Since last October, Amy Pope became the first female chief executive officer of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in its 72-year history. This milestone arrives at a pivotal moment for a phenomenon that has sparked rejection in many affluent nations and, increasingly, in communities facing hardship. Pope spoke to El Periódico de Catalunya of the Prensa Ibérica group in a face-to-face interview conducted on the sidelines of a congress organized by the Order of Malta in Rome. The conversation is direct and unflinching at times, giving readers a clear sense of the challenges and responsibilities she faces in her role.
What migration crises concern you the most right now?
I recently returned from Chad, where displaced populations from Sudan have sought safety. Chad currently hosts the world’s largest number of displaced people due to the conflict, which continues since April and keeps the Sudanese regular army and paramilitary forces in confrontation. These are people who crossed borders into Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt, existing in extreme vulnerability, and there is a shortage of resources to assist them. Another urgent issue involves large groups displaced by the climate crisis who lack legal protection, not being recognized as refugees and lacking opportunities to farm, fish, or provide for their children. If the needs of these communities are not addressed, the global displaced population will continue to rise.
“If we do not meet the growing needs of communities affected by the climate crisis, the number of displaced people in the world will continue to increase.”
What long-term consequences does the war in Gaza have?
Gaza’s infrastructure is being destroyed at a rapid pace, with schools and hospitals affected. Young people are traumatized, and entire communities are uprooted and displaced. Rebuilding Gaza will require substantial support from the humanitarian world, and ongoing violence compounds the challenges day by day.
Italy intends to send the migrants it rescued to detention centers in Albania, and the UK aims to Rwanda. What is your take on these approaches?
The reality is that outsourcing asylum processes has not shown strong results. The IOM believes firmly in upholding the right to seek asylum and ensuring that people can pursue it effectively. It remains unclear how these new programs would enable asylum claims in a way that is operationally sound, logistically feasible, and humane. The actual value of these measures is uncertain. Moreover, the number of asylum seekers continues to rise because many people cannot find other routes or opportunities to seek protection.
“We need to understand why these people are leaving, where they’re going and how they got there.”
What do you think about the rapid return of immigrants to some countries, including Spain?
International law clearly states that people cannot be sent back without having the opportunity to present their asylum claims if they wish. These rollbacks are a major concern because the commitments of many states support these legal foundations. The immigration challenge cannot be addressed solely at the border. It requires a comprehensive analysis of why people depart, where they go, and how they travel. The broader factors behind these movements must be understood and addressed.
You argue that immigrants are an opportunity. But that’s not what many governments are saying.
There is growing light. Governments, including Italy, have acknowledged the needs of migrants and spoken openly about visa pathways for workers who can meet labor market demands. The IOM is engaging in dialogues with numerous countries. None of these efforts are simple, but there is potential for progress with capable partners.
“Europe needs immigrants and there must be safe, orderly ways for people to migrate.”
Frontex, the EU’s external border protection body, has faced persistent criticism. Do you see any particularly problematic aspects in its activities?
The organization is still seeking ways to better serve its member states, and that is inherently complex. It is not easy to form a definitive opinion. It would be more effective to focus on reintegration in home economies when possible. If someone returns home without a plan, the risk of re-emigration remains high. The IOM has consistently urged governments to address the issue with a broader, more comprehensive approach.
What do you think about the new European migration pact? Several criticisms have been raised.
The IOM does not adopt a fixed stance on this issue. It believes the pact should be evaluated once it is in force. Still, it is hopeful to recognize that Europe needs migrants and that safe, orderly pathways must be found for people to move.
— End of interview. The remarks reflect the IOM’s emphasis on human dignity, the protection of asylum rights, and the pursuit of practical, humane responses to displacement and migration challenges. (Citation: Interview with Amy Pope, El Periódico de Catalunya, conducted during a Rome conference event.)