International Organization for Migration

IOM
Address/Websites

17, Route des Morillons. CH-1211 Geneva 19. Switzerland

http://www.iom.int/

About Measure

Background

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. While not part of the United Nations system, IOM maintains close working relations with United Nations bodies and operational agencies, as well as with a wide range of international and non-governmental organizations. In addition, IOM is the designated cluster leader for camp management in humanitarian settings for natural disasters. Through its gender equality policy adopted in 2015, IOM is committed to ensuring that a gender perspective is mainstreamed throughout all IOM policies, activities and programming.  

Policy framework

IOM's approach to addressing GBV is guided by the principles set out in IOM’s Institutional Framework for Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Crises (2018, “GBV in crisis framework”). Furthermore, in 2024 IOM launched a new Gender Equality Policy (having been adopted in late 2023). The IOM Gender Equality Policy 2024 emphasizes a “whole of organisation” approach, highlighting the importance of integrating gender considerations into all areas of IOM's work. This policy builds on previous progress and embodies an evidence and results-based approach that contributes to achieving institutional commitments on gender equality. The policy includes a focus on programmatic results from gender mainstreaming and targeted interventions including to address GBV, as well as enabling factors such as funding allocation, capacity requirements and achieving gender parity.  

Areas of Focus

IOM primarily focuses on the three pillars of the GBV in crisis framework: mitigating risks, supporting survivors and addressing the root causes. However, IOM also works on human trafficking, predominately affecting women survivors. Furthermore, IOM’s approach includes ensuring that actions are taken to mainstream GBV across all IOM programmes, promoting safe and ethical GBV-related data collection, and strengthening engagement with women-led and women’s rights organizations to address GBV and promote gender equality. 

Resources

IOM (2018). Institutional Framework for Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Crises. 

IOM (2020). Displacement Tracking Matrix for GBV. 

IOM (2023).  Gendered Reintegration Experiences and Gender-Sensitive/Responsive/Transformative Approached to Reintegration Assistance. 

IOM (2023). Global Report - Mapping and Research to Strengthen Protection and Assistance Measures for Migrants with diverse SOGIESC. 

IOM (2024). Intersectional Gender Analysis Toolkit. 

IOM (2024). Gender Equality Policy. 

ABOUT 4 RESULTS
Jul 2007
Data Collection and Research
IOM conducts and supports research designed to guide and inform migration policy and practice, with a special focus on violence against women, not only in counter-trafficking studies, but also in labour migration and in emergency and post-conflict research. View More
IOM conducts and supports research designed to guide and inform migration policy and practice, with a special focus on violence against women, not only in counter-trafficking studies, but also in labour migration and in emergency and post-conflict research. Hide
Jul 2007
Data Collection and Research
In the area of counter-trafficking, IOM undertakes research and publishes the findings about the situation of trafficking in specific countries and/or regions. A recent publication gave an assessment of changing patterns and trends of trafficking in persons in the Balkan region. View More
In the area of counter-trafficking, IOM undertakes research and publishes the findings about the situation of trafficking in specific countries and/or regions. A recent publication gave an assessment of changing patterns and trends of trafficking in persons in the Balkan region. IOM also maintains one of the largest international trafficking database which contains health related information to facilitate planning and programmatic actions. Hide
Jul 2007
Responses and Services
IOM implements a cross border project at Beitbridge, Zimbabwe and a project for internally displaced persons in Colombia to assist returnees and facilitate their protection, particularly women, by building capacities of local entities and liaising with existing health facilities to ensure access to View More
IOM implements a cross border project at Beitbridge, Zimbabwe and a project for internally displaced persons in Colombia to assist returnees and facilitate their protection, particularly women, by building capacities of local entities and liaising with existing health facilities to ensure access to needed health services. Hide
Jul 2007
Prevention and Advocacy
In 2005, IOM’s Working Group on Gender Issues at Headquarters supported the production of a series of TV public service announcements for anglo-phone Caribbean countries on HIV/AIDS prevention and a documentary for Senegalese television on trafficking of children. View More
In 2005, IOM’s Working Group on Gender Issues at Headquarters supported the production of a series of TV public service announcements for anglo-phone Caribbean countries on HIV/AIDS prevention and a documentary for Senegalese television on trafficking of children. Many of IOM’s counter-trafficking projects include information campaigns that aim to change behaviour related to discrimination and violence against women.In collaboration with UNFPA, IOM organized, in May 2006, an expert group meeting entitled "Female migrants: bridging the gaps throughout the life cycle", which brought together a wide range of stakeholders from countries of origin, transit and destination Protection of migrant women against violence was part of the agenda. Hide