Stop attacks on migrant worker centre in china
Tuesday, 01 January 2008 00:00
The Shenzhen Dagongzhe Migrant Worker Centre in South China has been the target of several attacks in October and November 2007. On 20 November, its legal representative, Huang Qingnan was seriously injured and stabbed by two unidentified men.
These attacks are believed to be part of a larger campaign to halt the operation of the Centre, because of its work, especially the promotion of knowledge and legal education around the forthcoming New Labour Contract Law (in force in January 2008) and its potential negative impact on local vested interests.DGZ Centre
After the attack on Huang Qingnan, the DGZ Centre closed temporally while staff continued to answer incoming queries relating to legal aid. The DGZ Centre initiated a joint statement in Mainland China, which was condemning the violent attacks and listed several demands to the Municipal Government, Public Security Bureau and People's Congress in Shenzhen and Guangdong. The letter was endorsed by some 14 civil groups and over 50 individuals in Mainland China. DGZ Centre also sent a response to the Shenzhen Public Security Bureau to request for a meeting to discuss the case and related issues. No reply has yet been forthcoming.
DGZ has been told that the investigation of the case is still on-going and statements have been collected from DGZ staff and workers.
No suspects have yet been identified. The police are refusing to reveal current progress on the case. A representative from the Shenzhen All China Federation of Trade Unions visited Huang Qingnan in hospital in order to report on the case to the higher levels of the ACFTU. However there has been no response to requests for assistance and support in helping the DGZ Centre resume normal operations.
Further action is now needed to ensure an adequate response from the authorities and achieve direct communication between worker organizations and the Government. (see below)
Huang Qingnan
Huang Qingnan was recently transferred to a better hospital in Shenzhen, but unfortunately, a serious infection and necrosis has set in because of the delay in operating. It is believed that his left leg will be permanently affected. Further operations and physiotherapy are needed to remove necrotic flesh and recover part of the leg's function.
International Support
On 25 November, support groups in Hong Kong including Worker Empowerment, Asia Monitor Resource Centre, Globalisation Monitor, Labour Action in China and SACOM held a press conference as well as a protest in front of the Chinese Central Government Liaison Office, to condemn the attacks and call for an immediate response from the Chinese Central Government.
Other groups and individuals from the region and elsewhere also participated in the protest. A Hong Kong initiated International Appeal letter was endorsed by over 30 Hong Kong groups, 29 International groups (including Labour Behind the Label and the Clean Clothes Campaign), and over 400 Hong Kong citizens.
How you can help
1. Write to the Chinese government and the ACFTU (at a national and municipal level).
Call upon the authorities to;
- Openly condemn & investigate all attacks on the DGZ Centre and in particular the attack on Huang Qingnan;
- Support the DGZ Centre in re-starting its work and provide Huang Qingnan with appropriate medical treatment and rehabilitation;
- Implement national policies which support the development of harmonious labour relations and which improves the protection of civil groups and their staff in order to prevent violence and maintain public security.
Take part in an online action at the CCC website or write your own letter to the following people:
Mayor Xu Zhongheng, Shenzhen City Government;
President Hu Jintao, Zhongnanhai, Xicheng District;
Premier Wen Jiabao, The State Council All China Federation of Trade Unions
(For addresses see below)
2. If you would like to make a donation toward the medical costs for Huang Qingnan please contact Sam at the LBL office.
Addresses to send letters:
Mayor Xu Zhongheng, Shenzhen City Government, People's Republic of China, Fax: (86)-755-82002880 E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
President Hu Jintao, Zhongnanhai, Xicheng District, Beijing City 100017People's Republic of China, By fax: (86)10-64729863 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Premier Wen Jiabao, The State Council, 9 Xihuangcheng Genbeijie, Beijingshi 100032, People's Republic of China, Fax: +86 10 65292345 (c/o Ministry of Communication) Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
All China Federation of Trade Unions, Address: 10 Fuxingmenwai Street, Beijing, People's Republic of China, Post Code: 100865, Chairman: Wang Zhaoguo
Shenzhen City ACFTU General Union, Address: Gonhui Building, 100 7 Shangbu Road Central, Futian District, Shenzhen City, People's Republic of China, Post Code: 518031. Chairperson: Wang Xinjian
