IOM Organizational Profile

IOM is a founding partner and contributor to the Counter-Trafficking Data Collaborative. IOM is the largest provider of services to victims of human trafficking across the globe, and it has implemented counter-trafficking programmes since 1994. Since then, IOM assisted close to 100,000 trafficked persons.

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. With 172 member states, a further 8 states holding observer status and offices in over 100 countries, IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM’s programming provides a unique source of primary data on human trafficking. IOM maintains the largest database of victim case data in the world, which contains case records for over 55,000 trafficked persons who were assisted by IOM. For more than a decade, IOM has developed and maintained a central counter-trafficking case management tool for this data, the IOM Global Human Trafficking Database, which is the largest global database with primary data on victims of trafficking.

IOM works in partnership with governments, the United Nations, international and non-governmental organizations, the private sector and development partners on all aspects of counter-trafficking responses – prevention, protection, and prosecution.

IOM offers comprehensive direct assistance packages to victims of trafficking in collaboration with our government and civil society partners. This includes accommodation in places of safety, medical and psychosocial support, skills development and vocational training, legal support and counselling, and the options of voluntary, safe and dignified return to countries of origin, integration in the country of destination or resettlement to third countries when needed.

IOM may become involved at any part in this process, depending on the needs of the local context. In some contexts, IOM will undertake operations to identify victims of trafficking and provide them with immediate assistance. As the leading international organization providing direct assistance to victims of trafficking, IOM is most commonly involved in providing assistance to those who have been trafficked internationally, bridging between different national contexts and facilitating their process of returning to their home country or, in some cases, resettlement to a third country.