International Day of Migrants - Dec 18.

On December 18, the international community recognizes and celebrates the rights of migrants around the world. This year, 2017, marks the 27th anniversary of the UN's International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families (commonly referred to as the Migrant Worker’s Convention or Migrant Rights Convention). It was approved by the UN General Assembly on Dec. 18, 1990.

Read NNIRR's 2015 International Migrants Day Statement, "A Call to Affirm the Human Rights of All Migrants".

Let's honor International Migrants Day with a call to action to lift up and respect human rights of all migrants, and to commit to challenge and end all forms of racism and xenophobia. 2016 was a horrific year in terms of the increased flow of migrants "in vulnerable situations" and the rise of hateful, anti-immigrant rhetoric and actions. We continue to call for the recognition and respect and human rights at international borders, and urge an immediate end to the detention of migrant children and families. 

You can see more information on the issue of border justice here. Go here to learn more about the international initiative to recognize human rights at international borders.

The Convention affirms the human rights of all migrants, regardless of citizenship or immigration status, and recognizes that migrants are men, women, children, and families – not just economic commodities. In 2003, the Convention "entered into force"; today, 51 countries have ratified or acceded to the Convention.

International Migrants Day is a day when we can express our support and solidarity with all immigrants. In a period when economic crises have stirred anxieties about immigration and when unjust policies and public discrimination against immigrants have intensified, we call for respect and justice for all immigrants, regardless of their status. December 18 provides an opportunity to highlight important issues affecting immigrant communities. It also serves as a reminder of the rights guaranteed to all migrants by the Migrant Workers Convention, and the need for all nations, including the U.S., to ratify and adopt its standards.

How can organizations recognize International Migrants Day?

• Hold a press conference, public forum, or community workshop around a current campaign or on immigrant and human rights.

• Join us! Every year on Dec. 18 we do a global TWEET STORM! #IMD2017 #MigrantRightsNow @NNIRRNetwork

• Speak with local public officials about just immigration reform, immigration enforcement, and the human rights of immigrants.

• Ask your local and state government representatives and bodies to recognize International Migrants Day with resolutions and declarations of support. (Download 'resolution tip sheet')

• Issue an organizational statement on International Migrants Day; collect contributions to place an ad in your local newspaper about immigrant rights.

• Screen films and documentaries about human rights.

• Host a fundraiser, house party, “posada”, or other celebration for your organization.

• Spread the word about December 18, International Migrants Day! Download NNIRR’s brochure on International Migrants Day.

Useful Links and Resources:

• International Migrants Day brochure (English) (Spanish)
• UN Proclamation on International Migrants Day
• Global Coalition on Migration - NNIRR is a member of this international coalition at the forefront of global advoacy for migrants' rights.
• Migrants Rights International (MRI) - international network of migrant rights organizations that support international advocacy, and build movement to advocate for the respect, fulfillment and protection of migrant rights
• United Methodist Action for International Migrant Rights Day (2011) - includes their Guide for Reflection and Action, with many useful resources and links
• Migrant Workers’ Convention - full text of the International Migrant Rights Convention or read a summary
• Interactive Map of ratifications on Migrant Workers Convention.
• Committee on Migrant Workers - website for the UN body charged with montoring the implementation of the Migrant workers Convention. Links to useful information on the convention itself.