International Migrants Day is an international day celebrated annually on December 18 to highlight the rights, contributions, and challenges of migrants around the world. Emphasizing the growing impact of migration on a global scale, this day serves as a reminder of the need to protect migrants’ human rights, raise awareness, and strengthen international cooperation.
History
The United Nations General Assembly declared December 18 as International Migrants Day in a resolution adopted on December 4, 2000. The resolution was adopted in light of the social, economic, and humanitarian impacts of increasing migration movements worldwide. In Türkiye, this day has been celebrated with various events since 2013.
Purpose and Scope
The main purpose of International Migrants Day is to highlight the contributions of migrants to societies, draw attention to the problems they face, and encourage the development of safe, orderly, and dignified migration policies. This day also highlights the importance of ensuring migrants' access to education, health, and humanitarian aid. Protecting the rights of migrants and combating xenophobia and discrimination are among the fundamental components of these celebrations.
The Global Phenomenon of Migration
Migration may include voluntary movements of individuals seeking a better life for education, employment, or family reunification, as well as forced movements caused by war, human rights violations, poverty, and climate change. The impact of climate change on migration is increasing steadily.
UNESCO’s Work
On the occasion of International Migrants Day, UNESCO continues its commitment to protecting migrants’ rights and defending human dignity. The organization carries out significant work, particularly in the field of education. The Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education, prepared by UNESCO, entered into force in 2023, enabling migrants to continue their education in host countries.
Beyond education, UNESCO also works in the fields of combating racism, xenophobia, and discrimination. The Global Forum against Racism and Discrimination, held in São Paulo, Brazil, aims to strengthen international cooperation in these areas. In addition, a 13-module journalism guide published in 2021 contributes to preventing misinformation about migrants in the media.
Economic and Social Importance of Migration
When managed safely and orderly, migration offers significant opportunities for both origin and host countries. Migrants contribute to economic growth by filling labor market gaps, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, and maintaining demographic balance in aging societies. They also support the development of their families and home countries through remittances.
Humanitarian Dimension and Global Cooperation
The loss of lives along migration routes is regarded as a global humanitarian crisis. This situation demonstrates the need to strengthen international efforts to protect migrants. Within the framework of the United Nations Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), measures are being implemented to prevent migrant deaths, improve search and identification processes, provide support to families, and share migration data. The success of these efforts depends on international solidarity and collective action.
