International Migrants Day: Protecting Migrant Rights
December 18th is International Migrants Day, intended to raise awareness about the challenges and contributions of migrants worldwide. It celebrates the positive impact of migrant communities and acknowledges the difficulties they face, which affect their physical and mental health. It also fosters global dialogue and cooperation to ensure their welfare and inclusion in society. Read on to learn more.
Key Info: International Migrants Day
- When is International Migrants Day?
Occurs annually on the 18th of December - This Year (2026):
Friday, December 18, 2026 - Official Website: United Nations International Migrants Day
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Future Dates
- Saturday, December 18, 2027
- Monday, December 18, 2028
- Tuesday, December 18, 2029
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Additional Details
- Observed By: UN member states, international organizations, civil society groups, migrants and their advocates
- Where Is It Observed: International
- Primary Theme: Migration and Human Rights
- Hashtags: #InternationalMigrantsDay #MigrantsDay #ForMigration #WithMigrants #MigrationDay #StandUpForMigrants
Quick links: International Migrants Day
Why International Migrants Day Matters
International migrants comprise 3.5% of the world's population and contribute to host countries' economies, labor markets, and cultural diversity. Their efforts also drive economic growth and help build more resilient communities.
However, migrants also experience discrimination, exploitation, and limited access to social services. Similarly, migration has positive and negative environmental impacts, and climate change is a significant factor driving migration.
Unfortunately, migrant rights are often neglected, leading to widespread human rights abuses.
International Migrants Day highlights the need for the international community to improve policies and practices to preserve migrants' rights.
Data and Statistics
The United Nations reported that in 2020, there were 281 million international migrants, accounting for 3.6% of the global population, an increase from 2.8% at the turn of the millennium.
However, international migration is unevenly distributed worldwide. The International Organization for Migration reported only twenty countries receive about two-thirds of all global migrants.
The top host countries are the United States, Germany, and Saudi Arabia, whose economic opportunities, political stability, and social fabric attract migrants.
Likewise, the financial implications of international migration are remarkable.
According to the World Bank, in 2019, migrants sent home $554 billion to low- and middle-income countries, which is more than the foreign aid these countries receive.
Finally, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said women represent 48% of international migrants.
How to Support the Rights of Migrants
- Advocate for policy changes that protect migrants' rights. You can try lobbying, engaging with political representatives, or joining advocacy groups focusing on migrant rights.
- Support organizations that provide services to migrants. You can try helping out with legal aid, health services, education, and housing. Donating time, skills, or funds can make a significant difference.
- Raise awareness about the issues migrants face. Share accurate information about these issues and the migrants’ contributions to society on social media platforms, community events, or personal networks.
- Encourage inclusive practices in workplaces and schools.
- Promote diversity and inclusion initiatives that make institutions more welcoming and supportive of migrants.
- Stand against discrimination and xenophobia.
- Challenge negative stereotypes and discriminatory behavior toward migrants in daily life, the media, and public discourse.
Brief Timeline of International Migrants Day
The Convention Concerning the Emigration and Immigration of Indigenous Workers is the first international agreement to protect migrant workers' rights.
The United Nations adopts the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, including the right to leave and return to one's country.
The United Nations creates the UN Migration Working Group after in-depth discussions on migrant rights.
The UN General Assembly adopts the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.
The United Nations proclaim December 18 as International Migrants Day, marking the tenth anniversary of the 1990 convention.
The First High-Level Dialogue on International Migration and Development acknowledges the significant contributions migrants make to global development.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recognizes the role of migration in sustainable development for the first time.
The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration establishes the first-ever UN global agreement on a common approach to international migration. It provides migrants guidance to actualize human mobility.
International Migrants Day Theme
| Dec 18, 2023 | Act Today. |
| Dec 18, 2022 | Promoting Safe Migration. |
| Dec 18, 2021 | Harnessing the potential of human mobility. |
| Dec 18, 2020 | We Together. |
| Dec 18, 2019 | We Live Together. |
Conclusion
International Migrants Day highlights the contributions made by migrants to our global societies, economies, and cultures. It also stresses that humane and orderly management ensures migration policies never overlook human rights.
The day aims to dispel fears and debunk migration myths. Let us create a world where migrants are treated with dignity and respect.
Resources:
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
People migrate internationally for better job opportunities, to reunite with family, to pursue higher education, and to escape conflict or persecution. They might also migrate due to natural disasters and climate change.
Migration can be a potential answer to major worldwide issues, such as coping with the consequences of climate change or offering improved economic prospects for societies.
Migrants often face discrimination, exploitation, lack of access to healthcare and education, and separation from their families.
You can offer language assistance, volunteer with local organizations that serve migrants, advocate for inclusive policies, and treat migrants with dignity and respect.
Mike is a degree-qualified researcher and writer passionate about increasing global awareness about climate change and encouraging people to act collectively in resolving these issues.
Fact Checked By:
Isabela Sedano, BEng.
