Honouring the Contributions and Upholding the Rights of People who are Migrants: A Reflection for International Migrants Day 2024
Every year on 18 December, the world comes together to observe International Migrants Day – a day to celebrate the incredible contributions migrants make to societies across the globe and to reaffirm our collective responsibility to respect and protect their human rights. As we commemorate this important occasion in 2024, we reflect not only on the progress made but also on the urgent work still needed to ensure that people who are migrants can live with dignity and opportunity wherever they are.
The theme for this year, Honouring the Contributions of Migrants and Respecting Their Rights, invites us to remember that migration is not a crisis to be solved, but a complex, transformative reality that enriches the social, cultural, and economic fabric of all nations. It asks us to shift from viewing migration as a challenge to be managed to recognising it as an opportunity to build more inclusive, resilient, and prosperous communities.
Around the world, migrants are the backbone of industries that we often take for granted. They work in agriculture, construction, healthcare, and domestic labour, performing jobs that are often gruelling and underappreciated. Despite their invaluable contributions, these workers are often subject to exploitation, discrimination, and the erosion of basic human rights. People who are migrants – especially those in irregular situations or without legal protections – face obstacles at every turn, from barriers to healthcare and education to dangerous living conditions and limited access to justice. This year, as we honour the contributions of people who are migrants, we also recognise the need for stronger labour protections, better wages, and greater support systems for those who power economies and sustain societies at great personal cost.
Beyond their economic contributions, people who are migrants are also the living bridge between cultures, enhancing global diversity with their languages, traditions, and art. The richness of cultural exchange that migrants bring through music, food and, ideas—enriches not only the countries they move to but also the world. From the migration of ancient peoples to the modern-day movements of individuals and families, migration has always been a vehicle for the dissemination of knowledge, innovation, and shared human experience.
In a world increasingly defined by division, migrants are a testament to our common humanity. Whether they are fleeing violence or seeking better opportunities, their experiences often demonstrate resilience, courage, and hope in the face of adversity. We should not just recognise their right to seek a better life, but also honour the richness they bring to our collective identity.
The human rights of migrants are universal, yet they are too often violated or ignored. Across borders, migrants face xenophobia, racism, and legal systems that fail to protect them. In many parts of our world, restrictive immigration laws and rising nationalism make it harder for people to seek asylum, reunite with family members, or live without fear of deportation.
On 18 December, we remind ourselves that migrants’ rights are human rights – and that includes the right to live in dignity, the right to work without exploitation, the right to education, healthcare, and access to justice. Countries must create and uphold policies that safeguard these rights, ensuring that migrants are not seen as burdens, but as valuable members of society. In this, we are all called to lobby governments, businesses, and civil society to build systems that foster inclusion, combat discrimination, and ensure equal opportunities for all.
This International Migrants Day is an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come in supporting the rights of migrants, but also to acknowledge the work that remains. Progress requires a renewed commitment to migrant integration, protection, and empowerment. It calls for the active dismantling of barriers – whether legal, social, or economic – that prevent migrants from fully participating in society. It is a call to communities, families, and individuals to reject stereotypes and embrace the diverse stories that make up the migrant experience. Every migrant has a story of courage, resilience, and hope, and it is through listening to these stories and acting in solidarity with them, that we can create a world where no one is left behind.
As we commemorate International Migrants Day 2024 let us stand together – not only in celebration of the contributions migrants make – but also in the unwavering determination to protect their rights and honour their dignity. The journey toward equality and justice for migrants is ongoing, and it is a journey that belongs to us all.
Emilia Nicholas
Josephite Justice Network