Every year on 18 December, we mark International Migrants Day, a moment to recognise and celebrate people who move across borders, whether by choice or necessity.
At a time when migration is too often reduced to numbers and statistics, and migrants are frequently portrayed negatively in public debate and the media, this day offers an important opportunity to refocus on people, stories, and lived experiences.
International Migrants Day was established by the United Nations in 2000. Twenty-five years on, it remains as vital as ever. Across the world, millions of people move countries to seek safety, opportunity, or a better future for themselves and their families. Yet the significant role migrants play in our communities is often overlooked or undervalued.
Today, we join with others to celebrate migrants and to recognise the courage, resilience, and determination it takes to rebuild life in a new place. We want to thank our many tenants across the UK who make a difference every day, supporting individuals and families who have made unimaginable journeys, including those displaced by conflict or facing persecution.
This past year, the United Nations reported record levels of internal displacement, growing humanitarian needs from both ongoing and emerging crises, and tragically the highest-ever death toll of migrants in transit. When media coverage focuses primarily on numbers, it can be easy to lose sight of the human stories behind them. Yet alongside these challenges are countless stories of resilience, progress, and hope. When migration is safe and well managed and taken out of the hands of those who wish to exploit for profit, it holds extraordinary potential not only for migrants themselves, but for societies as a whole.
Migrants play a critical role in labour markets by filling skills gaps, driving innovation, and contributing to entrepreneurship. They help address demographic challenges in ageing societies, boost economic growth, and provide vital support to families and communities back home, driving development across borders.
By supporting safer pathways for migration, we can create opportunities for migrants, better protect their rights, and contribute to shared prosperity in both countries of origin and host countries.
On this International Migrants Day, we invite you to take a moment to reflect on the positive impact migrants have had on your life, your community, or your workplace. Whether through offering support, challenging negative narratives, or advocating for fair and compassionate policies, each of us has a role to play.
Celebrating migrants means recognising their humanity, valuing their contributions, and standing in solidarity with those who continue to face uncertainty and hardship. Today and every day we can choose to make a difference.