The Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Amy Pope concluded a four-day visit to Bangladesh from 5 May to 8 May 2024. DG Pope’s visit included strategic engagements aimed at addressing the pressing humanitarian needs of Rohingya refugees, and advancing global migration discourse. Notably, the DG also launched IOM’s agship World Migration Report 2024, the rst time that this publication has been launched outside Geneva. During her visit, DG Pope met with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and welcomed the commitment of the government of Bangladesh to addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis and broader migration challenges.
Accompanied by representatives from the international donor community and the private sector, DG Pope witnessed rsthand the pressing humanitarian needs of the Rohingya humanitarian response in Bangladesh and highlighed the need for continued humanitarian assistance and protection support for the refugees.
In a signicant step towards preserving Rohingya cultural heritage, DG Pope inaugurated the World Tour of the Rohingya Cultural Memory Centre (RCMC). The RCMC World Tour will showcase, in several global locations, the rich cultural heritage of the Rohingya community and raise awareness about their plight.
During her visit, DG Pope also participated in a high-level dialogue on the Future of Migration and Bangladesh, engaging in fruitful discussions with key stakeholders on shaping policies and strategies to address migration challenges in the country and region. Following the visit, participating donor countries pledged their support to IOM’s emergency and development projects in Bangladesh. This nancial assistance will signicantly assist IOM to address the pressing needs faced by Rohingya refugees and other vulnerable communities in Bangladesh. In March 2024, IOM appealed for USD 119 million to support nearly a million Rohingya refugees in what has been called the world’s largest refugee settlement in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, and the vulnerable community generously hosting them. Through collaboration with donors and partners, IOM remains committed to providing vital support to vulnerable populations and promoting sustainable solutions to migration issues worldwide.
