International Migrants Day 2023: Date, Theme and History

Utkarsh Classes Last Updated 18-12-2023

International Migrants Day 2023: Date, Theme and History

Important Day 5 min read

Annually on December 18, we observe International Migrants Day. The purpose of celebrating this day is to respect the migrants and treat them properly. This day is celebrated to raise awareness of the challenges and difficulties faced by international migrants. Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas is celebrated on 9 January.

Theme of International Migrants Day 2023:

The theme of International Migrants Day this year 2023 is "Act Today".
This theme highlights the insecurity often experienced by migrants and displaced persons.
This theme focuses on working for the betterment of migrants.

History of International Migrants Day:

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families on 18 December 1990.
While on 4 December 2000, the UNGA recognized the increasing number of migrants in the world and designated 18 December as International Migrants Day.
In September 2016, the UNGA hosted a high-level summit to address mass movements of refugees and migrants.
This summit aimed to bring countries together with a more humanitarian and coordinated approach.

What is international migration?

International migration means the movement of citizens of one country to other countries for some purpose. Under this, people cross the borders to live in another country. Summer travel abroad is not considered international travel.
According to the United Nations' International Organization for Migration (IOM), a migrant is any person who moves across an international border or to another country away from his or her place of residence.
Issues related to international migration were also highlighted by IOM at the recently concluded COP28 summit in Dubai.

Important facts related to international migration:

As of July 1, 2020, the global number of international migrants was estimated at 281 million. This is about 3.5% of the world's population.
This figure has increased steadily from 2.3% in 1980 to 2.8% in 2000.
While by the end of 2021, more than 59 million people were internally displaced.
According to another data, about 31 percent of international migrants in the world reside in Asia. Whereas;
- 30 percent in Europe,
- 26 percent in America,
- 10 percent more in Africa
- Oceania has 3 percent.

Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas on 9 January:

Every second year, 9 January is celebrated as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. This day is celebrated to highlight the participation of Indian diaspora in the development of India and the importance of diaspora communities staying connected to their roots.
It was on 9 January 1915 that the Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa and became one of the greatest leaders to lead the flame of the freedom movement. On this day, those special Indian individuals are honored who have achieved special achievements in their respective fields while living abroad.
The first Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas was celebrated on 9 January 2003.
It was decided to celebrate it regularly biennially from the year 2015.