The International Organization for Migration (IOM, the UN Migration Agency) plays a key role in global resettlement. Providing essential support to States in resettling refugees and other humanitarian entrants is a fundamental purpose and among its largest ongoing activities. Along the resettlement continuum – from identification to integration – IOM works in four main areas: case management, health assessment and related assistance, movement management and operations, and addressing integration pre-departure and post-arrival.
The safe and dignified resettlement of refugees and other humanitarian entrants requires a comprehensive, humane and protection-oriented approach – one which recognizes the interdependencies of travel, health, and integration as integral components of the resettlement process. Certain essential elements of movement operations benefit both the beneficiaries and the States undertaking to receive them. IOM believes that this holds true regardless of the type of scheme, the destination country or the profile of the migrants and refugees being assisted. At the earliest opportunity prior to departure, it is important that each beneficiary is well informed and empowered, proper attention is given to their health and well-being, and necessary arrangements are in place for their safe travel and meaningful integration. These equally important and specialized areas of work support people with significant vulnerabilities who have fled from conflict, violence, and disaster and who may have been living in exile for years with interrupted health care, work, and education.