Yuko Yasuda explained that IOM supports people compelled to move by conflict, disasters, or poverty—as well as those seeking better opportunities abroad—helping ensure safe, legal, and dignified mobility and smooth integration into host societies. At the same time, IOM works on “preventing movements” through border management and climate action. Although IOM formally joined the UN in 2016, its work dates back to 1950; IOM does not promote migration per se but aims for mobility that benefits origin and destination countries and migrants themselves—or for building conditions that allow people not to move. She identified Japan as one of IOM’s most important supporters and expressed the desire to shape better human mobility together with Japanese partners.
Reporter: Koki Imon
For more details of this meeting, please see here..
Full Statement (English Translation)
“I am Yuko Yasuda, Senior Private Sector Partnerships Officer at IOM Japan, attending on behalf of Chief of Mission Knut Ostby.
IOM assists people compelled to move—due to conflict, disasters, or poverty—as well as those who migrate for better lives and jobs.
We help ensure that people can move legally, safely, and with dignity, and integrate smoothly into host societies. At the same time, we work to prevent adverse movements by supporting border management and climate action.
IOM is relatively new as a formal UN organization, having joined in 2016, but our activities date back to 1950. This reflects how central human mobility has become in modern society.
We do not promote migration; rather, we aim for ‘good mobility’ that benefits origin and destination countries and migrants themselves—or for building societies where people can avoid moving.
Japan is among IOM’s most important supporters. We look forward to working with partners in Japan to shape better human mobility. Thank you very much.”
