Attachments
PRESENT IN NEPAL OVER 10 YEARS
Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organi-zation in the field of migration and works closely with governmen-tal, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. With 169 member states, a further 8 states holding observer status and 393 offices in over 100 countries, IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all.
IOM started its operations in Nepal in 2007 facilitating the resettle-ment of Bhutanese refugees to 8 countries. Since then, IOM has expanded significantly both in terms of programme areas, target populations and has contributed to the government of Nepal’s efforts to manage migration more effectively through a wide range of programmes.
Nepal has a long history of dynamic population mobility and recent years have seen an upsurge in the complexity of migration pat-terns. An increasing number of Nepalis, especially the young adults, are seeking better opportunities abroad. Over half of all Nepali households have at least one family member currently abroad as a migrant or living in Nepal as a migrant returnee. Migration contributes significantly to national development and resilience to economic and environmental risks and shocks. At the same time, migration experiences often come with risks and vulnerabilities. Many migrants face abuse, forced labour, exploitation, health risks and life-threatening conditions.
Nepal is one of the most disaster prone countries in the world. It is exposed to multiple recurrent natural disasters which have destroyed thousands of lives and houses. Furthermore, the adverse impacts of climate change on livelihoods, food security and water availability are likely to exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and increase overall levels of migration in the coming decades.
In order to address the growing challenges and maximize the development potential of migration, IOM is working with partners to assist in meeting the growing operational challenges of migration, advance understanding of migration issues, encourage social and economic development through migration, and uphold the wellbeing and human rights’ of migrants.
IOM is a member of United Nations Country Team and works within the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) whose strategic areas are derived from the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Nepal’s Fourteenth National Development Plan.