IOM Ukraine

IOM integration programme beneficiary working in a green house; small business started with Korean Embassy support and IOM assistance (2010)

The IOM Mission in Ukraine was established in 1996, when Ukraine became an observer state of IOM. In 2001, Ukraine requested membership in IOM, which was formalized with the Ukrainian Parliament’s ratification of the IOM Constitution in 2002.

In line with IOM’s global strategy, IOM Ukraine aims at advancing the understanding of the opportunities and challenges of migration in the Ukrainian context.

Maximizing those opportunities and minimizing the challenges presented by migratory movements are the guiding principles of all activities and programmes the Mission is engaged in.

The IOM Mission in Ukraine provides assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and conflict-affected people, fights trafficking in human beings, assists the Government in dealing with irregular migration, improving its migration management system, and creating migrant-inclusive health practices and policies. At the same time, IOM Ukraine engages in harnessing the development potential of migration, disseminating migration information, supporting integration of migrants, promoting the benefits of cultural diversity, and counteracting xenophobia and intolerance.

During 22 years of presence in Ukraine, IOM has assisted over half a million migrants (Ukrainians and other nationalities), IDPs, potential migrants, victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups, directly or through its project partners.