International Migrants Day is celebrated across the world on December 18th to celebrate the millions of people who migrate and are integral members of the society in which they live in and contribute to both their home and host countries.
The United Nations General Assembly on December 4th, taking into account the large and increasing number of migrants around the world, proclaimed 18th December as International Migrants Day.
This was the day when in 1990 the UN General Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.
There are many reasons why people migrate with most important reason being the attraction of a well-paid job in a wealthy country. Other reasons include to study, to find security, to work, to reunite with their families and many other.
The Secretary General United Nations, Antonio Guterres, on the occasion issued a statement saying that migration is a fact of life and a force for good. In enables millions of people to pursue opportunities and improve their lives.
He continued that migration allows the promotion of exchange of knowledge and ideas and contributes to economic growth.
While discussing migration, the Secretary General said that the poorly governed migration causes great suffering. It forces people into the cruel realm of traffickers, where they face exploitation, abuse, and even death.
Furthermore, it only undermines the trust in governance and institutions, inflames social tensions, and corrodes our common humanity.
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The Secretary General highlighted that five years ago, the international community adopted the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration.
This has become an important reference point and resource for Member States to assess actions, enhance cooperation, and expand rights-based pathways for migration. Yet such measures remain the exception, not the norm.
He said that, today and every day, we must work towards a more humane and orderly management of migration for the benefit of all, including communities of origin, transit, and destination.
On International Migrants Day, we highlight the urgent need for safe migration governance rooted in solidarity, partnership, and respect for human rights.
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