Vienna Migration Group (VMG) - Background Information
The Vienna Migration Group (VMG), launched in November 2006 by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Vienna, is an initiative furthering the migration dialogue in consultation with Vienna-based international and regional organizations such as the OSCE, specialized UN Agencies, ICMPD, SPSEE, EU/FRA, OPEC, OFID, and others.
The VMG's aim is to reinforce the dialogue amongst all stakeholders dealing with migration on national and multilateral levels respectively. It focuses on current issues of international and European migration and provides new insights and a base for reflection and discussion for diplomats, parliamentarians, government officials, researchers, NGOs, international organizations and the media. Thus, the VMG provides new incentives to the Member States of IOM, UN, OSCE, OECD, etc. in their deliberations on common principles addressing the issue of migration within the framework of foreign relations and trade, human rights, home security and development policies.
The VMG's aim is to reinforce the dialogue amongst all stakeholders dealing with migration on national and multilateral levels respectively. It focuses on current issues of international and European migration and provides new insights and a base for reflection and discussion for diplomats, parliamentarians, government officials, researchers, NGOs, international organizations and the media. Thus, the VMG provides new incentives to the Member States of IOM, UN, OSCE, OECD, etc. in their deliberations on common principles addressing the issue of migration within the framework of foreign relations and trade, human rights, home security and development policies.
The Vienna Migration Group addresses, among others, the following topics:
- Security issues related to migration, such as organized crime, including trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants as well as terrorism
- Migration and development nexus in light of global and regional approaches
- Regional cooperation and dialogues on migration management in Europe
- Migration management in the context of humanitarian emergency assistance in post conflict and peace settlement situations
- Democratization, human rights, free elections, including out of country voting (OCV) for migrant communities in host countries
- Gender issues, migrant rights and the protection of vulnerable groups
- Justice and Home Affairs issues / judicial measures in the field of migration management
- Common approaches, best practices and cooperation between receiving, sending and transit countries
- Labour mobility, economic development and circulation of highly skilled workers
- Admission, integration and naturalization measures and policies
- Dialogue and new research undertakings in the area of migration
- Effects of environmental degradation on migration movements
- Specific issues of interest to the EU Transatlantic Dialogue
The VMG serves as a platform on migration policies and migration management issues to the Member States of IOM and other international and regional organizations within regional and multi-lateral frameworks. By organizing conferences, panel discussions and workshops, the VMG aims at generating stimulating ideas and thinking that will provide new input into the ongoing national, regional and global dialogue on migration. This is especially important since the issue of migration is shaped by domestic, foreign, security, development, social and labour market policies and is closely linked to a variety of cultural traditions.
IOM Vienna
With currently 122 Member States and 92 observers, more than 400 field locations and approximately 1.770 migration related projects, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), established in 1951 as an intergovernmental organization, is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants as well as society.
Austria joined IOM as a Member State in 1952. Since then, IOM has been present in the country.
IOM Vienna's task as a Special Liaison Mission is the coordination and policy dialogue between IOM, its Member States, the Vienna-based international and regional organizations, EU Agencies and the Government of Austria. IOM Vienna hosts the Secretariat of this group and organizes its regular meetings.
Austria joined IOM as a Member State in 1952. Since then, IOM has been present in the country.
IOM Vienna's task as a Special Liaison Mission is the coordination and policy dialogue between IOM, its Member States, the Vienna-based international and regional organizations, EU Agencies and the Government of Austria. IOM Vienna hosts the Secretariat of this group and organizes its regular meetings.
