Every year, the International Migrants Day is celebrated on December 18 by the United Nations and several other international organizations. This year, the International Migrants Day is celebrated under the following theme
Background
The resolution to celebrate International Migrants Day was adopted in 1990 during the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their families. The day is celebrated by the United Nations to highlight the contributions made by the migrants. According to UN, there are roughly around 272 million migrants in the world. This includes 41 million internally displaced persons.
Why was December 18 chosen?
December 18 was chosen because on this date, the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their families was adopted.
Migration in India
With the COVID-19 crisis, the migration in India has increased. According to Census 2011, there were 45.6 crores of migrants. This is roughly 38% of the country’s population. In 2001, the migrant population was 31.5 crores. The migrant population between 2001 and 2011 has increased by 18%.
In India, the major reasons of intra-state migration were marriage and family. The female migration was higher as compared to that of the males. 83% of females moved for marriage and family as compared to 39% males.
Challenges faced by migrants
- The migration in the world is increasing due to ethnic violence, natural disasters and employment. The increase in violence against migrants is accelerated by social media. In urban areas, migrants lack access to basic amenities such as clean drinking water, electricity, safe houses, etc.
- Because of the unstable nature of their jobs, the migrants are often declared as illegal residents.
- The Climate Changes have triggered large mass of migration lately.
- Recently, fake messages were triggered against a mass exodus of labourers from the North East
