International Migrants Day 2023: As part of its annual International Migrants Day celebration, the United Nations commemorates the adoption of the International Convention on the Protection of All Migrant Workers and Their Families in 1990. As well as highlighting the struggles and achievements of migrants throughout the world, this event also highlights their contribution to social, economic, and cultural development. As part of this day, migrants are also reminded that they are entitled to the same basic rights as everyone else, regardless of their immigration status.
International Migrants Day 2023 Theme
International Migrants Day 2023 focuses on the theme “Promoting Safe Migration”. This theme underscores the vulnerability and marginalization often experienced by migrants and displaced individuals.
Who are international migrants?
There are an estimated 272 million international migrants globally, representing 3.4 percent of the world’s population.1 An international migrant is someone who has been away from his or her country of usual residence for at least a year, and whose movement to another country has been motivated by factors such as work, family reunion, or education.2
The number of international migrants has been growing steadily over the past few decades. In 2013, there were 232 million international migrants, compared to 175 million in 2000 and 154 million in 1990.3 The top destination countries for international migrants are the United States (46.6 million), Russia (11.6 million), Germany (9.8 million), Saudi Arabia (9.0 million), and the United Kingdom (7.8 million).4
There are several different types of international migrants:
- Economic migrants: These individuals move to another country to find work or improve their economic situation.
- Family members: These individuals move to be with family members who have already migrated.
- Refugees and asylum seekers: These individuals are forced to flee their home countries due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters.
- Students: These individuals move to another country to pursue educational opportunities.
National Immigrants Day 2023: History, Activities, FAQs, and Dates
What is the difference between migrants and refugees?
In short, migrants are people who move voluntarily in search of better opportunities, while refugees are forced to flee their homes due to conflict or persecution.
Migration is a natural and necessary part of human society. For centuries, people have moved to new places in search of better economic opportunities, education, or simply a change of scenery. In recent years, the number of people migrating internationally has reached unprecedented levels. According to the United Nations, there were 244 million international migrants in 2015 – an increase of nearly 60 percent since 2000.
While migration is often a choice, refugees are forced to leave their homes due to conflict or persecution. According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), there were 21.3 million refugees globally in 2016. This is the highest level of displacement that UNHCR has ever seen. Syria continues to be the largest source of refugees, with 6.3 million people fleeing the country since 2011.
The difference between migrants and refugees is often misunderstood. Some people use the terms interchangeably, but they are actually two very different groups of people with distinct experiences and motivations.
The effects of migration
It is well-documented that migration can have positive effects on both origin and destination communities. On an individual level, migrants often experience a boost in earnings and standard of living. They also gain new skills and knowledge, which can benefit their families and communities back home.
At the community level, migration can lead to the exchange of ideas and cultural enrichment. It can also help to bridge the gap between different social groups and create opportunities for economic development. When managed effectively, migration can be a powerful tool for promoting growth and prosperity.
International Migrants Day
December 18th is International Migrants Day, a day to remember and celebrate the contributions of migrants around the world. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the challenges facing migrants and call for improved policies.
There are an estimated 244 million international migrants globally, representing 3.3% of the world’s population. Migration is a complex phenomenon, driven by many factors including poverty, conflict, persecution, and environmental degradation. Despite the risks associated with migrating, many people are forced to leave their homes in search of a better life.
Migrants make significant contributions to their host countries. They bring new skills and perspectives, and often fill crucial labour shortages. They also contribute to the economy through their spending power and taxes. In addition, migrants can play an important role in supporting development in their home countries by sending money back to family members (known as remittances).
Despite these positive contributions, migrants often face discrimination and exclusion in their host countries. They may be denied basic rights and access to essential services such as healthcare and education. They may also be subjected to exploitation by unscrupulous employers or human traffickers. These challenges underscore the need for more effective policies to protect the rights of migrants and ensure their inclusion in society.
On International Migrants Day, let us commit to building a fairer world for all migrants – one that respects their rights and values their contributions!
INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | December 18 | Monday |
| 2024 | December 18 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | December 18 | Thursday |
| 2026 | December 18 | Friday |
| 2027 | December 18 | Saturday |
