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We celebrate the International Migrants Day on December 18.
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MIGRANTS DAY
Photo credit, from top to bottom: Nicola Fioravanti, UNESCO
Migration is a global phenomenon driven by many forces. These start with aspirations for dignity, safety and peace.
The decision to leave home is always extreme, and, too often, the beginning of a dangerous, sometimes fatal journey. On 4 December 2000, the General Assembly, taking into account the large and increasing number of migrants in the world, proclaimed 18 December International Migrants Day. On that day, in 1990, the Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.
UNESCO is acting to advance the migration-related commitments of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This starts with education, by promoting access to quality education for Syrian refugees, by facilitating recognition of education diplomas and qualifications.
Through our International Coalition of Inclusive and Sustainable Cities, we promote a welcoming approach towards migrants at the local level. We are bolstering the capacities of journalists to address negative narratives and bring the stories of migrants to the fore. UNESCO is deeply engaged with UN partners through the Global Migration Group (link is external), to shape a global compact for safer, orderly and regular migration.
The 2030 Agenda promises to leave no one behind — this must include every migrant. Protecting their rights and dignity means responding to humanitarian needs and advancing sustainable development. Fundamentally, this is about defending our common humanity through solidarity in action.
A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR
“There are some 258 million migrants worldwide. Many are seeking new opportunities for work or education. Others are on the move because they have no choice but to flee war and persecution or to escape the vicious circles of poverty, food insecurity and environmental degradation. The evidence overwhelmingly shows that migrants generate economic, social and cultural benefits for all societies. Unfortunately, with the rise of broader intolerant discourse, hostility towards migrants is growing around the world.“
— Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO
Home → What’s On → Events → International Days → December 18
International days are celebrations and calls to action. They are for everyone to participate in. This is how you can take part in an International Day in three simple steps.
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Home → What’s On → Events → International Days → December 18
Why are International Days important? They provide unique opportunities to transmit UNESCO values to the world.
INTERNATIONAL DAYS
International days also provide a unique opportunity to engage citizens on global issues, to mobilise political will and resources to address these problems, but also to celebrate and reinforce the achievements of humanity as well as remember some of our darkest times as they guide us towards building a better world.
The United Nations International Days are for everyone, all around the globe. Because they are open, you can have an important role to play in them. NGOs, universities, schools, press and more will be putting together campaigns, events, and calls to action worldwide to provide further opportunities to engage, learn, and transmit the values and knowledge associated with each International Day. They serve as an important vehicle to connect the local to the international.
At their root, UN International Days contribute to the achievement of the purposes of the UN Charter and promote awareness of and action on important political, social, cultural, humanitarian or human rights issues. International days are at the heart of the United Nations Charter. They work to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as neighbours, and to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security.
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