International Migrants Day 2017 observed globally

18 December: International Migrants Day

2017 Theme: Safe Migration in a World on the Move

The International Migrants Day was observed across the world on 18 December 2017 with the theme 'Safe Migration in a World on the Move'.

Migration has always been a way-out for individuals to overcome the hitches and snags and to live a better life. In this new era of crisis and complexity, challenges and difficulties, international migration requires enhanced cooperation and collective action among countries and regions.

The total number of international migrants has increased from an estimated 175 million in 2000 to 244 million in 2015. Nearly two thirds of all international migrants, that is 76 million people, live in Europe or Asia. One in every ten migrants is below 15 years of age.  

Considering this, the United Nations observe International Migrants Day every year to create awareness about the protection and safety of the migrants.

NY Declaration
• On 19 September 2016, the United Nations General Assembly adopted New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants (NY Declaration).

• NY Declaration is a set of commitments on large movements of refugees and migrants to enhance the protection of refugees and migrants.

• The NY Declaration establishes the importance of the international protection regime and represents a commitment by Member States to protect people on the move.

• The declaration paves the way for the adoption of two new global compacts in 2018: Global Compact on Refugees and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration.

Background
On 4 December 2000, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 18 December as International Migrants Day after taking into account the large and increasing number of migrants in the world.

In September 2016, the Assembly hosted a high-level summit to address large movements of refugees and migrants with the aim of bringing countries together in a coordinated approach. During the summit, the assembly adopted the NY Declaration.

Human Rights Day 2017 observed globally

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