The contemporary world is currently witnessing a substantial increase in the number of individuals compelled to evacuate their residences due to various factors such as climate change, natural disasters, conflicts, and warfare. According to the UN’s International Organization for Migration, a migrant is defined as “any person who is moving or has moved across an international border or within a State away from his/her habitual place of residence.” This comprehensive definition encompasses individuals regardless of their legal status, the reasons behind their movement, and the duration of their stay. The escalating impacts of global warming and conflicts worldwide have led to a substantial surge in migrant numbers, highlighting the urgent need to address the challenges they face.
The UN has designated December 18 as International Migrants Day each year to acknowledge the struggles of migrants and to facilitate the migration process. This significant day serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the difficulties that migrants encounter and to inspire positive policy changes that uphold their rights and dignity.
Over two decades ago, on December 4, 2000, the UN General Assembly designated December 18 as International Migrants Day. This date holds significance as it commemorates the adoption of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families by the UN General Assembly in 1990.
In 2020, the UN estimated that over 281 million people were international migrants, and by the end of 2021, more than 59 million people were internally displaced. Regardless of the cause of their migration, migrants or displaced individuals are among the most marginalized globally, facing vulnerability to exploitation and abuse due to limited access to basic facilities. They are also susceptible to xenophobia and stigma.
The theme for International Migrants Day 2023 is “Promoting Safe Migration.” This theme aims to advocate for the commitment of nations to grant human rights to all migrants, regardless of their legal status. It further seeks to combat and discourage xenophobia and advocate for laws criminalizing the exploitation of migrant workers, as well as supporting countries that rescue, host, or receive migrants.
“Migration is an expression of the human aspiration for dignity, safety, and a better future. It is part of the social fabric, part of our very make-up as a human family.” – Ban Ki-moon
“Refugees didn’t just escape a place. They had to escape a thousand memories until they’d put enough time and distance between them and their misery to wake to a better day.” – Nadia Hashimi
“Refugees are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, children, with the same hopes and ambitions as us – except that a twist of fate has bound their lives to a global refugee crisis on an unprecedented scale.” – Khaled Hosseini
“We have a legal and moral obligation to protect people fleeing bombs, bullets and tyrants, and throughout history those people have enriched our society.” – Juliet Stevenson
International Migrants Day serves as a powerful reminder to uphold the rights of all individuals, regardless of their migrant status, and to strive for a world where safe migration is promoted and celebrated. Let us take this opportunity to reflect on the experiences of migrants and work towards creating a more inclusive and compassionate global community.
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