International Migrants Day
Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Senegal, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Tunisia, Türkiye, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay
About
International Migrants Day, observed on December 18, recognizes the valuable contributions, experiences, and rights of migrants around the world. It offers an opportunity to appreciate the many ways migration enriches communities, from cultural traditions and languages to skills, ideas, and connections that bring people closer together.
The observance also encourages greater understanding of the challenges migrants may face as they build new lives, reunite with family, or seek safety and opportunity across borders. December 18 is a meaningful time to promote compassion, respect, inclusion, and cooperation—and to celebrate the diversity that strengthens communities worldwide.
History
International Migrants Day is observed annually on **December 18** to recognize the contributions, experiences, and rights of migrants around the world. Its historical foundation is closely connected to the **International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families**, which the United Nations General Assembly adopted on **December 18, 1990**. The convention established international standards intended to protect migrant workers and their families from discrimination, exploitation, and abuse.
Ten years later, on **December 4, 2000**, the United Nations General Assembly officially proclaimed December 18 as International Migrants Day. The observance reflected growing international awareness that migration is a global reality shaped by employment, conflict, poverty, education, climate pressures, and family reunification. It also emphasized that migrants are entitled to fundamental human rights regardless of their legal status or country of origin.
Over time, International Migrants Day has developed from a commemoration focused primarily on migrant workers’ legal protections into a broader observance of the many ways migration affects societies. Governments, international organizations, labor groups, schools, and community associations use December 18 to discuss safe and orderly migration, workplace protections, family unity, integration, and the challenges faced by refugees and other displaced people. The day also draws attention to migrants’ economic and cultural contributions, including their role in essential industries, entrepreneurship, scientific exchange, and the support of families through remittances.
Culturally, International Migrants Day encourages a more inclusive understanding of migration and challenges stereotypes that portray migrants only as recipients of assistance. It provides an opportunity to celebrate the languages, traditions, skills, and perspectives migrants bring to their new communities while acknowledging the risks many encounter during travel and settlement. Observed on **December 18**, the day ultimately connects the personal stories of migrants with the broader principles of dignity, equality, international cooperation, and respect for human rights.