International Migrants Day is observed on December 18 across the world. The day, designated by United Nations, emphasise the importance of protecting the rights and dignity of migrants.
Migration is a universal phenomenon in which a variety of factors influence people's movements. People leave their homeland in quest of a better life and aspiration for dignity, safety and peace.
Migration which is a difficult process in itself has been made more strenuous by the never-ending Covid pandemic. Migrants across the world have suffered due to the stringent pandemic restrictions
across places. In India, a huge migrant movement was seen when the country went into lockdown for the very first time.
People working in various parts of the country were seen travelling on foot (due to lack of transportation amid covid outbreak) in extreme heat conditions. Many migrant deaths were reported
during that time.
On the other hand, problems faced by migrants are a complex issue that is linked to social, economic and political aspects and have attracted strong reactions from people all around the
world.
International Migrants Day 2021: History
On December 4, 2000, the United Nations General Assembly designated December 18 as International Migrants Day, in recognition of the enormous and growing number of migrants around the world.
The day also marks the adoption of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families by the United Nations General Assembly
in 1990.
International Migrants Day 2021: Significance
Migration can be voluntary or forced, triggered by increased magnitude and frequency of disaster, economic issues, extreme poverty, or violence. When the Taliban gained control of the country's
administration in August, the world witnessed an exodus from Afghanistan.
International migrants accounted for nearly 281 million people last year, or 3.6 percent of the global population, according to the United Nations.
Several factors influence the future extent and nature of migration, as well as the strategies and policies that governments must develop in order to enhance migration's potential while
safeguarding migrants' fundamental human rights.
International Migrants Day 2021: Theme
The theme for this year's International Migrants Day has been declared by the United Nations as 'Harnessing the Potential of Human Mobility.' Migrants contribute "knowledge,
networks and skills to build better, more resilient communities," according to the United Nations.
The UN also highlights the advantages of supporting migrant populations. It stated that impactful actions addressing the difficulties and opportunities given by global mobility and people
on the move can influence the global social and economic landscape.