Civil Society

IOM-CSO Partnerships: Advancing Migration for the Benefit of All

IOM and civil society organizations (CSOs) cooperate on a broad range of migration issues at global, regional, national and local levels. IOM is committed to sustained and mutually beneficial interaction with CSOs that builds on synergies in policy and operational areas of migration for the benefit of all. CSOs often have strong ties to the communities in which they work, an aspect which complements and enhances the impact of IOM efforts in the field of migration. Where CSOs are national or local in nature, IOM-CSO cooperation can contribute to the local ownership and sustainability of IOM programming.

CSOs work with IOM on the design and implementation of projects covering a host of activities, including migrant assistance and other forms of service delivery in humanitarian, early recovery, and development settings as well as research, awareness-raising, joint advocacy, training, and capacity building.

In addition, IOM facilitates CSO’s contribution to the implementation, follow-up and review of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration as well as global processes on migration such as the state-led Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD).

IOM civil society partners include: 

• NGOs such as local and international NGOs, regional or thematic NGO networks, diaspora communities or groups, and faith-based organizations
• Trade unions and professional associations
• International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
• Researchers, including academia, think tanks, independent researchers and research institutions
• Media, including diaspora media
• Philanthropic foundations and funds

Contact us

International Partnerships Division
Department of International Cooperation and Partnerships
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Email: ipd@iom.int

For country-specific matters, please contact the IOM mission in their respective countries/regions of operation. More information on the global network of IOM regional, special liaison and country offices can be found here.