International Organization for Migration

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners.

With 125 member states, a further 18 states holding observer status and offices in over 100 countries, IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM works to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration, to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced people.

The IOM Constitution recognizes the link between migration and economic, social and cultural development, as well as to the right of freedom of movement.

IOM works in the four broad areas of migration management:

• Migration and development
• Facilitating migration
• Regulating migration
• Forced migration.

IOM activities that cut across these areas include the promotion of international migration law, policy debate and guidance, protection of migrants' rights, migration health and the gender dimension of migration.

IOM INDONESIA

IOM operations in Indonesia began with the processing of Vietnamese migrants in Tanjung Pinang Riau, in 1979. These efforts were immediately followed by another major operation providing for the care, maintenance and assisted voluntary return of internally displace East Timorese.

IOM’s relationship with the Government of Indonesia extends back to 1991 when Indonesia became a formal Observer in the IOM Council. A Cooperative Agreement signed in 2000 recognized the valuable association established between the Government and IOM towards improving migration management.

IOM Indonesia’s programmes have expanded dramatically both in terms of their geographic reach and target populations, particularly since the tsunami struc Aceh province on the northernmost tip of the island of Sumatra December, 2004. Sub-offices are now located across the country with over 600 staff members working on a wide range of activities.