International Organization of Migration (IOM) Nepal’s Mission organized a panel discussion to celebrate the 65^th anniversary of IOM. Moderated by IOM chief of mission Paul I. Norton, Deputy Chief of Mission of Embassy of the United States Michael C. Gonzales said that the U.S.is one of the largest recipient of refugees and also received over 90,000 Bhutanese refugees.  Deputy chief of the mission of the U.S. Embassy said that migration is also parts of the problems of human trafficking. “The U.S. has been supporting Nepal’s business environment to create the job within the country,” said DCM Gonzales.

Highlighting the importance of migration, Under Secretary of Ministry of Labor and Employment said that migration is important factor of economic development of Nepal. “Remittances have a major contribution in reducing poverty and economic development. Migration is also part of the problems of trafficking,” said under secretary.

“With more than 2.5 million Nepalese migrants aboard, the EU believes that a proper management of labour migration in Nepal will be determinant for Nepal's development in the next years,” said head of Communication Unit of office of European Delegation. “The EU is currently working in   4 projects related to labour migration for a total of 3 million Euros. In addition, the EU recently organised in collaboration with IOM and the Ministry of labour an Employment the first high level dialogue on migration issues.”

Addressing the program on the theme More-Migration: A Measure of Humanity’s Dignity and Move, IOM Nepal Chief of Mission Paul Norton said  migration is a natural process of human society and he expressed the hope that migration should be allowed with dignity.

“For us, the event is a tribute to our staff, international and local partners, government counterparts, the media and of course all migrants whose support and engagement has enabled IOM to achieve great results in Nepal,” said Paul addressing the program. “It is also part of the UN’s new “Together” global campaign to promote diversity and inclusion, for which IOM- The UN Migration Agency has been asked to play a leading role.”

IOM rose from the ashes of World War II sixty five years ago. In the battle –scared continent of Europe, no government alone could help survivors who wanted no more than an opportunity to resume their lives in freedom and with dignity. The first incarnation of IOM was created to resettle refugees during the post  war period.

2016 has been a landmark year for migration. IOM and UN member states grasped a historic opportunity to officially bring IOM into the UN System, giving a much needed voice to migrants in the international community. And o 19 September, the United Nations hosted the first ever summit on refugees and migration.

According a press release issued by IOM, one in every seven people is a migrant today- be it a refugee, a student, a migrant worker or a professional who moves between international postings.

Following the discussion, Nepalese movie Chhakka Panja was also screened to celebrate 65 years of IOM.