International Migrants Day is observed on December 18 to recognise the contributions of migrants and highlight the challenges they face. The day sheds light on the socio-economic realities of migrants around the world. Conflict, insecurity, and the effects of climate change and war have all played a major role in the forced migration of people in recent times, both within countries and across borders.
Over 281 million people were international migrants in 2020, according to a United Nations report. It added that over 59 million people were internally displaced by the 2021 end.
History of International Migrants Day
On 4 December 2000, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed December 18 as International Migrants Day. The day came into existence after the UNGA took into account the large and increasing number of migrants across the globe.
On that day in 1990, UNGA adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.
International Migrants Day - Significance
According to the United Nations, migrants, and displaced people, irrespective of the reasons that compel them to shift, represent some of the ”most vulnerable and marginalised” sections in society and are often "exposed to abuse and exploitation".
Having limited access to essential services including healthcare, these people have to face “xenophobic attacks and stigma fuelled by misinformation.”
Migrant workers around the world mostly have temporary, informal, or unprotected jobs, which often expose them to the potential risk of insecurity and poor working conditions. Since 2014, over 50,000 migrants have died on migratory routes across the globe, the UN report states.
The UN's 2030 sustainable development agenda cannot be achieved unless we establish egalitarian societies that embrace these immigrants and enable them to reach their full potential. The International Migrants Day is observed every year to highlight the contributions, issues, and role of migrants globally.
On this International Migrants Day, let us take a look at the countries with the highest migration rate:
The world's largest immigrant population resides in the United States, according to the World Population Review.
Over 15% of the 331.4 million people who live in the United States were born in a foreign country. Mexico is the leading origin country for US immigrants. It accounts for over 11 million (around 25%) of the immigrants in the US.
As per the estimates by World Population Review, the US is followed by Germany (15.8 million) and Saudi Arabia (13.5 million).
Meanwhile, India tops the list for the largest number of natives living abroad with a total of 17.9 million people, as per the report.
India is followed by Mexico (11.2 million) and Russia (10.8 million).
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
Check out our in-depth Market Coverage, Business News & get real-time Stock Market Updates on CNBC-TV18. Also, Watch our channels CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNBC Bajar Live on-the-go!
Gonda Lok Sabha election: BJP's Kirti Vardhan Singh takes on Beni Prasad Verma's granddaughter Shreya
May 19, 2024 10:19 PM
Faizabad Lok Sabha election: Can Ayodhya Ram Temple strengthen BJP's stronghold here?
May 19, 2024 10:16 PM
Amethi Lok Sabha election: Can BJP's Smriti Irani retain the Congress bastion she won in 2019?
May 19, 2024 10:12 PM
Rae Bareli Lok Sabha Election: Can Rahul hold on to this Gandhi family bastion?
May 19, 2024 10:09 PM