Stephane Jaquemet Appointed ICMC Director of Policy

The International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) has announced the appointment of Stephane Jaquemet as its new Director of Policy.

A lawyer and experienced humanitarian professional, Stephane Jaquemet will assume responsibilities as ICMC Director of Policy starting 1 February 2018.

“I am very pleased to announce Mr. Jaquemet’s appointment, who comes with strong expertise in the policy field and deep commitment to serve the needs of migrants and refugees worldwide” said ICMC Secretary General Msgr. Robert J. Vitillo in a message to the Commission members and staff.

“He joins ICMC staff after 25 years of distinguished service with the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees, with assignments in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East,” added Msgr. Vitillo.

Most recently, Jaquemet was the UNHCR Regional Representative for Southern Europe, based in Rome. Prior to that, he served in UNHCR headquarters as Senior Legal Adviser and then Chief of Section, Protection Capacity and Promotion of Refugee Law.

Before joining the UNHCR, Jaquemet worked at the International Committee of the Red Cross, serving as a delegate in Africa and the Middle East and as a Legal Officer in Geneva.

“At a time when both migrants and refugees are being stigmatized even more than before, I am very proud of joining ICMC, which has proved to be an articulate, principled and strong voice to defend the rights and dignity of the most vulnerable,” Jaquemet said. “Remaining silent or passive is simply not an option.”

Jaquemet’s professional experience includes working for another Swiss faith-based aid organization (Entraide Protestante Suisse) and private practice as a lawyer.

Jaquemet succeeds John K. Bingham, who leaves the post after 12 years of service. “No words can adequately express our gratitude to John, who has served ICMC with so much dedication,” Msgr. Vitillo said. “After so much selfless service to ICMC, John chose to seek a change in his professional life and we wish him the very best in all his future endeavors.”

A Swiss national, Stephane Jaquemet obtained his Law Degree (Licence en Droit) from the University of Lausanne. He holds a Master of Advanced Studies in Criminology from the University of Paris II Pantheon.

Jaquemet is fluent in French, English, Spanish and Italian and has notions of Arabic. He is married and father of a daughter.