Geneva – On Monday, 15 May 2023, the Council of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Migration Agency, will convene at the International Conference Centre in Geneva for a special session for the election of the Director General of the Organization.

The candidates are IOM Director General Mr. António Vitorino, nominated by Portugal, and IOM Deputy Director General for Management and Reform, Ms. Amy E. Pope, nominated by the United States of America.

Pursuant to the IOM’s Constitution, the Director General is elected by a two-thirds majority vote of the Council. Voting is by secret ballot and will begin Monday morning. 

Background

Established in 1951, IOM has nearly 19,000 staff and almost 560 field offices in 171 countries. As the UN Migration Agency, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration. It is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society.

IOM was granted permanent observer status to the UN General Assembly in 1992. A cooperation agreement between IOM and the UN was signed in 1996. IOM joined the UN system as a related organization in September 2016, following signature by IOM and the UN during the UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants of a relationship agreement, approved by the General Assembly in resolution 70/296 (2016) and by the IOM Council in Resolution No. 1317.

IOM supports migrants across the world, developing effective responses to the shifting dynamics of migration and, as such, is a key source of advice on migration data, policy and practice for its member states. 

The Organization works in emergency situations, developing the resilience of all people on the move, and particularly those in situations of vulnerability, as well as building capacity within governments to manage all forms and impacts of mobility.

The Organization is guided by the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, including upholding human rights for all. Respect for the rights, dignity and well-being of migrants remains paramount.

For more information contact:

Paul Dillon, Spokesperson, pdillon@iom.int
Safa Msehli, Spokesperson, smsehli@iom.int