomarrangements may be made between the Organization and the States concerned, including thoseStates undertaking to receive them.How they work In large-scale emergencies such as Afghanistan, East Timor and Kosovo, IOM canorganize charter flights, busses, and other transportation for the movement of large numbers ofpeople. After conflict, they can assist in the return and reintegration of both internally displacedpersons and demobilized combatants.When requested, IOM supports displaced populations through the provision of emergency reliefand short-term community and micro-enterprise development programmes.Coordination issues While not part of the United Nations system, IOM maintains close workingrelations with UN bodies and operational agencies and does participate in the UN-led CAP process.IOM has a wide range of national and international non-governmental organisations as partners.In emergencies, IOM covers a range of activities such as arranging transport, evacuations andreturns and providing health care and temporary shelter. IOM may work closely with UNHCR inthe reception, relocation and repatriation of refugees.Illustration of role — IOM in Afghanistan, 2001-2002 IOM was active in Afghanistan priorto the fall of the Taliban government, so was familiar with the country, and the difficulties ofoperating large programmes there. With the onset of winter 2001, IOM undertook a shelter“winterisation” and humanitarian assistance program in the North and West of the country. Most40