Operational movements and resettlement

The International Organization for Migration was established to assist people to move back to their home cities and countries after the second World War and therefore one of IOM’s core mandates lie in the resettlement and transportation of people across borders. This is reflected in the important resettlement work that has been carried out in Tajikistan since IOM’s establishment in the country.

IOM IDP convoy travelling from Khorog to Dushanbe in 1995 during the civil war.

During and following the Tajik civil war of 1992-1997, IOM Tajikistan assisted the government of Tajikistan to return over 85,000 Tajik refugees from Afghanistan and other neighbouring countries, and also facilitated the return of 65,000 internally displaced Tajiks to their home communities. Additionally, in cooperation with UNHCR, IOM has assisted with the return of more than 15,000 Afghan refugees from Tajikistan to Afghanistan and resettled over 6,000 Afghan refugees to third countries, such as Canada, the United States of America, and some European countries.

Since 2013, the vast majority of the beneficiaries IOM has resettled have moved to Canada. Before heading off for a fresh start and a new home in Canada IOM organizes a three day long cultural orientation training for them to attend. The training is focused on issues related to the access to education, labour market integration and also deals with possible culture clashes, all aiming at helping them to be able to faster adapt to their new life in a culture radically different from their home country.