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International Migrants Day is an annual celebration observed on December 18th of every year. There are a larger number of migrants living from all over the world who indeed opt for better living. Migration occurs for various reasons. With lots of development taking place in the fields of transportation and communication, moving from places has increased. Migration provides increased opportunities and challenges for people. International Migrants Day acknowledges the rights, efforts, and contributions of migrants worldwide. The General Assembly of the United Nations has made this day a way to recognize the immigrants and their work.
“Our nation is built upon a history of immigration, dating back to our first pioneers, the Pilgrims. For more than three centuries, we have welcomed generations of immigrants to our melting pot of hyphenated America: British-Americans; Italian-Americans; Irish-Americans; Jewish-Americans; Mexican-Americans; Chinese-Americans; Indian-Americans.” – Ami Bera
History of International Migrants Day
International Migrants Day has been observed since the year 2000. The Day was designated by the General Assembly of the United Nations. On 4 December 2000, the General Assembly taking into account the large, increasing number of migrants in the world, established December 18th as this celebration Day. The date was precisely chosen as it was on 18 December 1990, when the General Assembly adopted the International Convention for the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (resolution 45/158). Migration attracts increasing attention globally in the present day. Earlier to this celebration, in 1997, Filipino and other Asian migrant organizations had begun promoting and carousing December 18 as the International Day of Solidarity with the Migrants.
With this initiative, the official UN designation of International Migrant’s Day has been formed with the support of Migrant Rights International, the Steering Committee for the Global Campaign for Ratification of the International Convention on Migrant’s Rights, and other organizations. It began in late 1999, campaigning online for the official UN designation of an International Migrant’s Day, and was finally proclaimed on December 4, 2000. The proclamation is considered to be an important step, proposing a rallying point for each and everyone from across the world who is involved with the protection of the migrants.
The commemoration of the Day is primarily seen as an opportunity to recognize the contributions made by millions of migrants. It includes their work for the economies of their home countries and host. The second thing that is to be considered with this day is that it promotes respect for the basic human rights of migrants. A survey shows that the total number of international migrants number has increased from approximately 175 million in 2000 to 244 million persons in 2015. Migration is more universally distributed across countries now. Approximately two-thirds of all international migrants are in Europe or Asia. One of every ten migrants falls under the age group of 15 years.
Other Celebrations on December 18
December 18 is also celebrated as
How to Celebrate International Migrants Day
Celebrating International Migrants Day is quite simple. You can provide daily necessities like food, water, and shelter to the migrants who reach your country. Help them live the peaceful life they want. Acknowledge the work of migrants on this Day and recognize them completely. You can be involved in the organizations that are actively playing a huge role in promoting this Day. Let people around you know about the problems and plight faced by the migrants. Make a step ahead in helping those migrants with your social work. Share your views and thoughts about migrant’s day on social media using the hashtag #MigrantsDay.
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