Training and Capacity Building

The International Migration Law Unit provides capacity development, including training, on international migration law for government officials, international governmental and non-governmental organizations, IOM staff, and civil society, among others. From 2005 to 2023, the IML Unit delivered at least 296 capacity development activities, reaching over 11,300 participants, from at least 150 countries.

Three yearly IML Courses are conducted:

• Online, in collaboration with the Department of International Refugee Law and Migration Law of the International Institute of Humanitarian Law (IIHL), aiming to raise awareness of the content and importance of the international legal instruments in the context of migration. It targets government officials, international and non-governmental organizations, among others.
• In Geneva, Switzerland, a four-day training designed for government officials and UN staff, to introduce them to the relevant international legal framework governing migration, including States obligations and the rights of migrants in the context of migration.
• In Moshi, United Republic of Tanzania, with the IOM African Capacity Building Centre, a five-day training designed for government officials covering the African  continental and regional legal frameworks on migration as well as international frameworks.

The IML Unit  also presents the following e-learning opportunities, to enhance the understanding of international legal standards relevant to the respect, protection, and fulfillment of the rights of migrants: 

• International Migration Law 
• Human Rights of Migrants
• Rights at borders in the context of migration (EN, ES)
• Alternatives to detention in the context of migration (EN, ES)
• The Protection of Migrants and Refugees Moving by Sea

Other trainings are delivered at the regional and country level upon request, as part of respective projects and initiatives.

The Unit assists governments to develop and implement migration legislation and procedures consistent with applicable international and regional standards. The objective is to strengthen the capacity of governments to govern migration more effectively and consistent with the rule of law. In this context, the Unit offers advice and information to governments considering the ratification of relevant international or regional treaties and provides consultancy and revision of national migration legislation for individual governments at their request.

The Unit conducts meetings and workshops on migration law at both the national and regional levels to facilitate and promote interdepartmental and inter-State awareness, dialogue and cooperation in the promotion of comprehensive migration management frameworks. Since its establishment in 2004, the International Migration Law Unit has also organized and participated in seminars, conferences and roundtable discussions in countries worldwide. The Unit conducts courses and events in the three main IOM official languages – English, French and Spanish, plus Russian – in different regions around the world. The Unit has also conducted trainings in other languages, depending on resource availability.

If you are interested in organizing an IML event in your country, please contact imlcourse@iom.int.