Lamenting "the many intractable humanitarian crises found across the globe," William Lacy Swing, director general of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), said as a collective, the world often falls short of finding lasting solutions "despite our common commitment to be more accountable to people affected by crises".

Yesterday, on World Humanitarian Day, Swing applauded the theme of the day - "inspiring humanity" - and said IOM fully echoes the need for greater engagement from all actors: political leaders, intergovernmental organizations, NGOs, and communities themselves in ensuring "a humane response to those who seek our help".

Swing noted that in 2016, the world will redouble its efforts to global advocacy on humanitarian issues as part of the World Humanitarian Summit (WHS) in Istanbul, Turkey. He cited the seven key themes IOM has chosen which link its humanitarian work and the summit's thematic areas: humanitarian action and the role of the diaspora, assisting mobile populations, migrants in crisis, humanitarian border management, counter-trafficking, protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA), urbanization and migrants in cities.

"In the face of the rise of unprecedented and concurrent humanitarian crises with their heavy toll, IOM sees a key role for humanitarian workers to better engage communities... with the ultimate aim of saving and protecting lives in a humane and principled manner," Swing said.

"Being an operational and field-based organization, IOM also recognizes the fact that the crucial humanitarian work is done at the field level and largely depends on a collaborative effort between states, partners, and the local communities." He called for the correcting of what he termed "the current negative rhetoric and narrative concerning migration and mobility issues as a result of grave humanitarian crises", and said IOM believes that joint advocacy and programming can contribute to this goal.

The IOM has developed Principles for Humanitarian Action (PHA), Protection Mainstreaming, and Durable Solutions policies, which Swing called "testament to the organization's commitment to ensuring that humanitarian principles are integrated into IOM programming and interventions." He also hailed the recent convening of the first ever IOM NGO Humanitarian Consultations this past June with the support of the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA).

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