IOM Launches First Ever Annual Appeal Seeking $7.9 Billion to Address Migration Crises and Foster Development

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has announced its inaugural Global Annual Appeal for 2024, aiming to raise $7.9 billion to fund its operations and create a system that harnesses the positive potential of migration worldwide.

The IOM Global Appeal seeks funding to save lives and protect individuals on the move, find solutions to displacement, and facilitate safe pathways for regular migration. These goals align with IOM’s new five-year Global Strategic Plan.

During the launch of the Global Appeal in Geneva, IOM Director General Amy Pope emphasized the unprecedented levels of irregular and forced migration, stating that the challenges faced are increasingly complex. However, Pope also highlighted the overwhelming evidence that well-managed migration contributes significantly to global prosperity and progress. 

“We are at a critical moment in time, and we have designed this Appeal to help deliver on that promise. We can and must do better.”

With full funding, IOM would be able to assist nearly 140 million people, including internally displaced individuals and the communities hosting them. Importantly, it would also enable the expansion of IOM’s development work, which aims to prevent further displacement.

The Appeal requests partners for the following amounts:

$3.4 billion for saving lives and protecting people on the move.

$2.7 billion for finding solutions to displacement, including addressing the risks and impacts of climate change.

$1.6 billion for facilitating regular migration pathways.

$163 million for transforming IOM to deliver services more effectively.

Pope emphasized the need for increased investment from governments, the private sector, individual donors, and other partners to accomplish these goals.

 “This funding will address the large and widening gap between what we have and what we need to do the job right. For this reason, we are for the first time proactively approaching all partners to fund this vital appeal.”

Limited regular migration pathways and inadequate protection leave individuals vulnerable to violence, exploitation, and danger. 

The IOM’s Missing Migrants Project has documented that at least 60,000 people have died or disappeared on treacherous journeys over the past nine years. Insufficient and fragmented assistance not only comes at a greater cost in terms of human lives but also increases the risks of irregular migration, trafficking, and smuggling.

Investing in consistent, high-quality, and flexible funding will enable IOM to respond effectively to displacement crises. By allocating resources toward preparedness, the organization can effectively reduce the overall cost of crisis management.

Migration is a fundamental aspect of global development and prosperity. The 281 million international migrants contribute 9.4% to global GDP. 

Well-managed migration has the potential to advance development outcomes, address climate change, and promote a safer, more sustainable, and equitable future. IOM will focus on policy and programmatic initiatives that support pathways strengthening climate adaptation, protecting human rights, addressing labor market needs, and assisting governments in managing migration effectively.