World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2023: History, Dates, Activities, and FAQs

World Day of Migrants and Refugees 2023: World Day of Migrants and Refugees is observed annually on September 26 or the last Sunday of September. It is a day designated annually by the United Nations to commemorate and honor people who have been compelled to flee their homes, people who have escaped conflict, encountered adversity, and, against all odds, forged their way to find greener pastures in faraway places.

This day has been designated to honor the fortitude and bravery of these individuals and to deepen our comprehension of their plight and the difficult decisions many immigrants have had to make. On this day, activities are held to support immigrants and refugees and to establish opportunities for them

History Of International Migrants and Refugees Day

Since 1914, the church has celebrated World Day of Migrants and Refugees annually. This day can be traced back to just a few months before the start of the First World War. After being moved by the cries of millions of Italians forced to migrate abroad, Pope Pius X urged everyone to unite in prayer for migrants. Benedict, who was succeeded only a few months later, was moved by Pope Pius’s sensitivity and took a number of practical actions. During this time, a letter titled “The pain and concerns” was sent to Italian Diocesan Ordinaries requesting the establishment of an annual day of awareness to spiritually and financially support the pastoral work of Italian immigrants.

In 2019, the global population of immigrants reached a staggering 272 million, which was 51 million more than in 2010. Many people left their native country for a variety of reasons, including the pursuit of a better education, the search for better and more lucrative employment opportunities, and flight from unjust prosecution or war.

Due to their limited resources, they encounter numerous obstacles upon their arrival in the foreign country they aspire to call home. They frequently lack access to pure water, electricity, warm shelter, and medical facilities.

Today is a day dedicated to expressing concern to many who face challenges related to immigration and is also a day to recognize our foreign brothers and sisters’ journeys and cast a light on their stories whichever way we can.

FAQs ON WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES

Where do refugees originate?

People are seeking refuge in every corner of the globe. However, statistics indicate that 70% of all refugees originate from five countries; Syria, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Myanmar, and Somalia. In these nations, war and conflict are the leading causes of emigration.

Do they go back home?

Contrary to popular belief, many refugees return home, although in recent years fewer have done so, either because they established a new life in their host country or because it remains hazardous for them to do so.

Are the terms’migrant’ refugee’ interchangeable?

False, they do not. Even though people tend to use the terms interchangeably nowadays, particularly in the media. The primary distinction is choice. A migrant is someone who chose to relocate, whereas a refugee was compelled to do so.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE WORLD DAY OF MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES

Find out more

Learn about the conditions of refugees and immigrants. Determine their challenges and how organizations are attempting to assist them.

Extend a hand

If you reside in an area where there are camps for the internally displaced or refugee homes, you should reach out to them. Today is an excellent time to organize a group of your peers and pay them a visit.

Make a contribution

Many immigrants and refugees have limited access to essential necessities, such as warm clothing, hygiene products, etc. You can also donate urgently needed items that you purchase.