International Migrants Day
The United Nations' (UN) International Migrants Day is annually held on December 18 to recognize the efforts, contributions and rights of migrants worldwide.
What people do?
Each year the UN invites governments, organizations, and individuals to observe International Migrants Day by distributing information on the human rights and migrants’ fundamental freedoms. People are also invited to share their experiences and contribute to designing action plans to ensure their protection. Organizations actively involved in promoting the day include:
- “December 18”, a non-governmental organization in special consultative status with the UN.
- Radio 1812, an initiative that brings together radio stations to celebrate the day.
- Amnesty International.
- The International Organization for Migration.
- The National Network for Immigrants and Refugee Rights.
Many organizations and communities celebrate the day through various activities to alert the general public on facts about migrants, problems with human trafficking, the lives of migrant workers’ children, the plight of refugees and ways in combating racism. Websites, such as www.britkid.org, gives people the opportunity to have a virtual experience of what it is like to come from a migrant background. Lobby groups may also use this day as an opportunity to pressure local public officials to look at issues concerning legalization, immigrant enforcement and migrants’ human rights. Special films and documentaries about migrants are also screened or broadcast on this day.
On 4 December 2000, the UN General Assembly, taking into account the large and increasing number of migrants in the world, proclaimed 18 December as International Migrants Day. On 18 December 1990, the General Assembly had adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.
ReplyDeleteUN Member States and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations are invited to observe International Migrants Day through the dissemination of information on the human rights and fundamental freedoms of migrants, and through the sharing of experiences and the design of actions to ensure their protection.
The 132 Member States that participated in the General Assembly's High-level Dialogue on International Migration and Development on 14-15 September 2006 reaffirmed a number of key messages. First, they underscored 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 was supported by the right policies. Secondly, they emphasized that respect for the fundamental rights and freedoms of all migrants was essential to reap the benefits of international migration. Thirdly, they recognized the importance of strengthening international cooperation on international migration bilaterally, regionally and globally.
Symbols
The UN emblem may be found in material promoting International Migrants Day. The emblem consists of a projection of the globe centered on the North Pole. It depicts all continents except Antarctica and four concentric circles representing degrees of latitude. The projection is surrounded by images of olive branches, representing peace. The emblem is often blue, although it is printed in white on a blue background on the UN flag.
18 December 2012 -- In 1997, Filipino and Asian migrant organisations began celebrating and promoting the 18th of December as the International Day of Solidarity with Migrants. This date was chosen because it was on 18 December 1990 that the United Nations adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. In 2000 the UN General Assembly designated 18 December of each year as International Migrants Day.
ReplyDeleteThis day is an opportunity to recognise the contributions made by millions of immigrants to the development and well-being of so many countries in the world, to promote respect for the rights of immigrant workers and their families, and to highlight the issues that are of key interest to migrants and their communities (those they live in and those they leave behind).
Immigrants are often perceived as criminals, economic burdens, security threats and even risks to public health. Negative views about immigrants shape government policy and action on immigration around the world, often resulting in limited or no protection for immigrant workers and their families.
Each year, the United Nations invites UN Member States and intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations to observe International Migrants Day through the dissemination of information on the human rights and fundamental freedoms of migrants, as well as through the sharing of experiences and the design of actions to ensure their protection.