International Migrants Day 2021: Theme, Quotes History and Significance of the Day

The International Migrants Day is observed worldwide on 18 December each year with the aim to solve issues related to global migration. This year the Migrants Day falls on Saturday 18 December. The day is meant to increase awareness regarding the conditions of migrants whether it is social or economic.

The Migrants Day is celebrated to commemorate the significance of strengthening international cooperation and migration globally, regionally and bilaterally. International Migrants Day focuses on paying more attention to the circumstances of migrants across the world. The day also aims in ensuring that the rights of migrants in different parts of the world are protected equally without getting violated.

During last year when the world was facing the global pandemic COVID 19, there were around 281 million foreign migrants that account for 3.6 percent of the world population as per the United Nations website. The International Migrants Day is therefore observed to look into the challenges faced by migrants in every country and to take a step forward in resolving those matters. It hints that policymakers must develop comprehensive and constructive policies in helping migrants deal with their conditions.

Theme of International Migrants Day 2021:

This year the theme for International Migrants day is chosen as 'Harnessing the Potential of Human Mobility. A different theme is chosen every year to bring awareness on the day of Migrants. The theme of 2021 Migrants Day signifies the major role played by migrants in establishing better communities and more resilient with their knowledge, network and expertise.

History of International Migrants Day:

On 18 December 1999, the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrants Workers and Members of their families was adopted by United National General Assembly. And with this on 14 and 15 September 2006, a high-level discussion was held in presence of 132 member nations. On 18 December in the year 2000, the UNGA (United Nations General Assembly) announced 18 December to be observed as International Migrants Day. The decision came after the consideration of increasing migrants throughout the world.

Quotes for International Migrants Day:

• Franklin D Roosevelt - 'Remember, remember always, that all of us, and you and I especially, are descended from immigrants and revolutionists.'

• Ban Ki-moon - 'Migration is an expression of the human aspiration for dignity, safety, and a better future. It is part of the social fabric, part of our very make-up as a human family.'

• Ellsworth Huntington -'History in its broadest aspect is a record of man's migrations from one environment to another.'

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