The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with the International Federation of Green Crescent (IFGC) to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support services for migrants and displaced populations worldwide. The agreement was formalized in Geneva and reflects growing global recognition of the psychological and social challenges faced by people affected by migration, displacement, conflict, and crisis.
The partnership aims to improve prevention and treatment of mental health conditions and substance use disorders among migrants, while also addressing stigma and discrimination that often prevent vulnerable individuals from accessing care. Both organizations emphasized that migration is not only a physical journey but also a deeply emotional and psychological experience, particularly for those affected by violence, instability, or forced displacement.
Under the agreement, IOM and IFGC will collaborate on joint training programmes, research, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to strengthen capacity in mental health and psychosocial support systems. They also plan to implement coordinated activities at country level, ensuring that services are more accessible and responsive to the needs of migrant communities in different contexts.
The partnership also places strong emphasis on addiction prevention, including support for issues related to substance use and behavioural addictions. Through this cooperation, both organizations aim to develop more holistic approaches that combine mental health care, prevention strategies, and community-based support systems for migrants and displaced people.
Overall, the initiative reflects IOM’s broader commitment to improving migrant wellbeing through partnerships with global health and humanitarian organizations. It highlights the growing importance of integrating mental health and psychosocial support into migration governance, humanitarian response, and long-term recovery efforts for displaced populations worldwide.
