As the world marks International Migrants Day, we reflect on the resilience, contributions, and challenges faced by millions of migrants who shape our global society.
The Significance of International Migrants Day
This day of recognition was first proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2000 and recognises the adoption of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families in 1990. Over the years, this day has grown in importance, serving as a platform to address the complexities of migration in the 21st century.
On this annual day of recognition, we have an opportunity to reflect on the social and economic contributions of millions of migrants worldwide. We also recognise the positive role migrants and refugees make in our society, recognising the challenges they face in achieving their full potential and capabilities.
Migration is a powerful driver of economic growth, dynamism and understanding. It allows millions of people to seek new opportunities, benefiting communities of origin and destination alike. UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Migrants are powerful drivers for development in their origin and destination countries as workers, students, entrepreneurs, family members, artists, and so much more.
The Theme for 2024
Each year, International Migrants Day adopts a theme to focus global attention on key issues. While the 2024 theme has not yet been officially announced at the time of writing, recent years have emphasised the importance of inclusive governance, safe migration pathways, and the role of migrants in sustainable development.
Why Do People Migrate?
There are many different reasons why people migrate. Some migrate out of choice, searching for better career opportunities, some for work to support their families in their home country, some to study, or to join their family. Unfortunately, some people are forced to migrate to escape conflict, persecution or large-scale human rights violations. Over recent years, we have seen an increase in people moving in response to the adverse effects of climate change, natural disasters, and other environmental factors.
Whatever the reason, migration is a facet of modern living, and more and more people are living, working or studying in a country other than the one in which they were born. According to the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), as of July 1 2020, the global number of international migrants was estimated to be 281 million. Despite the rhetoric of some media or right-wing organisations, international migrants comprise a mere 3.5 per cent of the global population, compared to 2.8 per cent in 2000 and 2.3 per cent in 1980.
The Migrant Journey
However, migration is not merely a movement of people but a story of resilience, opportunity, and human connection. The TogetherintheUK (TGIUK) anthology of migrant writings, Hear Our Stories, is a powerful collection of prose and poetry that shares the journey of some migrants through heartfelt and personal stories. Many of the stories tell of the exploitation and cruelty that is experienced by many as they make their journey to “find a better life”. One author summed it up in his essay,
Human Smuggling
I am one of the many people who have fled their country, searching for peace, tranquillity, and the chance of a real life. Yousef.
The Contributions of Migrants
Migrants bring benefits to societies in countless ways. Economically, we fill critical labour gaps as a resource and bringing different skills and knowledge to the workplace. In a 2015 research paper, UK Department of Business and Innovation on the Impact of Migrant Workers on UK Businesses 2015, employers and coworkers recognised the benefits of an international workforce.
Having people from different backgrounds, not just born and bred in the UK, means you get a variety of opinions and that’s really interesting to have. It helps people learn.”
Socially and culturally, we introduce diversity across the arts, cuisines and social interaction.
Let’s take, for instance, the UK’s love of Indian curry. In 1970, it was estimated that there were about 1,200 Indian restaurants in the UK; today, there are more than 10,000, with many specialising in native regional cuisines. However, the real boom for Indian restaurants came in the 1970s when Indian restaurants catering for south Asian immigrants adapted their cuisine for the working-class native clientele and very shortly, “going for a curry” became a British national pastime that remains a favourite. In fact, Bengali migrant Sake Dean Mahomed specifically designed the Chicken Tikka Masala to cater for European taste buds. And in 1989, Karan (now Lord) Bilimoria, from Hyderabad, provided us with the perfect accompaniment to any curry – the Cobra lager.- Know Your Value – TGIUK – Sinéad Mangan-Mc Hale
However, these contributions are often undervalued, and migrants frequently face xenophobia and marginalisation.
Migrant Rights
Following closely after the UN International Day of Human Rights, this is a time to remember that human rights are an entitlement of everyone, regardless of origin, age, gender and status. In the 2023 TGIUK article on International Migrants Day, A Shield Against Exploitation: Why Migrants Need to Understand Their Rights, we spoke of how some migrants are exploited and outlined migrants’ rights and sources to ensure these rights are upheld.
Looking Forward
International Migrants Day is not just about acknowledging challenges; it is about envisioning a world where migration is a choice, not a necessity, and where everyone, regardless of origin, is treated with dignity and respect. As migration continues to shape our interconnected world, let this day remind us of the shared humanity that unites us all.
This December 18, let us celebrate the courage of migrants, honour their
contributions, and commit to building more inclusive societies.
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To read more about the lives and impacts of migrants on UK society, go to TogetherintheUK.
To purchase a copy of Hear Our Stories, An Anthology of Migrant Writings, compiled by TogetherintheUK, go to TGIUK
Read previous International Migrants Day and related articles on the TGIUK website:
Studying in the UK: An International Dream – June 2024
The Migrant Entrepreneur’s Guide to Overcoming Challenges in Business – April 2024
A Shield Against Exploitation: Why Migrants Need to Understand Their Rights – December 2003
Know Your Rights – June 2021
International Migrants Day, December 18: Reflecting on Five Years of TogetherintheUK – December 2020
