Ashraf AboArafe
In its latest episode, Voices of Impact, the UN in Egypt podcast highlights the significant contributions of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a key UN agency that has been operating in Egypt since the early 1980s. Known for its exceptional support for migrants within and beyond Egypt, IOM’s work continues to impact countless lives.
In his talk with Mohamed El-Koossy, Deputy Director of the United Nations Information Center in Cairo, Carlos Oliver Cruz, IOM Egypt Chief of Mission, provided insights into the organization’s history, founded in 1951 to address displacement in post-World War II Europe. Over the decades, the organization’s mandate expanded to tackle global migration challenges, becoming part of the UN system in 2016. Egypt has been a key partner since joining as a member state in 1991. With its strategic location, Egypt acts as a country of origin, transit, and destination for migrants, making its collaboration with IOM essential in managing migration dynamics.
In Egypt, IOM has implemented a wide range of initiatives over the past three decades, as highlighted by Oliver Cruz. These include providing direct assistance to migrants through shelter, financial support, healthcare, and education. The organization also facilitates voluntary return and reintegration programs, helping migrants return to their home countries with travel support and tools to rebuild their lives, such as small business assistance. Such programs aim to ensure sustainability for migrants and their communities.
Egypt’s strategic location as a hub for migration, at the crossroads of Africa, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, reinforces its importance in regional and international migration frameworks, IOM Egypt Chief of Mission noted. Furthermore, IOM collaborates closely with Egyptian authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Emigration and Egyptian Expatriates, to support not only migrants but also host communities. This balanced approach fosters social cohesion and promotes mutual benefits for both migrants and local populations.
Oliver Cruz concluded by emphasizing the importance of viewing migration as an enriching aspect of human society. Sharing inspiring stories of migrants contributing to Egypt’s cultural and economic fabric, he underscored the resilience and potential of those who migrate. He also praised Egypt’s inclusive policies, which integrate migrants into communities without the need for refugee camps, showcasing a model of cooperation and hospitality.
