The International Organization for Migration was established in 1951. It provides humanitarian assistance to refugees and displaced persons.
In 2016, it became a United Nations agency, with its headquarters in the Swiss capital, Geneva. The number of members of the organization is 175 countries, in addition to 8 other countries that have observer status. The organization also has offices in more than 100 countries around the world, and works with a wide range of partners, governmental and non-governmental organizations. Its activities include promoting international migration law, discussing policies and directives, and protecting the rights of migrants.