INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS DAY 2023: The repercussions of climate change, natural disasters, warfare, and internal conflicts frequently compel individuals to abandon their homelands in search of safety. As defined by the UN’s International Organization for Migration, a migrant is “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 definition applies irrespective of a person’s legal status, the voluntariness of the movement, the causes behind it, and the duration of their stay. The escalating impacts of global warming and conflicts worldwide have resulted in a significant surge in migrant numbers.
International Migrants Day History
Over two decades ago, on December 4, 2000, the UN General Assembly designated December 18 as International Migrants Day. This date was chosen to commemorate 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.
International Migrants Day Significance
According to UN estimates, in 2020, 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. They face vulnerability to exploitation and abuse by state agents, law enforcement, and criminals due to limited access to basic facilities. Migrants are also susceptible to xenophobia and stigma.
Given their precarious situation and the misconceptions surrounding migrants, having a UN-designated day dedicated to migrants helps raise awareness about their plight and inspire policy changes.
International Migrants Day 2023 Theme
The theme for International Migrants Day 2023 is “Promoting Safe Migration.” With this theme, the UN aims to advocate for the commitment of nations to grant human rights to all migrants, regardless of their legal status. It also seeks to combat and discourage xenophobia and advocate for laws criminalizing the exploitation of migrant workers. The theme further supports countries that rescue, host, or receive migrants.
International Migrants Day 2023 Quotes
“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.