The International Migration Law Unit has been established to streamline and strengthen IOM's involvement in international migration law (IML). The objective of the Unit is to increase awareness and knowledge on IML.

Although there is no comprehensive legal instrument at the international level that establishes a framework for the governance of migration, a set of legal rules constrain, regulate, and channel state authority over migration. Such rules – which have been created through state-to-state relations, negotiations and practice – are enshrined in non-binding instruments and multilateral and bilateral treaties, or have become part of customary international law. These rules constitute the framework for cooperative migration governance and reflect primarily the interests of states, their nationals and interstate relations. Recognition of the human rights of migrants and the need for the promotion and protection of these rights in the exercise of state sovereignty has been present in IOM’s constituent documents since the Organization’s foundation. The IOM Constitution and certain Council decisions provide the basis for IOM’s involvement in promoting IML as part of its comprehensive migration management frameworks.

The International Migration Law Unit is focusing on:

• Training and Capacity Building in International Migration Law
  Training and capacity building activities will help governments and other stakeholders in migration strengthen their capacity to govern migration more effectively and ensure consistency with international and regional law.   » More info
  
  
• Research on Migration Law Various research activities and the compilation of migration law at the international, regional and national level contribute to increasing the understanding and awareness of IML among government policy makers, practitioners, academics, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders in migration.  » More info
  
  
• Migration Law Database
  The database on migration law draws together relevant norms and instruments regulating migration at the international, regional and national levels. » More info

In addition to the activities outlined above, the Unit is the focal point for international law issues pertaining to the Organization. It represents IOM in relation to the International Steering Committee for Promotion of the Ratification of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.