The Geneva-based IOM is a central actor in the international dialogue on migration. It has developed partnerships with many governments on all continents. Its mandate includes carrying out programmes on managing and controlling migration and on the onward migration and return of refugees and migrants. Currently, the IOM has 146 member States.
Switzerland has cooperated with the IOM for several years on return programmes, and more recently in the framework of migration partnerships. The Federal Council regards the groundwork and the international network of the IOM as very useful for the definition and implementation of Switzerland’s migration policy.

At the IOM’s 76th meeting in November 1998, its Council approved several amendments to the IOM’s Constitution whose prime objectives are to strengthen the Organisation structurally and to streamline its decision-making processes.

The most important amendment concerns the process for making future amendments to its Constitution: Until now, amendments that place members under new obligations come into effect for the Member State concerned only if they are adopted by this Member. The new procedure stipulates that essential amendments to the Constitution come into force for all members States when they have been ratified by two-thirds of the member States.

The proposed new procedure on amendments to the Constitution is in line with that of several international organizations of which Switzerland is a member, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Children’s Relief Fund UNICEF, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), and the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

As a member State and host State to the IOM, with the adoption of the amendments, Switzerland gives a clear signal in favour of the institutional strengthening of the IOM and the continuation of its commitment to an approach involving coordination between States in the area of migration.
At this point in time, the amendments must be accepted by a further 11 member States of the IOM to reach the necessary two-thirds majority that will enable them to come into effect for all Members.

For questions:
Jean-Marc Crevoisier
Head of FDFA Information
+41 (0)79 763 84 10

International Organization for Migration: Federal Council recommends ratification of the amendments to the IOM Constitution