1. Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration
Regional Workshop on Policies, Practices
and Conclusions on the Return, Reintegration and
Integration of Migrants
San José, Costa Rica, September 17-18, 2013
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration
TITLE SLIDE 1

2. Contents Migration and Return Management
The Concept of Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR)
A Brief History of AVRR
The Stages of AVRR
Assistance prior to departure
Return
Reception
Assistance for reintegration
Monitoring
Statistical Data on AVRR
Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration Approach
Contents
STAFF:
Total number of staff: 7,258 at the end of 2009 of which 6,150 were officials and 1,108 employees.
97% of IOM staff members were posted in the Field.
Gender: 3170 females (44%); 4088 males (56%)
Security statistics: 216 safety/security incidents reported in 2009 (robberies, arson, kidnappings, carjacking, theft, sexual assault, bombings, natural disasters, military actions, motor vehicle accidents (19), etc.)
6,800 IOM staff were included in the United Nations Security Management System in 2009. 2

3. 1) Migration and Return Management
REPORT OUTLINE:
Brief presentation follows the report that is before you, The Report of the Director General on the Work of the Organization for the Year 2009 – a concise account of programme activity complemented by a statistical annex that illustrates several organizational trends.
My presentation today is divided into four parts:
1. A retrospective look at 2009 and the events that shaped IOM’s work;
2. A statistical overview of staffing, programmes and budget;
3. Programme highlights; and
4. A brief summary of the evolving themes, trends, and challenges for 2010 and beyond.

4. Migration and AVRR Management
Migrants:
Considers the decision of each migrant;
Ensures respect for human rights;
Avoids the stigma of forced return and negative repercussions for reintegration;
Counselling, financial or logistical support and reintegration support.
Governments
Lower costs for receiving countries;
Politically “digestible” for both – country of origin and receiving country;
Promotes international cooperation.
Migration and AVRR Management
STAFF:
Total number of staff: 7,258 at the end of 2009 of which 6,150 were officials and 1,108 employees.
97% of IOM staff members were posted in the Field.
Gender: 3170 females (44%); 4088 males (56%)
Security statistics: 216 safety/security incidents reported in 2009 (robberies, arson, kidnappings, carjacking, theft, sexual assault, bombings, natural disasters, military actions, motor vehicle accidents (19), etc.)
6,800 IOM staff were included in the United Nations Security Management System in 2009. 4

5. 2) The Concept of AVRR REPORT OUTLINE:
Brief presentation follows the report that is before you, The Report of the Director General on the Work of the Organization for the Year 2009 – a concise account of programme activity complemented by a statistical annex that illustrates several organizational trends.
My presentation today is divided into four parts:
1. A retrospective look at 2009 and the events that shaped IOM’s work;
2. A statistical overview of staffing, programmes and budget;
3. Programme highlights; and
4. A brief summary of the evolving themes, trends, and challenges for 2010 and beyond. 5

6. Return: The act of returning from the country of destination or transit to the prior country of transit or country of origin.
Voluntary Return: Independent and assisted return based on the free will of the returning person.
Spontaneous Return: Individuals or groups that initiate and proceed with their return without any external assistance.
Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR):
Logistical and financial support is provided by IOM to migrants that are unable or unwilling to stay in the receiving country and that voluntarily return to their country of origin or to a third country. Reintegration is the reincorporation of this person into a group or process; for example, a female migrant returning to the society of her country of origin.
AVRR Glossary
STAFF:
Total number of staff: 7,258 at the end of 2009 of which 6,150 were officials and 1,108 employees.
97% of IOM staff members were posted in the Field.
Gender: 3170 females (44%); 4088 males (56%)
Security statistics: 216 safety/security incidents reported in 2009 (robberies, arson, kidnappings, carjacking, theft, sexual assault, bombings, natural disasters, military actions, motor vehicle accidents (19), etc.)
6,800 IOM staff were included in the United Nations Security Management System in 2009. 6

7. AVRR Glossary (continued)
Assistance during Reception (Initial Assistance)
Short-term humanitarian aid or medium-term reintegration support for returned migrants under the auspices of the government of the receiving country, after the migrant has been formally readmitted to the country of origin.
AVRR Glossary (continued)
STAFF:
Total number of staff: 7,258 at the end of 2009 of which 6,150 were officials and 1,108 employees.
97% of IOM staff members were posted in the Field.
Gender: 3170 females (44%); 4088 males (56%)
Security statistics: 216 safety/security incidents reported in 2009 (robberies, arson, kidnappings, carjacking, theft, sexual assault, bombings, natural disasters, military actions, motor vehicle accidents (19), etc.)
6,800 IOM staff were included in the United Nations Security Management System in 2009. 7

8. AVRR vs. Forced Return Benefits of AVRR vs. Forced Return:
The preferred alternative under return management policies, for example, in the European context;
Reduces the number of forced returns;
More benefits for migrants:
A more dignified and humane approach;
Enables providing unbiased and impartial counselling;
Based on cooperation between countries of origin, transit and destination.
Tends to be more cost-effective than forced return for the following reasons:
No high costs relating to administration of justice;
Reduces living expenses before the forced return.
AVRR vs. Forced Return
STAFF:
Total number of staff: 7,258 at the end of 2009 of which 6,150 were officials and 1,108 employees.
97% of IOM staff members were posted in the Field.
Gender: 3170 females (44%); 4088 males (56%)
Security statistics: 216 safety/security incidents reported in 2009 (robberies, arson, kidnappings, carjacking, theft, sexual assault, bombings, natural disasters, military actions, motor vehicle accidents (19), etc.)
6,800 IOM staff were included in the United Nations Security Management System in 2009. 8

9. 3) A Brief History of AVRR
REPORT OUTLINE:
Brief presentation follows the report that is before you, The Report of the Director General on the Work of the Organization for the Year 2009 – a concise account of programme activity complemented by a statistical annex that illustrates several organizational trends.
My presentation today is divided into four parts:
1. A retrospective look at 2009 and the events that shaped IOM’s work;
2. A statistical overview of staffing, programmes and budget;
3. Programme highlights; and
4. A brief summary of the evolving themes, trends, and challenges for 2010 and beyond. 9

10. 1951: The Constitution of IOM establishes various types of migration assistance and services that the Organization may provide for voluntary return, including voluntary repatriation (Art. 1(d)).
1979: First implementation of a return programme to Germany – the basis for implementing similar programmes in other European countries in 1980 (Belgium) and during the 90s (Italy, Holland).
1990: The Council of IOM formally recognizes the importance of AVRR within the context of the Balkan Wars.
2010: The strategy of IOM: “Dignified, safe and humane return and reintegration options for irregular migrants and refuge seekers […] who wish to return voluntarily to their countries of origin.” (MC/INF/302 (2010))
History of AVRR
STAFF:
Total number of staff: 7,258 at the end of 2009 of which 6,150 were officials and 1,108 employees.
97% of IOM staff members were posted in the Field.
Gender: 3170 females (44%); 4088 males (56%)
Security statistics: 216 safety/security incidents reported in 2009 (robberies, arson, kidnappings, carjacking, theft, sexual assault, bombings, natural disasters, military actions, motor vehicle accidents (19), etc.)
6,800 IOM staff were included in the United Nations Security Management System in 2009.

11. 4) AVRR in Figures REPORT OUTLINE:
Brief presentation follows the report that is before you, The Report of the Director General on the Work of the Organization for the Year 2009 – a concise account of programme activity complemented by a statistical annex that illustrates several organizational trends.
My presentation today is divided into four parts:
1. A retrospective look at 2009 and the events that shaped IOM’s work;
2. A statistical overview of staffing, programmes and budget;
3. Programme highlights; and
4. A brief summary of the evolving themes, trends, and challenges for 2010 and beyond. 11

12. AVRR in Figures 2011: Global Coverage of AVRR Projects
AVRR counselling, assistance prior to departure and after arrival from 40 countries of destination;
Assistance during reception/reintegration in more than 160 countries of origin.
2000 – 2010: Assistance provided to approx migrants.
AVRR in Figures
STAFF:
Total number of staff: 7,258 at the end of 2009 of which 6,150 were officials and 1,108 employees.
97% of IOM staff members were posted in the Field.
Gender: 3170 females (44%); 4088 males (56%)
Security statistics: 216 safety/security incidents reported in 2009 (robberies, arson, kidnappings, carjacking, theft, sexual assault, bombings, natural disasters, military actions, motor vehicle accidents (19), etc.)
6,800 IOM staff were included in the United Nations Security Management System in 2009. 12

13. 5) The Stages of AVRR REPORT OUTLINE:
Brief presentation follows the report that is before you, The Report of the Director General on the Work of the Organization for the Year 2009 – a concise account of programme activity complemented by a statistical annex that illustrates several organizational trends.
My presentation today is divided into four parts:
1. A retrospective look at 2009 and the events that shaped IOM’s work;
2. A statistical overview of staffing, programmes and budget;
3. Programme highlights; and
4. A brief summary of the evolving themes, trends, and challenges for 2010 and beyond. 13

14. The Stages of AVRR Programmes
ASSISTANCE PRIOR TO DEPARTURE
SUPPORT DURING RECEPTION
REINTEGRATION SUPPORT
MONITORING
The Stages of AVRR Programmes
STAFF:
Total number of staff: 7,258 at the end of 2009 of which 6,150 were officials and 1,108 employees.
97% of IOM staff members were posted in the Field.
Gender: 3170 females (44%); 4088 males (56%)
Security statistics: 216 safety/security incidents reported in 2009 (robberies, arson, kidnappings, carjacking, theft, sexual assault, bombings, natural disasters, military actions, motor vehicle accidents (19), etc.)
6,800 IOM staff were included in the United Nations Security Management System in 2009. 14

15. 5.1) ASSISTANCE PRIOR TO DEPARTURE
REPORT OUTLINE:
Brief presentation follows the report that is before you, The Report of the Director General on the Work of the Organization for the Year 2009 – a concise account of programme activity complemented by a statistical annex that illustrates several organizational trends.
My presentation today is divided into four parts:
1. A retrospective look at 2009 and the events that shaped IOM’s work;
2. A statistical overview of staffing, programmes and budget;
3. Programme highlights; and
4. A brief summary of the evolving themes, trends, and challenges for 2010 and beyond. 15

16. Assistance Prior to Departure
Information dissemination
Establishing the profiles of migrants;
Implementation through diasporas, NGOs, migrant associations, newsletters, websites, etc.
Counselling to provide information about the return
Providing general information about the country of origin for the return and reintegration (country profile);
Information provided upon individual requests.
Health assessments
Preparing for the journey (assistance in obtaining documents, accompaniment, temporary shelter)
Assistance Prior to Departure
STAFF:
Total number of staff: 7,258 at the end of 2009 of which 6,150 were officials and 1,108 employees.
97% of IOM staff members were posted in the Field.
Gender: 3170 females (44%); 4088 males (56%)
Security statistics: 216 safety/security incidents reported in 2009 (robberies, arson, kidnappings, carjacking, theft, sexual assault, bombings, natural disasters, military actions, motor vehicle accidents (19), etc.)
6,800 IOM staff were included in the United Nations Security Management System in 2009. 16

17. Assistance Prior to Departure (continued)
The importance of providing updated, comprehensive and unbiased information about the country of origin;
An informed decision contributes to the sustainability of the return;
The possibility for migrants to decide if returning is the best alternative to deportation;
Counselling prior to departure is crucial in order to manage the expectations of the returning migrant.
Assistance Prior to Departure (continued)
STAFF:
Total number of staff: 7,258 at the end of 2009 of which 6,150 were officials and 1,108 employees.
97% of IOM staff members were posted in the Field.
Gender: 3170 females (44%); 4088 males (56%)
Security statistics: 216 safety/security incidents reported in 2009 (robberies, arson, kidnappings, carjacking, theft, sexual assault, bombings, natural disasters, military actions, motor vehicle accidents (19), etc.)
6,800 IOM staff were included in the United Nations Security Management System in 2009. 17

18. 5.2) The Return REPORT OUTLINE:
Brief presentation follows the report that is before you, The Report of the Director General on the Work of the Organization for the Year 2009 – a concise account of programme activity complemented by a statistical annex that illustrates several organizational trends.
My presentation today is divided into four parts:
1. A retrospective look at 2009 and the events that shaped IOM’s work;
2. A statistical overview of staffing, programmes and budget;
3. Programme highlights; and
4. A brief summary of the evolving themes, trends, and challenges for 2010 and beyond. 18

19. Assistance during the Return/Transit
Travel arrangements
Air ticket and luggage
Assistance with boarding
Assistance with transportation
to the airport
Financial support in cash
Assistance during the journey
Medical and other accompaniment
of migrants in vulnerable situations
Temporary shelter (if required)
Assistance during the Return/Transit
STAFF:
Total number of staff: 7,258 at the end of 2009 of which 6,150 were officials and 1,108 employees.
97% of IOM staff members were posted in the Field.
Gender: 3170 females (44%); 4088 males (56%)
Security statistics: 216 safety/security incidents reported in 2009 (robberies, arson, kidnappings, carjacking, theft, sexual assault, bombings, natural disasters, military actions, motor vehicle accidents (19), etc.)
6,800 IOM staff were included in the United Nations Security Management System in 2009. 19

20. 5.3) Assistance during Reception
REPORT OUTLINE:
Brief presentation follows the report that is before you, The Report of the Director General on the Work of the Organization for the Year 2009 – a concise account of programme activity complemented by a statistical annex that illustrates several organizational trends.
My presentation today is divided into four parts:
1. A retrospective look at 2009 and the events that shaped IOM’s work;
2. A statistical overview of staffing, programmes and budget;
3. Programme highlights; and
4. A brief summary of the evolving themes, trends, and challenges for 2010 and beyond. 20

21. Assistance during Reception
Counselling and information
Identifying special needs
Preparing for the reintegration phase
Transportation to the community or family
Temporary shelter
Medical care or referral, if required
Assistance during Reception
STAFF:
Total number of staff: 7,258 at the end of 2009 of which 6,150 were officials and 1,108 employees.
97% of IOM staff members were posted in the Field.
Gender: 3170 females (44%); 4088 males (56%)
Security statistics: 216 safety/security incidents reported in 2009 (robberies, arson, kidnappings, carjacking, theft, sexual assault, bombings, natural disasters, military actions, motor vehicle accidents (19), etc.)
6,800 IOM staff were included in the United Nations Security Management System in 2009. 21

22. 5.4) Assistance for Reintegration
REPORT OUTLINE:
Brief presentation follows the report that is before you, The Report of the Director General on the Work of the Organization for the Year 2009 – a concise account of programme activity complemented by a statistical annex that illustrates several organizational trends.
My presentation today is divided into four parts:
1. A retrospective look at 2009 and the events that shaped IOM’s work;
2. A statistical overview of staffing, programmes and budget;
3. Programme highlights; and
4. A brief summary of the evolving themes, trends, and challenges for 2010 and beyond. 22

23. Assistance for Reintegration
Type of Assistance
Description
Subsidy for reintegration
Cash for departure and arrival
Temporary arrangements for reception
From 2 weeks to several months
Development of productive projects
Credit or donations for initiating a project
Community assistance
Construction of schools, hospitals, etc.
Institutional approach
Promoting self-employment
Socioeconomic assistance
In-kind assistance (tuition fees, support to start a business, training, etc.)
STAFF:
Total number of staff: 7,258 at the end of 2009 of which 6,150 were officials and 1,108 employees.
97% of IOM staff members were posted in the Field.
Gender: 3170 females (44%); 4088 males (56%)
Security statistics: 216 safety/security incidents reported in 2009 (robberies, arson, kidnappings, carjacking, theft, sexual assault, bombings, natural disasters, military actions, motor vehicle accidents (19), etc.)
6,800 IOM staff were included in the United Nations Security Management System in 2009. 23

24. Assistance for Reintegration (continued)
Impact on the local community
Links to community development
Links to counselling prior to departure and
reintegration assistance
Focused on individual needs
Assistance for Reintegration (continued)
STAFF:
Total number of staff: 7,258 at the end of 2009 of which 6,150 were officials and 1,108 employees.
97% of IOM staff members were posted in the Field.
Gender: 3170 females (44%); 4088 males (56%)
Security statistics: 216 safety/security incidents reported in 2009 (robberies, arson, kidnappings, carjacking, theft, sexual assault, bombings, natural disasters, military actions, motor vehicle accidents (19), etc.)
6,800 IOM staff were included in the United Nations Security Management System in 2009. 24

25. 5.5) Monitoring REPORT OUTLINE:
Brief presentation follows the report that is before you, The Report of the Director General on the Work of the Organization for the Year 2009 – a concise account of programme activity complemented by a statistical annex that illustrates several organizational trends.
My presentation today is divided into four parts:
1. A retrospective look at 2009 and the events that shaped IOM’s work;
2. A statistical overview of staffing, programmes and budget;
3. Programme highlights; and
4. A brief summary of the evolving themes, trends, and challenges for 2010 and beyond. 25

26. Monitoring Measuring advances throughout the reintegration process;
Identifying needs/changes in populations of beneficiaries;
Collecting best practices and challenges faced during programme implementation;
Assessing:
Performance level of the reintegration assistance system;
The impact of reintegration assistance on the populations of beneficiaries;
The impact of reintegration assistance on local communities.
Monitoring
STAFF:
Total number of staff: 7,258 at the end of 2009 of which 6,150 were officials and 1,108 employees.
97% of IOM staff members were posted in the Field.
Gender: 3170 females (44%); 4088 males (56%)
Security statistics: 216 safety/security incidents reported in 2009 (robberies, arson, kidnappings, carjacking, theft, sexual assault, bombings, natural disasters, military actions, motor vehicle accidents (19), etc.)
6,800 IOM staff were included in the United Nations Security Management System in 2009. 26

27. Statistics
STAFF:
Total number of staff: 7,258 at the end of 2009 of which 6,150 were officials and 1,108 employees.
97% of IOM staff members were posted in the Field.
Gender: 3170 females (44%); 4088 males (56%)
Security statistics: 216 safety/security incidents reported in 2009 (robberies, arson, kidnappings, carjacking, theft, sexual assault, bombings, natural disasters, military actions, motor vehicle accidents (19), etc.)
6,800 IOM staff were included in the United Nations Security Management System in 2009. 27

28. Statistics (continued)
STAFF:
Total number of staff: 7,258 at the end of 2009 of which 6,150 were officials and 1,108 employees.
97% of IOM staff members were posted in the Field.
Gender: 3170 females (44%); 4088 males (56%)
Security statistics: 216 safety/security incidents reported in 2009 (robberies, arson, kidnappings, carjacking, theft, sexual assault, bombings, natural disasters, military actions, motor vehicle accidents (19), etc.)
6,800 IOM staff were included in the United Nations Security Management System in 2009. 28

29. Statistics (continued)
STAFF:
Total number of staff: 7,258 at the end of 2009 of which 6,150 were officials and 1,108 employees.
97% of IOM staff members were posted in the Field.
Gender: 3170 females (44%); 4088 males (56%)
Security statistics: 216 safety/security incidents reported in 2009 (robberies, arson, kidnappings, carjacking, theft, sexual assault, bombings, natural disasters, military actions, motor vehicle accidents (19), etc.)
6,800 IOM staff were included in the United Nations Security Management System in 2009. 29

30. 97% of IOM staff members were posted in the Field.
Total number of staff: 7,258 at the end of 2009 of which 6,150 were officials and 1,108 employees.
97% of IOM staff members were posted in the Field.
Gender: 3170 females (44%); 4088 males (56%)
Security statistics: 216 safety/security incidents reported in 2009 (robberies, arson, kidnappings, carjacking, theft, sexual assault, bombings, natural disasters, military actions, motor vehicle accidents (19), etc.)
6,800 IOM staff were included in the United Nations Security Management System in 2009. 30

31. 97% of IOM staff members were posted in the Field.
Total number of staff: 7,258 at the end of 2009 of which 6,150 were officials and 1,108 employees.
97% of IOM staff members were posted in the Field.
Gender: 3170 females (44%); 4088 males (56%)
Security statistics: 216 safety/security incidents reported in 2009 (robberies, arson, kidnappings, carjacking, theft, sexual assault, bombings, natural disasters, military actions, motor vehicle accidents (19), etc.)
6,800 IOM staff were included in the United Nations Security Management System in 2009. 31

32. Areas of Capacity-Building in Countries of Destination:
Awareness-raising;
Collecting information about the country of origin;
Identifying diasporas;
Disseminating information to migrant communities;
Systems for referral to public services.
Capacity-Building
STAFF:
Total number of staff: 7,258 at the end of 2009 of which 6,150 were officials and 1,108 employees.
97% of IOM staff members were posted in the Field.
Gender: 3170 females (44%); 4088 males (56%)
Security statistics: 216 safety/security incidents reported in 2009 (robberies, arson, kidnappings, carjacking, theft, sexual assault, bombings, natural disasters, military actions, motor vehicle accidents (19), etc.)
6,800 IOM staff were included in the United Nations Security Management System in 2009. 32

33. Capacity-building (continued)
Areas of Capacity-Building in Countries of Destination:
Strengthening the links between return and local development;
Access to services;
Strengthening local networks;
Local capacity-building for assistance during reintegration (through awareness-raising and training for NGOs);
Links with the private sector;
A focus on the needs of the returned migrants and their communities.
Capacity-building (continued)
STAFF:
Total number of staff: 7,258 at the end of 2009 of which 6,150 were officials and 1,108 employees.
97% of IOM staff members were posted in the Field.
Gender: 3170 females (44%); 4088 males (56%)
Security statistics: 216 safety/security incidents reported in 2009 (robberies, arson, kidnappings, carjacking, theft, sexual assault, bombings, natural disasters, military actions, motor vehicle accidents (19), etc.)
6,800 IOM staff were included in the United Nations Security Management System in 2009. 33

34. Thank you