Update on Violent Attack in Migrant Worker Centre in China
Wednesday, 25 June 2008 15:29
Six months after Huang Quing-nan was violently attacked in the Shenzhen Dagongzhe Migrant Worker Centre (DGZ Center), some progress has been made. Quing-nan has received rehabilitation and his injury has finally been classified as a 'serious injury' after an appeal to the Judiciary Department in April. The centre has now been relocated and operations have resumed with support from their close partner, Worker Empowerment (WE).
However, there is still much to be done. Prosecution for the perpetrators of the attack was expected to occur in May or June however Quing-nan has received no notice thus far. Conviction of the perpetrators is important to show that attacks of this kind will be taken seriously. The outcome of this situation is crucial for the protection of other NGO's and local grassroots organizations in China.
WE has assisted Quing-nan in seeking appropriate medical treatment for his leg in Hong Kong. Doctors determined that further operation would be too risky and that rehabilitation would be the best option. Also, his occupational injury status has been turned down but he will be fighting this decision.
In mid March, The DGZ Centre was shocked by a notice by their landlord that their rent contract would not be renewed after its present term. His only explanation was, 'I am suffering from serious pressure!' After a month of negotiation and seeking help from a local union the landlord would not reconsider his decision and the DGZ Center was forced to move. However by May the DGZ Center returned to normal operations in another industrial area, offering ten hours of services including labour dispute consultation.
International concern and support has been helpful in all the achievements gained so far. Thanks for to everyone who supported DGZ and Huang Quing-nan, we look forward to building on these in the future. Future goals for the DGZ Centre, in partnership with WE, includes changing the Centre into a worker-run organization for labour rights and dignity.
