Geneva, November 29 (RHC)-- Cuba has confirmed its commitment to contributing constructively to the main mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which is to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration, to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced people. 

Cuba has now officially joined the IOM -the UN Migration agency- as a full member, during the 108th Session of the organization's Council, taking place in Geneva, Switzerland.

Addressing the council meeting, Cuban Ambassador to Geneva-based UN bodies Pedro Luis Pedroso highlighted the importance of constructive dialogue and cooperation amongst all nations to face and overcome the challenges posed by migration, to promote a better understanding on the issue and respect for human dignity and the wellbeing of migrants.

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners.

With 167 member states and offices in over 100 countries, IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

The Council is the highest authority of IOM, which meets in regular session once a year and in special sessions at the request of one third of its members, the Director General or the Chairman of the Council in urgent circumstances.