International Migrants Day was established by the United Nations in December 2000 in recognition of the large and increasing number of migrants in the world, and to commemorate establishment of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. This day is a reminder of the need to support migrant populations.

The Australian Government’s Humanitarian Program is one element of the government’s approach to assisting people affected by international humanitarian crises. There are a number of government programs also provided by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship that are aimed at providing support for migrants and their families to adjust to life in Australia. These settlement programs include:

• The Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy:
  providing intensive initial settlement support to newly-arrived refugees and Special Humanitarian Program entrants. 
• The Settlement Grants Program:
  funding services which help humanitarian entrants and migrants with low levels of English proficiency to become self-reliant and participate equitably in Australian society.
• The Adult Migrant English Program:
  offering free language tuition to eligible migrants and humanitarian entrants.
• The Translating and Interpreting Service:
  this is provided on the basis that everyone has the right to access services freely available to English speaking Australians.

The Australian Government’s cultural diversity programs – such as the Diverse Australia Program – aim to promote tolerance and social cohesion, and provide an environment in which migrants and all Australians can participate in the opportunities of Australian community life.

The government’s commitment to programs and services that are responsive to the cultural, linguistic and religious diversity of the Australian population is reflected in its Access and Equity Strategy. In particular, the Social Inclusion Agenda recognises that particular attention should be given to vulnerable new arrivals and refugees.

For more information about settlement and cultural diversity programs, visit the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.

The International Migrants Day website provides further information on the day.