International Migrants Day ― Date, History, and Details
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History of International Migrants Day and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
Each year, on December 18, the international community comes together to celebrate International Migrants Day. The day is an opportunity to recognize the contributions that migrants make to their communities and to the world. It is also a time to reflect on the challenges that migrants face, and to call for greater protection of their rights.
International Migrants Day was first proclaimed by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 2000. Since then, it has been celebrated annually around the world. This year’s theme is “Migration without Borders”. The theme highlights the fact that, despite the many barriers that migrants face, they continue to move in search of a better life for themselves and their families.
While the day is an opportunity to celebrate the positive contributions of migrants, it is also a time to remember those who have lost their lives in the process of migration. Every year, thousands of migrants die while attempting to cross borders in search of a better life. This year, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that at least 3,000 people have died while trying to reach Europe by sea.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that there are currently more than 244 million migrants around the world. This number is expected to grow in the coming years, as more and more people are forced to leave their homes due to conflict, persecution, poverty, and climate change.
On International Migrants Day, let us remember the contributions of migrants to our societies, and let us commit to making the world a more welcoming and inclusive place for all.