The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in Tajikistan in 1993 during the Tajik civil war. At this time, its operations focused primarily on humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict; movements, return and resettlement for refugees and the 700,000 internally displaced persons. IOM has since grown and expanded to all areas of the country across a wide range of thematic areas.

As part of its mandate, IOM Tajikistan leads counter-trafficking in person efforts in the country, using a victim-centred approach, and raising public awareness on human trafficking to prevent exploitation and rights abuses. IOM Tajikistan is also working with health authorities and diaspora groups on issues of public health, particularly in relation to communicable diseases like tuberculosis and HIV with a focus on the health of migrant workers and their families. Another important priority is lending support to the Tajik Border Force in their efforts to strengthen border management, update best practices and regulations, and upgrade facilities at border crossings to facilitate the legitimate crossing of goods and people whilst maintaining secure borders.

IOM Tajikistan is conducting work in community stabilization to build safer and more prosperous communities through supporting small businesses, building community infrastructure and providing vocational training. Finally, as one of the most vulnerable countries in Central Asia to climate change impacts, IOM is also conducting some of the region’s most progressive programming on migration, environment and climate change through capacity building with the Government of Tajikistan, integrating migration into National Adaptation Plans and evidence building on the links between adaptation and migration. IOM Tajikistan maintains close partnerships with FAO, UN Women, UNICEF, UNHCR, UNDP as a member of the United Nations Country Team (UNCT). Under the Rapid Emergency and Assessment Coordinator Team (REACT), IOM Tajikistan leads the sectoral working group on Camp Coordination and Camp Management Cluster (CCCM).