IOM Member States Endorse Move to Join United Nations
07/01/16
Switzerland – Member States of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), meeting at a Special Council in Geneva on 30th June, decided that IOM should join the United Nations system as a related organization.

IOM Director General William Swing will communicate the decision of IOM Member States to United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. It is expected to enter into force, upon signature of the agreement, on 19 September during a UN Summit on Migrants and Refugees, after being submitted to the UN General Assembly for approval.

“Today has been a watershed moment in the life of this Organization, which is celebrating its 65th year,” said IOM Director General William‎ Lacy Swing. “Member States approved the motion by which IOM will join the United Nations system.”

“We expect to soon have a seat and a voice at the UN table and the UN will soon have a dedicated migration agency,” he added.

The decision taken unanimously by IOM Member States also recognized IOM’s operational efficiency, flexibility and cost effectiveness.

Also at the Special Council, the People’s Republic of China joined IOM, becoming its 165th member state. Tuvalu and Solomon Islands also joined the Organization.
“We welcome China, Tuvalu and Solomon Islands membership of IOM at this crucial time,” said Director General Swing.
IOM, which assisted an estimated 20 million migrants last year, is an intergovernmental organization with over 9,500 employees and 450 offices worldwide.