What is International Migrants Day and when is it?
In 2000, the United Nations General Assembly declared 18 December as International Migrants Day. This is an annual celebration to highlight the positive contributions, rights, and struggles of migrants around the world, and the increasingly complex environment in which migration occurs. This year’s theme is ‘One City, Many Journeys – Honouring Migrants and Shaping a Shared Future’. This is to draw attention to migration, and the people who embark on difficult journeys and overcome numerous barriers to build a new and safer life.
What is the definition of a migrant?
Whilst there is no international legal definition of a migrant, a migrant is considered to be someone who has left their home, within their country or across borders, and this can be temporary or permanent. Some migrants may leave their country because they want to work, study or connect with family members, whilst others may leave because of poverty, political unrest, gang violence, natural disasters, or other serious reasons.
What is the University doing?
The University of Kent has been awarded ‘University of Sanctuary’ status in recognition and celebration of its values and the work being done to exemplify a commitment to welcome people seeking sanctuary. The University aims to create a space of safety and belonging. You can find out more about sanctuary activities and sanctuary scholarships on the University website. There is also a sanctuary fund that you can donate to, to support refugees, asylum seekers, and others who have been displaced or forced to migrate. There are a number of Kent Students’ Union societies you can join, including Books Beyond Borders and Student Action for Refugees. There is also the International Students Network.
What other ways can I offer support?
You can show support for International Migrants Day by participating in cultural events and exhibitions that highlight migrant traditions and positive contributions. You can find other ways of sharing migrant stories. You can also educate yourself about the challenges migrants face, support migrant organisations, and engage in discussions and forums about migration-related topics. The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), has a reading list if you would like to learn more and Refugee Tales provides stories of people’s lived experiences and information on walking in solidarity with refugees and asylum seekers. You can also support UK charities such as Migrant Help and the Migrants’ Rights Network. Other Kent-based charities that support refugees and asylum seekers include the Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN), Canterbury Welcomes Refugees, and Kent Kindness.