The Order of Malta and the International Organization for Migration sign a Cooperation Agreement

Experts estimate that 3% of the world’s population is involved in various kinds of migration: over 191 million men, women and children are forced to leave their countries for various reasons. 24.5 million migrate because of war.

With the aim of intensifying their activities in this area, the Order of Malta and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have signed a Cooperation Agreement. Emphasis was placed on emergency and post-emergency situations, including possible reconstruction stages. Cooperation involves the provision of medical and social assistance to migrants, assistance and protection for the victims of traffickers and the promotion of human rights on an international level.

Jean-Pierre Mazery, Grand Chancellor of the Order of Malta, and Brunson McKinley, Director General, IOM, signed the Agreement during a ceremony at the Order’s Magistral Palace on 28 June.

Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration is the most important intergovernmental institution in this sector. With 120 member states, plus another 19 with the status of observer, and offices in over 100 countries, the IOM responds to the needs of migrants and governments, provides assisted voluntary return and reintegration programmes in the countries of origin, combats human trafficking, conducts information campaigns and awareness-raising activities and implements healthcare programmes.