GENEVA (AN) — The International Organization for Migration cited a "large and widening gap" between needs and resources as it kicked off a US$7.9 billion appeal to deal with a record displacement of people worldwide.
The 97-page appeal released on Monday by IOM, also known as U.N. Migration, pointed to "conflict, climate change, environmental degradation and uneven development" forcing displacement and irregular migration.
"In 2024, nearly 300 million people around the world will need humanitarian assistance and protection due to conflicts, climate emergencies and other drivers," IOM reported. "Internal displacement reached a record level at the end of 2022, with 71.1 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) around the globe. This is the highest number ever recorded – and this trend is anticipated to continue in the future."
Migrants, refugees, displaced people and asylum seekers face challenges away from their home region. Refugees flee across a border and need international protection. Migrants choose to find a better future elsewhere.
Displaced people must leave their homes for somewhere within or outside their country. Asylum seekers want international protection; not all are recognized as a refugee, but every refugee begins as an asylum seeker.
In 2023, IOM's operational budget for new and continuing projects grew to US$3.34 billion, up from $2.37 billion previously. But it had only US$174.9 million in operational support income, according to a budget summary.
The funding appeal is needed to help 140 million people worldwide, including internally displaced people and the local communities that host them, the Geneva-based organization said. The money also will "support its operations," it said, "and help create a system that realizes migration’s promise as a force for good throughout the world."
A tough fundraising climate
IOM Director General Amy Pope said irregular and forced migration reached "unprecedented levels" and the challenges are more complex.
“Getting the job done requires greater investment from governments, the private sector, individual donors and other partners,” she said. “This funding will address the large and widening gap between what we have, and what we need in order to do the job right. For this reason, we are for the first time proactively approaching all partners.”
IOM says it needs:
- US$3.4 billion for work on saving lives and protecting people on the move.
- US$2.7 billion for work on solutions to displacement including reducing the risks and impacts of climate change.
- US$1.6 billion for work on facilitating regular pathways for migration.
- US$163 million for work on transforming IOM to deliver services in a better, more effective way.
The organization is one of many competing for billions in funding; most receive only a portion of what's requested.
Last month, U.N. humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said almost 300 million people will need humanitarian aid and protection in 2024 but only 60% were targeted for aid from the U.N. and its partners.
In 2023, he said, the U.N. received just 35% of the US$57 billion it sought to help 245 million in need. "The result is that we will be targeting fewer people in 2024 than in 2023, and we are appealing for less money. This is the first time that this has happened in recent years," he said.
"And it’s not because there is no need, it is because we have had to prioritize urgent life-saving need as our core business," he added. "We’ve had to make the assumptions to make money efficiently spent, the use of cash, for example."
