International Migrants Day

International Migrants Day is commemorated on 18 December to highlight the human rights of migrants and the challenges they face. Migration is an unavoidable consequence of wars and unrest, and the world has seen many recent unrests. Millions of people have been displaced due to conflict in all corners of the world, and it is up to the international community to facilitate ease of movement and help with the survival of these individuals.

The Theme for International Migrants Day 2024 is “God walks with His people”.

Migrants are a vulnerable group affected by multiple forms of discrimination and therefore deserve attention. International Migrants Day is an opportunity to reflect upon the many ways that migrants enrich our cultures, economies, and societies. We should celebrate the wide-ranging contributions migrants have made to all of our lives and societies.

History

In 1990, the United Nations adopted a resolution to protect the rights of migrant workers and their families. International Migrants Day is proclaimed by the United Nations on December 4th, 2000. Every year on December 18th, we celebrate this decision along with the contributions made by the over 272 million migrants around the world.

The day commemorates the adoption of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families of December 18, 1990. It is celebrated every 18 December each year in the UN Member States in order to “dissipate prejudices” about migrants and “to raise awareness of their contributions in the economic, cultural and social fields, for the benefit of both their countries of origin and their countries of destination “.

On this day, the UN encourages all invited States, UN Member States, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to provide information on the human rights and fundamental freedoms of migrants, to share experiences, and to undertake actions that ensure their protection.

International Organization for Migration (IOM)

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was originally founded in 1951 to address the widespread displacement of people following the devastation of World War II. As it grew, its scope expanded to work closely with governments to develop sustainable and humane policies on migration.

However, the General Assembly in 2016 issued the New York Declaration, which brought the IOM formally into the UN System and started the process of developing the Global Compact for Migration, a landmark international treaty outlining the rights and responsibilities of states and migrants.

The UN Migration Agency (IOM) defines a “migrant as any person who is moving or has moved across an international border or within a State away from his/her habitual place of residence”.

Migrants and the SDGs

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognizes that migration is a powerful driver of sustainable development, for migrants and their communities. Further, the SDG’s motto to “leave no one behind” is a clear call for sustainable development to be inclusive, including for migrants. At least ten out of 17 goals contain targets and indicators that are directly relevant to migration or mobility. The inclusion of migration in the 2030 Agenda presents countries with a series of new migration data challenges and reporting requirements.

How can organizations recognize International Migrants Day?

Hold a press conference, public forum, or community workshop around a current campaign or on immigrant and human rights.
Join us! Every year on Dec. 18 we do a global TWEET STORM! #IMD #MigrantRightsNow.
Speak with local public officials about just immigration reform, immigration enforcement, and the human rights of immigrants.
Ask your local and state government representatives and bodies to recognize International Migrants Day with resolutions and declarations of support.
Screen films and documentaries about human rights.
Host a fundraiser, house party, “posada”, or other celebration for your organization.
Spread the word about December 18, International Migrants Day!