IOM Chief Visits Lebanon to Strengthen Humanitarian and Migration Management Cooperation

Beirut, 18 December 2024 – Amid the recent ceasefire and pivotal regional developments, Director General Amy Pope visited Lebanon from 17-18 December to highlight ongoing humanitarian and recovery needs in the country and strengthen cooperation with the country.

DG Pope met with the Caretaker Prime Minister of the Lebanese Government, H.E. Mr. Najib Mikati, to discuss the partnership between IOM and Lebanon to address humanitarian and migration governance needs in the country.

“At this important moment in history, I am proud to confirm IOM’s commitment to continue supporting Lebanon, from delivering humanitarian assistance to those who need it most to strengthening migration governance for the benefit of all,” DG Pope said following the meeting.

DG Pope also met with other senior government officials, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants, the Director of General Security General Director, and the Minister of Environment and Coordinator of the Government Emergency Committee to discuss the situation of the country since the recent ceasefire and reiterate IOM’s commitment to addressing the needs of internally displaced persons, returnees, migrants, refugees, and other vulnerable groups in the country.

During the visit, DG Pope visited two shelters for migrants and internally displaced persons, meeting with individuals and families affected by the conflict. They shared with her their optimism about the ceasefire and their need to get back to their feet. Most of them are still living in precarious situations, lacking many daily necessities, unable to return to their homes and rebuild their lives. Many migrants, particularly those who have been living in the country for years, face specific challenges in accessing humanitarian assistance. DG Pope reiterated IOM’s commitment to working with partners to ensure migrants are not left behind.

IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix estimates that over 900,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have begun returning to their communities, where infrastructure has been damaged and essential services severely disrupted, but over 170,000 remain displaced.

Note to Editors

IOM has been in Lebanon since 2006 and has established a strong track record in delivering
frontline services to crisis-affected populations, while also supporting longer-term recovery and migration governance.

Over the past year of conflict, IOM has been on the ground working closely with partners and affected populations to provide essential relief items, shelter assistance, medical equipment, supplies and medicines, protection services, and psychosocial support to those in need.

For more information, please contact:  

In Lebanon: beypsu@iom.int
In Cairo: jlowry@iom.int