United Nations (UN)’s International Migrants Day is annually observed across the globe on 18th December to create awareness about the important contribution of migrants while highlighting the challenges they face.
- 18th December 2023 marks the observance of 23rd International Migrants Day.
- The theme of International Migrants Day 2023 is ‘Act Today‘.
Background:
i.On 4th December 2000, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), adopted the resolution A/RES/55/93 and proclaimed 18th December of every year as International Migrants Day.
ii.The first ever International Migrants Day was observed on 18th December 2000.
Why 18th December?
On this date (18th December) in 1990, UNGA adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.
Who are Migrants?
According to UN Migration Agency, International Organization for Migration(IOM),
i.A Migrant is defined as a person who is moving or has moved across an international border or within a state away from their habitual place of residence.
ii.These movements are made regardless of the person’s legal status; whether the movement is voluntary or involuntary; what the causes for the movement and the length of the stay.
iii.Migrants and displaced people represent the most vulnerable and marginalized groups in society.
Reports related to Migration:
International Migration Outlook: 2023
i.The report was published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in October 2023.
ii.According to the report for the 2nd consecutive year, India has retained its position as the top country of origin for new migrants to the member countries of the OECD in 2021.
iii.More than 407,000 people (excluding students) have migrated from India to OECD countries in 2021. This accounts for around 7.5% of the total migration flow. This was 86% higher than 220,000 Indians in 2020.
iv.India is followed by China (227,000 migrants) and Romania (215,000 migrants) in second and third position respectively.
About United Nations(UN):
i.The United Nations (UN) Charter of 1945 is the foundational treaty of the United Nations, as an inter-governmental organization.
ii.The main bodies of the UN are
- General Assembly
- Security Council
- Economic and Social Council
- Trusteeship Council
- International Court of Justice
- UN Secretariat
Secretary-General – António Guterres
Headquarters – New York, United States of America (USA)
About International Organization of Migration (IOM):
Director General – António Vitorino
Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
Established in – 1951
