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The movement of a group of people from one place, community or situation to other is known as International Migrants Day. International Migration day is celebrated on the 18th of December annually. The migration of the people is either be forced or voluntary movement. Due to the increased number of disasters happening in the world, the number of migrant populations is also increasing along with it. The frequency of economic disasters can determine the actual number of total migrants across the world. What is the significance of International Migrants Day 2025? Let’s learn together.
According to the conducted survey, the economic challenges, poverty, famine, flood, conflict or disaster can facilitate the increased number of migrants across the world. The migrant population are also considered as people who are inactive in search of a decent job and affordable life. The estimated number of international migrants has increased over the past five decades. Currently approximately 281 million people are international migrants living in a country other than their country of birth.
As per the study conducted in the year 2025, the migrant population comprises of reg 3.6 percentage of the population across the world. The migrants are playing a crucial role in determining teg growth and development of a country. The potential migration is harnessed by many countries across the world while protecting the basic human right of the citizens across the world. The fundamental human rights are strictly protected while trying to control the excess migration of the people across the globe.
International Migrants Day 2025 Date – December 18
In this article readers can get a glimpse on
- History and Objective of International Migrants Day
- International Migrants Day Theme 2025
- International Migrants Day Quiz
International Migrants Day Theme
1: Who was the first woman President of India?
The official theme is expected to center on integrating migration into development strategies and upholding the rights of migrants, drawing on the goals of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM):
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Dignity and Human Rights: A fundamental focus on the protection and fulfillment of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all migrants, regardless of their status. This is the bedrock of the observance.
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Policy Alignment for Development: Emphasis on the need to align migration policies with national and global development agendas. The message will be on leveraging migration as a driver of sustainable development (a core topic for IOM in 2025).
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Celebrating Contributions: Highlighting and celebrating the immense economic, social, and cultural contributions that migrants make to both their host countries and their countries of origin, promoting greater social inclusion.
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Safe and Orderly Pathways: Advocating for the creation and maintenance of safe, orderly, and regular migration pathways. This is critical to reducing vulnerabilities, preventing migrant deaths, and combating trafficking and exploitation.
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Resilience and Inclusion: Focusing on migrant resilience and the importance of inclusive societies that support migrants, especially in the face of global crises, climate change, and displacement.
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Start Learning!International Migrants Day Previous Themes
The International Migrants Day is observed annually on December 18th. It was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2000 to recognize the large and growing number of migrants globally and to raise awareness about the challenges, difficulties, and opportunities associated with migration.
The themes set by the United Nations and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) focus on safe migration, social cohesion, and the contributions of migrants to development.
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2024: Honouring the Journeys of Migrants
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Focus: The campaign centered on acknowledging the experiences, resilience, and personal stories of migrants, moving beyond statistics to recognize their humanity.
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2023: Promoting Social Cohesion Through Migration
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Focus: Highlighted the role of migration in fostering social harmony, diversity, and understanding between host communities and migrants, countering xenophobia and discrimination.
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2022: Respecting the Dignity of Every Migrant
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Focus: A broad call to action reaffirming the fundamental human rights of all migrants, regardless of their status, and advocating for safe, regular, and orderly migration policies.
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2021: Harnessing the potential of human mobility
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Focus: Emphasized that migration is a powerful engine for growth and development when managed effectively and ethically, benefiting both migrants and host societies.
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2020: Reimagining Human Mobility
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Focus: Concentrated on rebuilding migration systems in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, advocating for migrant inclusion in recovery plans and recognizing their essential contributions as frontline workers.
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2019: We Together
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Focus: Stressed the importance of social cohesion and celebrated the diversity that migrants bring to communities globally.
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2018: Migration with Dignity
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Focus: Highlighted the adoption of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) and the need to protect the human dignity and safety of migrants throughout their journey.
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2017: Safe Migration in a World on the Move
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Focus: Advocated for policies and systems that ensure the safety of migrants, reducing the risk of trafficking and exploitation.
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2016: Migration is a development issue
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Focus: Emphasized the contribution of migrants’ remittances and skills to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their home and host countries.
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2015: Protecting Migrants’ Rights and Dignity
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Focus: A core message reinforcing that migrants are human beings with rights that must be upheld at all stages of the migration process.
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2014: Migration and Sustainable Development
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Focus: Linked migration to the broader agenda of sustainable development, stressing that mobile populations are key agents of change and progress.
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International Migrants Day History
On 4 December 2000, the UN General Assembly (UNGA), taking into account the large and increasing number of migrants in the world, proclaimed 18 December as International Migrants Day.
The day was selected to mark the anniversary of the 1990 adoption by UNGA of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.
International Migrants Day Significance
The rootlessness and the lack of a sense of belonging are the problems faced by the migrant population across the world. The migration may be the result of the compulsion or the personal choice for a better life. Unemployment is one of the key factors that contribute to the migration of people globally. The migrants are destined to suffer in the borders between the imaginary homeland and the land where they are surviving. The eviction is another factor that led many to migration. Discrimination of all sorts can have a bad effect on a particular section of society. The migrant people are also belonging to the society. Discrimination against them will be highly threatening to society. Without income or shelter, the migrant people are struggling. The exploitation faced by the migrant people is heartbreaking.
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Start Learning!International Migrants Day Quotes
- “Remember, remember always, that all of us, and you and I especially are descended from immigrants and revolutionists.” – Franklin D Roosevelt
- “We can’t deter people fleeing for their lives. They will come. The choice we have is how well we manage their arrival, and how humanely.” – Antonio Guterres
- “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.” – Ban Ki-moon
- “People come here penniless but not culture-less. They bring us gifts. We can synthesize the best of our traditions with the best of theirs. We can teach and learn from each other.” – Mary Piper
International Migrants Day Quiz 2025
Approximately how many international migrants are there worldwide today?
A) 150 million
B) 200 million
C) 280 million
A) Africa
B) Europe
C) South America
3. What is the most common reason for international migration?
A) Tourism
B) Employment
C) Sports
A) India
B) Mexico
C) China
5. What is the term for money sent by migrants to their home countries?
A) Donations
B) Remittances
C) Subsidies
A) Tourists
B) Students
C) Migrant workers and their families
A) 1985
B) 1990
C) 2005
A) Immigrants
B) Internally displaced persons
C) Refugees
A) International Monetary Fund
B) World Health Organization
C) International Organization for Migration
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International Migrants Day Quiz 2025 PDF
International Migrants Day reminds us that migration is a powerful human story of courage, hope, and resilience. Migrants leave their homes in search of better opportunities, safety, and dignity, often facing many challenges along the way. This day encourages societies to recognize their contributions and understand their struggles. It promotes respect, inclusion, and protection for every migrant, regardless of their background. By spreading awareness, communities can build a more compassionate and fair world.
As the world becomes more connected, the role of migrants in shaping economies and cultures continues to grow. Governments, organizations, and individuals all share responsibility in creating safe and supportive environments for migrants. International Migrants Day inspires global unity and cooperation to manage migration in a humane way. It urges everyone to stand against discrimination and exploitation of migrants. Through collective effort, we can ensure that migration becomes a positive experience for all.
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Start Learning!Frequently Asked Questions
What is International Migrants Day?
International Migrants Day is observed to recognize the contributions of migrants worldwide. It focuses on the rights, dignity, and well-being of migrant populations. The day raises awareness about challenges faced by migrants. It promotes equal treatment and protection under the law. It also encourages global cooperation on migration issues.
When is International Migrants Day observed?
International Migrants Day is observed every year on December 18. The date marks the adoption of a key UN resolution on migrant rights. It is celebrated by governments, organizations, and communities. Awareness events and campaigns are organized on this day. Many countries use this occasion to highlight migrant contributions.
Why is International Migrants Day important?
It helps the world understand migration as a natural human process. It highlights the social and economic contributions of migrants. It draws attention to human rights violations faced by migrants. It encourages safe and orderly migration practices. It builds empathy and global solidarity.
Who is considered a migrant?
A migrant is a person who moves away from their usual place of residence. This movement can be within a country or across international borders. Migration can be temporary or permanent. People migrate for work, education, safety, or family reasons. Migrants may have legal or irregular status.
What challenges do migrants face?
Migrants often face language barriers in host countries. They may experience discrimination and social exclusion. Access to healthcare and education can be limited. Many face unsafe working conditions and exploitation. Legal documentation issues can create fear and insecurity.
What are the rights of migrants?
Migrants have the right to fair and safe working conditions. They are entitled to basic healthcare services. Children of migrants have the right to education. They are protected from abuse and exploitation under international law. They also have the right to dignity and respect.
How do migrants contribute to the economy?
Migrants fill important job roles in various industries. They contribute to economic growth through labor and skills. Many send money to support families in their home countries. They help address labor shortages in host countries. Their cultural diversity also enriches societies.
What is the role of the United Nations in migration?
The United Nations works to protect the rights of migrants worldwide. It creates international agreements and guidelines on migration. It supports countries in developing humane migration policies. It promotes safe, orderly, and regular migration. It also collects data and research on global migration trends.
What is safe and orderly migration?
Safe and orderly migration means movement that occurs legally and securely. It ensures migrants are protected from trafficking and exploitation. It involves clear immigration processes and fair treatment. Governments work together to manage migration responsibly. This approach reduces risks and benefits both migrants and countries.
How can people support migrants in their communities?
People can treat migrants with respect and kindness. They can support local organizations that help migrants. They can help migrants learn the local language. Communities can promote inclusive activities and awareness. Simple acts of empathy can make a big difference.
