[2] PICUM also seeks to dialogue with organizations and networks with similar concerns in other parts of the world.
PICUM currently represents an independent network of 167 member organisations working with undocumented migrants in 34 countries, primarily in Europe as well as in other global regions.
The initiative to establish PICUM was taken in the late 1990s by grassroots organisations from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, that provided support to undocumented people.
They decided to set up a platform to advocate for the rights of undocumented people at the EU level and ensure that the EU's migration policy is in line with Member States' obligations under regional and international human rights standards.
With its "Words Matter" campaign, PICUM intends to move away from the term "illegal migrant" and promote the use of the terms "undocumented" or "irregular" as the organization believes using the word "illegal" implies criminality, is applied in a discriminatory way, and contributes to dehumanize this population.