IOM Prepared to Strengthen Collaboration with Vietnam

Vietnam has shown its support and commitment to enhancing cooperation with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in implementing the Global Compact for Migration (GCM), VNA cited a senior official as saying.

During a recent meeting with IOM Director General Amy Pope, Ambassador Le Thi Tuyet Mai, Head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organization (WTO), and other international organizations in Geneva, emphasized that the Vietnamese ministries, sectors, and branches have prioritized and worked in collaboration to ensure a multi-sectoral approach in addressing migration challenges.

She mentioned several areas of cooperation, including the protection of migrant workers’ rights, ensuring access to healthcare for migrants, and enhancing local communities’ capacity to adapt and respond to climate change.

Moreover, Vietnam has actively participated in international cooperation mechanisms on migration within the framework of the ASEAN, ASEM, and APEC, she added.

Amy Pope Director General of IOM in Palau. Source: Office of the President, Republic of Palau.

Appreciating Vietnam’s efforts and achievements in migration as well as the implementation of the GCM, Pope stated that enhancing migrants’ resilience and response to climate change and natural disasters will be a top priority for IOM’s future activities.

Further highlighting the potential for cooperation between Vietnam and IOM at international mechanisms, especially in relation to migrant workers, addressing migration challenges in line with development goals, and enhancing climate change response capacity, she said.

Pope began her role as IOM Director General on October 1, 2023, making her the first woman to lead the UN migration agency. Her priorities include promoting the involvement of member states and the private sector in responding to migration challenges, advocating for rational policies for member states, utilizing IOM’s database, and continuing to reform IOM’s budget programs.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a global organization that assists countries in dealing with migration issues. In 2015, IOM established the Migration, Environment, and Climate Change (MECC) division to develop policies related to migration and the environment and climate change. They collaborate with countries and partners to address these challenges together.

Since 2017, IOM has supported the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs and local partners in piloting various models to support the reintegration of victims of human trafficking, including community reintegration through self-help groups in the northern province of Bac Giang, the central province of Thua Thien – Hue, and the southwestern province of Tay Ninh. These models have successfully assisted 179 victims.

Additionally, 550 individuals have received support from the models in the central provinces of Quang Binh, Ha Tinh, and Nghe An.

To enhance the effectiveness of community-based support activities, five one-stop service offices (OSSO) for returning migrant women and their families have been established in Hanoi, Hai Phong, Hai Duong, Can Tho, and Hau Giang with the assistance of the Vietnam Women’s Union.