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The United Nations - Forced Migration: UNHCR and IOM

4 important questions on The United Nations - Forced Migration: UNHCR and IOM

Where is the funding of the UNHCR based on?

➔ Their funding is largely based on volunteer contributions. Despite the achievement of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1954 and 1981, the UNHCR still struggles with financial help. This especially following the Trump Administration donor cuts. Nevertheless, some countries such as Sweden aim to provide at least 50% un-ear-marked funding that UNHCR can use where they see fit.

What is the international organization for migration (IOM)?

A UN-related IO since 2016 that is independent, with its own 173 member-states. However, it does coordinate with the UN. The IOM is based in Geneva, Switzerland and is mainly funded through access and project-based contributions (voluntary and ear-marked). It is more of an instrument for governance, where member-states can “hire” the IOM for specific causes (i.e. government can give money to the IOM to undertake certain missions or projects).

What are the activities that the IOM provides?

◆ Managing Checkpoints
◆ Visa Organization
◆ Repatriation and Voluntary Return
◆ Training of Governmental Staff (for Border Control)

What is the main difference between the IOM and UNHCR?

➔ The main difference between the IOM and the UNHCR is that the IOM has a broader mandate, focusing on migrants, not just refugees. They are better able to help those refugees affected by environmental causes.

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

The United Nations, Part 2

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