International Catholic Migration Commission

Overview

The International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) is a global non-governmental organization established in 1951 to protect and serve uprooted people—refugees, migrants, asylum seekers, and internally displaced persons—regardless of their faith, race, ethnicity, or nationality. It was founded in the wake of World War II by Pope Pius XII with the goal of coordinating Catholic efforts to respond to the mass displacement caused by the war. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and with offices in Brussels, Washington, D.C., Boston, Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, and Beirut, ICMC operates in over 40 countries through a network of 132 member organizations, including national Catholic Bishops’ Conferences. The organization works across several key areas: humanitarian assistance and development, protection and prevention (including anti-trafficking and support for survivors of gender-based violence), refugee resettlement and complementary legal pathways, deployment of migration and protection experts, advocacy for migrant and refugee rights, civil society coordination, capacity building and research, and church networking. ICMC provides life-saving aid such as shelter, healthcare, cash assistance, and disaster risk reduction, while also advocating for durable, rights-based solutions for displaced populations. The organization holds consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) since 1952 and was granted public juridical status by the Holy See in 2008. In 2011, ICMC was appointed as the Civil Society Coordinating Office for the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD), helping to bridge dialogue between civil society and governments. Through its wide-ranging programs and partnerships, ICMC remains dedicated to restoring dignity and fostering hope for people on the move around the world.