The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is undertaking “essential structural adjustments” at its Geneva headquarters and globally, in response to a substantial 30 per cent reduction in donor support for 2025 – including a significant decrease in projects funded by the United States.
The funding cuts have severe repercussions for vulnerable migrant communities, exacerbating humanitarian crises and undermining essential support systems for displaced populations, the UN agency said in a statement on Tuesday. The adjustments involve “scaling back or ending projects affecting over 6,000 staff members worldwide” and implementing a structural realignment at headquarters, reducing staffing by approximately 20 per cent – or more than 250 staff.
“These measures are necessary to ensure that IOM can continue delivering lifesaving humanitarian assistance to migrants and vulnerable communities worldwide,” the statement continued. “We aim to drive solutions for displaced populations and support governments in managing migration for the benefit of societies and migrants.”
IOM operates under a project-based funding model, established by its Member States, which allows for flexibility and responsiveness to global humanitarian needs. However, when funding for specific projects ends the impacts can be far-reaching, particularly for vulnerable communities with limited support options. The Organisation’s priority remains serving vulnerable populations despite the constrained funding environment, the statement stressed.
To achieve this, IOM is moving positions to lower-cost regional offices and country missions, streamlining staffing, and identifying opportunities to better coordinate with other humanitarians. These decisions have been communicated to Member States and are built on the historic budget reform efforts passed by the IOM Council in 2022, IOM spelled out.“These changes will save costs and enable us to extend greater support globally, providing essential humanitarian assistance in crises worldwide,” the statement said.
The necessary adaptations will also enable IOM to develop new funding, maintain essential oversight and accountability, and streamline operations. Throughout this process, IOM has prioritised mitigating risks to both staff and operations by ensuring that reductions are applied strategically and in consultation with affected teams, while frontline assistance remains protected.
Source: The UN
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