bonfacenjuguna36

· 17 Nov 2021

Follow Following

What does IML (International Migration Law) mean?

IOM aims to enhance and promote the Organization's participation in international migration law via its IML (International Migration Law Unit). The IML Unit's main goal is to promote the transmission and knowledge of international legal norms that govern migration and defend the rights of all people involved in it, both within IOM and among its counterparts. As a result, the IML Unit advocates for migration governance that is consistent with international law, particularly international human rights law.

Although there is no comprehensive international binding document that sets a framework for migration governance, a multiplicity of international regulations governs State power, responsibilities, and commitments, as well as individual rights in the sphere of migration. These norms, which are based on State-to-State contacts, discussions, and practice, are codified in legally enforceable bilateral and multilateral treaties, as well as the non-binding instruments.

Since the Organization's founding, recognition of migrant rights, as well as the obligation to respect, preserve, fulfill, and advance these rights within the execution of state sovereignty, has existed in IOM's constituent texts. The IOM Constitution, the IOM Council decisions as well as policy guidelines, the 12-point strategy, IOM's Strategic Vision, and MiGOF, among other things, offer a firm foundation for the Organization's work on IML and the migration governance in accordance with international norms and the rule of law.

The key responsibilities and activities of the IML Unit are as follows:

Support for project development and implementation: The Unit serves as the focal point for creation and implementation of the IML and IML-linked project activities for IOM missions. In addition, in accordance with MiGOF supporting Principle 1, IML Unit offers guidance and training on how to implement an RBA (rights-based approach) to IOM programs and initiatives.

Building capacity and training: The Unit offers international migration law training to governments, international organizations, academia, civil society, and IOM staff. Annually, two regular training courses are held in:

• Sanremo – with International Institute of the Humanitarian Law;

• Geneva – a 4-day Geneva IML Course is intended for government personnel to acquaint them with the essential international legal structure governing migration, covering State and Migrant responsibilities, rights, and obligations.

Other training is provided as part of IOM programs at the country and regional level. Please contact them if you are interested in developing and implementing an IML national capacity-building event in your country.
Review of legislation and policies: The Unit aids governments in analyzing, developing, and implementing migration procedures and legislation that are compliant with international and regional norms.

The goal is to strengthen government capacity and offer effective tools for managing migration. In this context, the Unit provides legal consultation and review of the national migration legislation to governments evaluating the enactment of applicable regional or international treaties, as well as advice, best practices, as well as information to governments evaluating the approval of relevant regional or international treaties.

Advocacy: The Unit promotes IOM on several UN committees and collaborates with organizations that deal with migrant rights and international law.

Monitoring: The IML Unit engages with Human Rights Treaty Bodies on a regular basis to facilitate the monitoring of the key international human rights instruments in order to improve their implementation in order to respect, defend, and implement the migrants’ human rights.