--- title: International Migrants Day slug: international-migrants-day-17bb1 url: /detay/international-migrants-day-17bb1 type: article language: English entity: primary: International Migrants Day type: article categories: - name: General Knowledge slug: genel-kultur url: /kategori/genel-kultur - name: History slug: tarih url: /kategori/tarih tags: - Migrants Day - UNESCO author: Nursena Güller created_at: 2025-10-24T15:06:07.737787+03:00 updated_at: 2025-11-13T18:32:44.296060+03:00 --- # International Migrants Day ## KURE Information Cards ![göçmenler.jpg](https://cdn.t3pedia.org/media/uploads/2025/10/24/15lhpjV1zGsEBCfe0CJTFbjyXdcb67IJ.jpg) *International Migrants Day* | Field | Value | |-------|-------| | Date(s)(Text) | December 18 | | Announcing Institution | United Nations | | Year First Celebrated in Turkey | 2003 | | Year Announced | 2000 | ## Article Content **International Migrants Day** is an international day celebrated annually on **December 18** to highlight the rights, contributions, and challenges of migrants around the world. Emphasizing the growing impact of [migration](/en/detay/goc-2/llms.txt) on a global scale, this day serves as a reminder of the need to protect migrants’ human rights, raise awareness, and strengthen international cooperation. ### **History** **The United Nations General Assembly declared** **December 18 as International Migrants Day **in a resolution adopted on December 4, 2000. The resolution was adopted in light of the social, economic, and humanitarian impacts of increasing migration movements worldwide. In Türkiye, this day has been celebrated with various events** since 2013.** ### **Purpose and Scope** The main purpose of [International Migrants Day](/en/detay/uluslararasi-gocmenler-gunu-4a7df/llms.txt) is to highlight the contributions of migrants to societies, draw attention to the problems they face, and encourage the development of safe, orderly, and dignified migration policies. This day also highlights the importance of ensuring migrants' access to [education](/en/detay/international-day-of-education-e5f0e/llms.txt), health, and humanitarian aid. Protecting the rights of migrants and combating xenophobia and discrimination are among the fundamental components of these celebrations. ### **The Global Phenomenon of Migration** Migration may include voluntary movements of individuals seeking a better life for education, employment, or family reunification, as well as forced movements caused by war, human rights violations, poverty, and climate change. The impact of **climate change** on migration is increasing steadily. ### **UNESCO’s Work** On the occasion of International Migrants Day, **UNESCO** continues its commitment to protecting migrants’ rights and defending human dignity. The organization carries out significant work, particularly in the field of education. The **Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education**, prepared by [UNESCO](/en/detay/united-nations-educational-scientific-and-cultural/llms.txt), entered into force in **2023**, enabling migrants to continue their education in host countries. Beyond education, UNESCO also works in the fields of combating **racism, xenophobia, and discrimination**. The **Global Forum against Racism and Discrimination**, held in **São Paulo, Brazil**, aims to strengthen international cooperation in these areas. In addition, a **13-module journalism guide** published in **2021** contributes to preventing misinformation about migrants in the media. ### **Economic and Social Importance of Migration** When managed safely and orderly, migration offers significant opportunities for both origin and host countries. Migrants contribute to economic growth by filling labor market gaps, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, and maintaining demographic balance in aging societies. They also support the development of their families and home countries through remittances. ### **Humanitarian Dimension and Global Cooperation** The loss of lives along migration routes is regarded as a **global humanitarian crisis**. This situation demonstrates the need to strengthen international efforts to protect migrants. Within the framework of the **United Nations Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM)**, measures are being implemented to prevent migrant deaths, improve search and identification processes, provide support to families, and share migration data. The success of these efforts depends on **international solidarity and collective action**. ## Academic Sources and References 1. Anadolu Ajansı. “Uluslararası Göçmenler Günü.” Anadolu Ajansı. Accessed October 23, 2025. https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/pg/foto-galeri/uluslararasi-gocmenler-gunu-T.C. İçişleri Bakanlığı Göç İdaresi Başkanlığı. “18 Aralık Uluslararası Göçmenler Günü.” Göç İdaresi Başkanlığı. Accessed October 23, 2025. https://www.goc.gov.tr/18-aralik-uluslararasi-gocmenler-gunu2United Nations. “International Migrants Day.” United Nations. Accessed October 23, 2025. https://www.un.org/en/observances/migrants-dayUNESCO. “International Migrants Day.” UNESCO. Accessed October 23, 2025. https://www.unesco.org/en/days/international-migrantsUNESCO. “Message from Ms Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, on the Occasion of International Migrants Day 18 December 2023.” UNESCO Digital Library. Accessed October 23, 2025. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000388082\_eng