International Migrants Day 2023: Date, Theme, History, Significance & More
International Migrants Day 2023: It is observed on 18 December every year to raise awareness regarding the challenges and difficulties faced by migrants. Let us have a look at the history, significance, and 2023 themes of International Migrants Day.
International Migrants Day 2023: It is observed on 18 December every year. Globalization with the advancement of communications and transportation has greatly increased the number of people, who have desired and the capacity to move to other places. Across the world, this new era has created challenges and opportunities for societies.
It has been seen that today more people live in a country other than the one in which they were born. According to the UN, the number of migrants globally reached an estimated 272 million in 2019 more than in 2010 which is 51 million. The proportion of international migrants in the world population has also risen compared to 2.8 percent in 2000 and 2.3 percent in 1980. Some individuals migrate out of choice and many others migrate out of necessity.
According to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, "On this International Migrants Day, let us seize the opportunity of the recovery from the pandemic to implement the Global Compact for Sale, Orderly and Regular Migration, reimage human mobility, enable migrants to reignite economies at home and abroad and build more inclusive and resilient societies".
About Migrant
As per UN Migration Agency (IOM), a migrant is any person who is moving or has moved across an international border or within a State away from his/her habitual place of residence, regardless of;
- the person's legal status
- whether or not the movement is voluntary or involuntary
- what may be the causes for the movement are or
- what may be the length of the stay is
International Migrants Day Theme 2023
International Migrants Day is celebrated with a new theme every year. So far, the theme for IMD 2023 has not been decided. The table below here presents the theme for the past 5 years’ celebration of IMD.
The theme for International Migrants Day 2022 is Integrating migrants into primary health care.
The theme of International Migrant Day 2020 is 'Reimagining Human Mobility'. During the past months, migrants are at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19. Their work in various sectors including health, transportation, and food services made our lives under lockdown more bearable.
We can't say that the pandemic is an excuse to roll back commitments to promote and protect the rights of migrants regardless of their legal status. It cannot become an excuse ts of migrants regardless of their legal status. It cannot become an associated excuse for the multiplied use of detention, usually in overcrowded conditions, and also the forced return of migrants to their countries of origin while not due process of law, in various cases in violation of international law.
They contribute their knowledge, networks, and skills to build stronger, more resilient communities. Due to COVID-19, millions of migrants are stranded, facing job loss and some sort of discrimination. Living without income or shelter. Also, unable to return home due to COVID-19 mobility restrictions and face increased risks of trafficking and exploitation.
We can't say that the pandemic is an excuse to roll back commitments to promote and protect the rights of migrants regardless of their legal status. It cannot become an excuse for the increased use of detention, often in overcrowded conditions, and the forced return of migrants to their countries of origin without due process, in many cases in violation of international law.
Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to create a safer, more resilient world. Migration should be a choice and not a necessity.
International Migrants Day: History
The United Nations General Assembly on 4 December 2000, taking into account the large and increasing number of migrants in the world, proclaimed 18 December as International Migrants Day. In 1990, on this day, the Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families.
On 14 and 15 September 2006, the 132 Member States participated in the High-level Dialogue on International Migration and Development which was conducted by the General Assembly. They reaffirmed a number of key messages including underscoring that international migration was a growing phenomenon and that it could make a positive contribution to development in countries of origin and countries of destination provided it had been supported by the right policies. They also emphasized that migrants' fundamental rights and freedoms should be respected to reap the advantages of international migration and recognized the importance of strengthening international cooperation on international migration bilaterally, regionally, and globally.
Significance of International Migrants Day 2023
International Migrants Day provides an ideal opportunity to highlight the contributions made by millions of migrants toward the world economy. In addition to this, the day also draws the attention of people all over the world toward the problems and challenges faced by migrant workers and their families. International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a UN-related agency and an advocate of human rights for migrants all over the globe that promotes the annual celebration of International Migrants Day on December 18.
International Migrants Day: Migrants and the SDGs
The Sustainable Development 2030 Agenda recognizes for the first time the contribution of migration to sustainable development. Eleven out of the Seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) contain targets and indicators relevant to migration or mobility. The core principle of the agenda is to "leave no one behind" not even migrants.
About the International Organization for Migration (IOM)
IOM was established in 1951 and is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration. IOM entered into an agreement with the United Nations in 2016 and became one of its specialized agencies.
Observation of International Migrants Day 2023
The United Nations invites all its member states, and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to observe this day by educating people about human rights and fundamental freedoms of migrants and taking action to ensure the protection of migrants. On this day, various events are organized by IOM in nearly 500 country offices, sub-offices, and domestic civil society partners. Global Migration Film Festival (GMFF) is also organized that features screenings of migration-themed movies and panel discussions about IMD. You can also watch these movies at home with your friends and family to increase awareness of the various benefits of migration. You can also offer your help and financial support to the migrant families.
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