Returning Migrants

To the Editor:

While “Can Privatization Kill?,” by Thomas Gammeltoft-Hansen (Op-Ed, April 2), reflected valid concerns about the human rights and the treatment of forcibly returned migrants, we are concerned that some readers may infer from this article that the International Organization for Migration is a party to, and profits from, forcible and sometimes fatal deportations delegated by governments to the private sector.

The International Organization for Migration, an intergovernmental organization composed of 146 member states, received $265 million in 2010 to provide voluntary return and reintegration assistance to unsuccessful asylum seekers, stranded persons and other migrants.

The money was also used to support victims of human trafficking directly and through nongovernmental organizations and government agencies as well as to offer training to government officials to improve national migration management.

Under the terms laid down in its constitution, the organization is not and never has been involved in forcible deportations.

WILLIAM LACY SWING

Director General, International Organization for Migration

Geneva, April 5, 2012