The Government of the Azores celebrates the International Migrants Day with an initiative to take place at the Ponta Delgada Public Library and Regional Archives on Wednesday, December 18, at 7 PM.

Organised in partnership with the Azores Immigrant Association (AIPA) and the Immigrant Support Community Centre, this event aims to foster interculturalism, promoting the values of diversity and cultural dialogue in the Azores.

The awareness of the civil society for the recognition of the rights and freedoms of migrants is another goal of this initiative, which will bring together immigrants and returned emigrants.

The Cabinet of the Regional Under Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations, through the Regional Directorate for Communities, wants this celebration to provide a space for socialisation and sharing of life experiences with the purpose of enhancing the knowledge on the similarities and differences of the respective cultural roots.

The event is expected to be attended by 150 immigrants of various nationalities and emigrants who have returned to the Region. The programme of the celebrations will include several musical moments and a space for socialisation and intercultural exchange, with the performances of Maninho, Ciro Costa, Grigori Spektor and Ana Paula Andrade in addition to the performance of "Cantigas ao Desafio" (Challenge Singing). These performers will bring to the event musical moments from Brazil, Guinea-Bissau, Ukraine and the Azores.

On December 18, 1990, the General Assembly adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. This day was finally proclaimed in 2000.

Since then, December 18 has been celebrated as an opportunity to raise the awareness of the international community for the need of safeguarding the rights of immigrants and emigrants around the world.

Sharing these ideals, the Regional Government promotes the celebration of this day in the Azores, encouraging the healthy coexistence of different peoples and cultures residing in the archipelago and paying tribute to all those who have followed the path of migration.