Teachers: Visit the free MY HERO Lesson Plan for International Migrants Day. Includes discussion guide and learning outcomes.
On December 18, 1990, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of Migrant Workers and Members of their Families.
On December 4, 2000, the General Assembly established December 18 as International Migrants Day.
On September 19, 2016 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants (NY Declaration), committing to strengthen and enhance ways to protect migrants.
Migrants are those who leave their country, usually to seek a better life. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated:
"Migration has always been with us. Climate change, demographics, instability, growing inequalities, and aspirations for a better life, as well as unmet needs in labour markets, mean it is here to stay. The answer is effective international cooperation in managing migration to ensure that its benefits are most widely distributed, and that the human rights of all concerned are properly protected."
As of 2015, there were approximately 244 million international migrants, with nearly two-thirds in Europe and one-third in Asia. Research has shown migration can be beneficial for both the country of origin and the destination country of migrants.
In the US alone, "immigrants have founded or co-founded companies such as Google, Intel, WhatsApp, PayPal, eBay, Tesla and Yahoo! Although they make up less than 15 percent of the population, skilled immigrants account for over half of Silicon Valley start-ups and over half of patents." - UN.org
Stories Exploring the Lives of Migrants for Greater Understanding
These Stories Have Audio So Students Can Listen as They Read Along
Mural artcreated as a cross-cultural activity reveal the beauty in diversity and the stories that immigration brings to a community
The Global Refugee Mural created by Joel Bergner with Action Ashe! Global Mural Project is in Maryland to illustrate the different cultures found in this vibrant community.
This mural created by Joel Bergner with Action Ashe! Global Mural Project is located in the Highlandtown neighborhood of Baltimore, celebrating the history and culture of the immigrants of the community.
High school students from different backgrounds illustrate their hopes and origins in this mural achieved in Jordan as part of a cross-cultural activity.
Films that Shed an Intimate Light on Migration
This film explores the many issues underlying the broken immigration system and shows how these issues manifest locally, in Montgomery County, Maryland.
International Migrants Day
UN Event Page for International Migrants Day
Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE)
Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) Committee dedicated to Migration, Refugees and Displaced Persons
UN Refugee Agency (aka UN High Commissioner for Refugees) Official Website
UN Refugee Agency (aka UN High Commissioner for Refugees) was established in 1950 after WWII, and continues to protect and assist refugees around the world.
A Day Without Migrants
What would a day without migrants look like? Contrary to popular belief, migrants play an important part of the economy. Check out these stories from migrants on I Am a Migrant.
Organizer created on 12/16/2015 12:11:53 PM by Becky Miller
Last edited 12/11/2023 12:23:51 PM by Abigail Richardson
