Every year on June 16 The International Day of Family Remittances(IDFR) is celebrated across the country. The day recognises the migrants’ contributions(about 200 million migrants) to improve their family members(800 million) lives back home & to create a future of hope for their children. While half of them go to rural areas, where poverty and hunger are concentrated, and where remittances are high.
Note-There is no theme for the International Day of Family Remittances(IDFR) 2020.Click here to read the official notification.
Aim of the day:
- To raise awareness about the contributions of migrants to their families’ lives & their countries
- The day calls upon governments, private sector entities, and civil society to explore ways to maximize the impact of remittances through individual, and/or collective actions.
Impact of COVID-19
- Due to COVID-19 millions of migrant workers are losing their jobs, and many remittance families are suddenly pushed below the poverty line, which halts their efforts to achieve their own Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- While responding to the COVID-19,UN Secretary-General, António Guterres called for global solidarity & stated “remittances are a lifeline in the developing world – especially now”
Virtual event
International Fund for Agricultural Development(IFAD) will host a virtual observance event for the International Day of Family Remittances: Supporting Remittance Families Build Resilience in Times of Crisis on June 16, 2020.
About IDFR
i.It is included as one of the key initiatives to implement the newly-adopted Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (Objective 20).
ii.IDFR calls to reduce the remittance transfer costs, and greater financial inclusion through remittances.
iii.The day is also a part to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Background:
- The International Day of Family Remittances (IDFR) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015.
- The 1st International Day of Family Remittances was celebrated on 16 June 2015.
What is Remittance?
A remittance is a transfer of money by a foreign worker to an individual in their home country.
About IFAD:
Headquarters– Rome, Italy
President– Gilbert F. Houngbo
