Policy Training

One of the key requirements for effective cooperation and policy-making in the area of migration management is a common level of understanding of the essential themes and issues involved.

In response to the request of a number of IOM member states for a manual or guidebook that would provide such an overview, IOM created the Essentials of Migration Management (EMM). The EMM is a learning tool, written in a non-technical manner, which provides an overview of the key elements of international migration management. It is intended to provide an accurate, interactive framework of reference and instruction on contemporary migration dynamics, policies and trends.

EMM-Based Trainings

IOM has held a number of trainings based on the EMM. These trainings have been provided to government policy-makers as well as IOM staff members.

Most recently, IOM, the Graduate Institute for International Studies, Geneva (HEI) and the Program for the Study of International Organizations (PSIO) have undertaken a joint training programme for the Geneva diplomatic community and IOM observer organizations. The training sessions cover various migration topics, and are based on the EMM. The first training session was held on 8 March 2006 on the topic of International Migration Law, and the second was held on 12 May 2006 on the topic of Migration and Development.

Research Training

IOM supports the development of research capacity in migration through internal staff training and the production of a Migration Research Manual and Training tools.

IOM’s research can be broadly divided into two main categories: applied research to help IOM offices to design and implement various programmes; and policy-oriented research designed to provide policy guidance to IOM’s Member States.

Both categories of research are a systematic investigation for adding new knowledge, for that reason they should follow rules of scientific inquiry to maintain the trustworthiness and reliability of findings. IOM research tends to be strong in describing the local contexts in which various patterns of migration occur. They are carried out in order to better define a local problem by providing “evidence” through indications and testimonies, identifying trends, presenting findings as a contribution to a growing knowledge base, and exploring new aspects. Confirmation that certain patterns exist or that previous findings continue to be the case or have changed is often a main objective of research projects.

Another objective of undertaking research is to support and inform interventions. Behind this focus, lies the idea that there is a problem that needs a solution and that it is the intervention that is proposed as a solution. This is the logic of the approach to IOM project development and, accordingly, research projects have a tendency to conclude with a set of recommendations for action.

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