CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS IN MIA

Mayo Intercultural Action is hosting its Christmas Party on Friday 18^th December 2009 at 8pm.  The event is open is everyone, and the staff and volunteers of MIA would like to welcome you to join in the festivities at our office in Castle St., Castlebar, Co. Mayo.  Despite a very challenging period MIA has managed to remain open and it continues to provide support and advocacy to migrants living in Co. Mayo.  Throughout this period MIA has experienced incredible support and goodwill from individuals and organisations that recognise the importance of MIA’s work.    

This year’s Christmas party on 18^th December coincides with International Migrants Day.  The 18^th December is a day designated by the United Nations to raise awareness of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of migrants, and the pursuit of the protection of these rights and freedoms.  On 18^th December 1990 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of their Families.

In times of economic crisis Migrant workers are at greater risk of losing their jobs and are more exposed to exploitation and exclusion from society.  This year’s International Migrants Day falls during the United Nations Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen which is an opportunity to recognise the effects of climate change, particularly in developing countries where people are forced to migrate as agricultural and food production falls significantly. 

MIA hopes that you will join their Christmas party on International Migrants Day and celebrate the valuable contribution migrants have made to the development of Co. Mayo.