What is International Migrants Day?
International Migrants Day is a day to recognize the contributions of migrants around the world. It also calls to attention the environment in which migration occurs, such as conflicts and displacement, climate-related disaster, economic pressures, and more that may drive people from their homes in search of safety and opportunity. December 18th was chosen as it was the day that the International Convention on the Protection of Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families was signed. This is a United Nations treaty that governs the protection of migrant workers and their families by aiming to guarantee equal treatment and the same working conditions for migrants as nationals.
Historically, Canada has been viewed as a safe and welcoming place for immigrants. However, changing policies may be increasing barriers and feelings of safety. The stories of migrants are often filled with resilience and perseverance as they may face many challenges in the process of starting a life in a new country. Exploitation of migrant workers is a common issue that this day recognizes, and work can often be precarious, uncertain, or even dangerous.
Migrant workers play an important role in our communities, and it is vital we confront the ongoing mistreatment of these community members. Our economy largely depends on the labor of migrant workers, and their work and humanity is often unrecognized and exploited. International Migrants Day serves to recognize the positive impact migrant populations have on society, from boosting economic growth to filling skill gaps and driving innovation and development, as well as recognizing the challenges they face as often undervalued members of our society.
Resources at UBC:
UBC is ranked as the most international school in North America, with students from 147 different countries. UBC’s International Student Guide can help support students who are newcomers to Canada. International students can also connect with Advisors , Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs), to answer questions about permits, working, health care, or transitioning to life in Canada.
Resources in Vancouver:
The Vancouver Public Library is an excellent and free resource for newcomers. Many branches offer ESL Conversation practice to meet new friends and practice English conversation skills with other learners. Drop-In Resume Clinics are also often available for those looking for support and tips on writing a Canadian style resume and Ask a Career Counsellor drop-ins can help with career planning, writing resumes, preparing for job interviews, and more.
VPL also hosts AC Legal Services with free, confidential appointments to help anyone complete legal paperwork. For those who must take the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP), there are free workshops to help with the Writing and Speaking portions of the exam.
Check out the VPL Events page to see other events that may support newcomers to BC.
UBC Library Materials:
Allahdua, G., Dunsworth, E., & ProQuest (Firm). (2023). Harvesting freedom: The life of a migrant worker in Canada (1st ed.). Between the Lines. [Available at UBC Library]
Atak, I., Simeon, J. C., Scholars Portal Books: Canadian University Presses 2018, & Canada Commons: Books & Documents. (2018). In Atak I., Simeon J. C.(Eds.), The criminalization of migration: Context and consequences (1st ed.). McGill-Queen’s University Press. https://doi.org/10.1515/9780773555631 [Available at UBC Library]
Molnar, P., & ProQuest (Firm). (2024). The walls have eyes: Surviving migration in the age of artificial intelligence (1st ed.). The New Press. [Available at UBC Library]
Nayeri, D. (2019). The ungrateful refugee: What immigrants never tell you. Catapult. [Available at UBC Library]
Shah, S., & ProQuest (Firm). (2020). The next great migration: The beauty and terror of life on the move (1st ed.). Bloomsbury Publishing USA. [Available at UBC Library]
Web sources consulted:
United Nations. (2024). Celebrating the contributions and opportunities of migration. United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/observances/migrants-day
Vancouver Public Library. (2025, June 20). No Place for Refugees: Is Canada Becoming Less Welcoming? Vancouver Public Library. https://vpl.bibliocommons.com/events/6834f38e4f2cd1c0cc874bde