IOM’s Deputy Director General, Ambassador Laura Thompson,
recently presented an application for IOM to obtain observer status
with the Andean Community of CAN, with the aim of strengthening
relations between both institutions and to reaffirm the commitment
to economic and social development of the Andean Sub Region, as
well as the integration process among member countries.

"We hope that the relevant bodies of the Andean Community will
evaluate IOM’s application to obtain observer status, taking
into account the ongoing work of the organization in favor of
strengthening migration management in the Andean territory. 
This will not only allow us to be the first international
organization to obtain such a position, but will also encourage the
development of additional projects aimed at strengthening the sub
regional integration process," explains José Ivan
Dávalos, IOM Chief of Mission in Peru.

For his part, Adalid Contreras, Secretary General a.i. of CAN,
welcomed the initiative and promised to convey the request to the
appropriate bodies for its approval.

IOM signed a cooperation agreement of indefinite duration with
the Junta del Acuerdo de Cartagena in 1992, under which there have
been a number of activities and projects that have contributed to
strengthening the Andean integration process and the active
involvement of IOM in various technical bodies, including the
Andean Committee of Migration Authorities.

During 2010-2012, IOM and the Secretary General of the Andean
Community, in close coordination with representatives of CAN member
states (Bolivia, Colombia Ecuador and Peru), developed and
implemented the project Supporting the Andean Community in its
Integration Process Through the Implementation of CAN’s
Binding Decisions on Migration Matters, with significant
results.