Institutions of Democracy - 1996 - United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM)
The United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM), established in 1951, initially focused on operational assistance for migrants. Over time, it has played a groundbreaking role in enabling hundreds of thousands of displaced peoples to participate in democratic processes through external voting. As a result of the IOM’s effort, the participation of migrants has not only enhanced the legitimacy and inclusivity of elections in post-conflict territories, but has also significantly influenced their outcomes.
Jeffrey Labovitz, who was involved in IOM's first external voting project in 1996 for Bosnia and Herzegovina, provides a first-hand account of the immense logistical, political, and security challenges involved in these operations. From Bosnia to Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, East Timor, Libya and South Sudan, he recounts how IOM developed expertise, adapted to volatile contexts, and managed elections for diasporas under extreme circumstances. His story highlights the importance of including displaced populations in democratic processes and the risks IOM has navigated to ensure these elections were free, fair, and impactful.
Jeffrey Labovitz has over three decades of diverse experience in leading and managing development programmes, humanitarian response, and strategic responses to migration issues around the globe. He was appointed IOM Chief of Mission to Indonesia in 2023. He previously served as the Director of the Department of Operations and Emergencies at IOM headquarters. Other assignments within IOM include serving as IOM’s Regional Director for East and Horn of Africa, IOM Chief of Mission to Thailand, Regional Coordinator for the Western Newly Independent States, Regional Representative for South Central Europe and IOM Chief of Mission to Ukraine.
Media
