“On International Migrants Day, we must reaffirm our commitment to the nearly 280 million migrants around the world, and mobilize to ensure that their inalienable rights, threatened by the various global crises, are respected.” ~Audrey Azoulay (Director- General of UNESCO)
International Migrants Day is celebrated every year on the 18th of December to acknowledge that the problems faced by migrants in every country are not yet over and governments need to come up with policies that are constructive and inclusive of the problems faced. Migration is an important concept when we discuss the challenges of globalization. Sustainable development which is encouraged by almost all economies means a development which involves progress for all the people. Thus, the aim of sustainable development can be achieved only if we create equal societies that are inclusive of migrants, and enable them to maximize their potential.
This day is observed annually, to highlight the role, contributions and challenges faced by the international migrants. The day is commemorated with one theme chosen every year. This year theme is “Honoring the contributions of the migrants and respecting their rights.” It is observed through the International Organization for Migration, the UN-related agency. The UN adopted the International Convention on the protection of the rights of all migrant workers and members of their families on 18 December 1990. In 2000, the UNGA took into account the large and increasing number of migrants in the world and hence to celebrate the day on which the convention was adopted it proclaimed this day to be observed as the International Migrants Day on 4 December 2000.
The day was created by the global body to commemorate the significance of strengthening international cooperation and migration regionally, bilaterally and globally. The day is significant as it recognizes the efforts, contributions and rights of the migrants worldwide. It is used to spread awareness about the difficulties and challenges faced by migrants and the need for the required cooperation and collective action from countries around the world. This day can also be utilized to keep the focus on the rich cultural, social and economic contributions made by migrants and the way they help in building a more inclusive society. It is extremely important to determine whether the movement of individuals is forced or voluntary for environmental issues such as poverty or disaster. Making migrants’ voices heard is the common thread throughout the International Migrants Day events. Since 2016, this day has also served as the platform for the gala final event of IOM’s three-week-long Global Migration Film Festival which in 2019 featured more than 620 screenings of migration-themed movies and panel discussions about IMD 2019’s theme of “Social Cohesion” in 107 countries around the world.
International days and weeks are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilize political will and resources to address global problems, and to celebrate and reinforce the achievements of humanity. The existence of international days predates the establishment of the United Nations, but the UN has embraced them as a powerful advocacy tool.
Written By: Manandhi Jayasinghe
References:
- https://www.un.org accessed on 08.12.2023
- https://www.testbook.com accessed on 08.12.2023
Image Courtesy:
https://images.app.goo.gl/gaLPFuMDjSberaEE7