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Last week MTU (Migrants' Trade Union) started a sit-in struggle against the ongoing crackdown campaign in the name of coming G-20 Summit in Seoul, S. Korea.

We are not criminals! We are not terrorists!
Sit-in protest against crackdown on undocumented
migrant workers in the name of G-20

 
First Report (by MTU, 7.20)

 
* In June the South Korean government began a concentrated crackdown on undocumented migrant workers, claiming this measure is necessary to ensure the successful holding of the G20 Summit in November. The government says the crackdown will go on until the end of August. All around the country the Immigration Service, the Ministry of Labor and the police are carrying out raids and stopping people on the streets. Everyday dozens of people suffer because of this inhumane policy of arrest and deportation. As if this is not enough, the government is even forcing detained migrants to pay a fine of up to 2 million won, furthering their troubles. At some immigration offices the fine is being taken out of back wages sent to detained migrant workers without their consent. This is clearly an illegal act. First crackdown, then fines... Forcing this double burden on migrants is a severe form of oppression.
There are also cases of violent treatment. For example, a Chinese migrant worker was beaten after being taken to the office of the Suwon Immigration Service.

To protest against this policy of arrest and deportation, the Migrants' Trade Union began a sit-in protest in Hyang-rin Church in the Myeongdong district on July 13.

Although there are not many of us participating in the sit-in many people, including activists from overseas, came to our opening ceremony to show solidarity and support.
We wish to express our sincere gratitude to all those who participated.

http://migrant.nodong.net/?document_srl=29372#0

*****

Protest against mass crackdown on the undocumented

migrant workers in S. Korea!

Dear friends and allies,
 

Migrants' Trade Union (MTU) sends you warm greetings and solidarity. We are writing to inform you of very upsetting events taking place in South Korea and to ask for your support.

 
South Koreais currently preparing to host the G20 Summit in November. The government of Lee Myung-bak is using the upcoming event as an excuse to enforce policies that trample on basic democratic rights. In particular, the Lee administration is using the G20 Summit as a pretext for carrying out a massive crackdown against undocumented migrant workers currently residing in the country.
 

For many years now, migrant workers have worked in South Korea's small and medium-size factories, playing an important role by supporting South Korean industry. Undocumented migrant workers, who have often lived in Korea longer than their documented colleagues, have become especially accustom to Korean culture and lived together with Korean citizens as part of Korean society.

 
Despite the fact that the Korean government brings thousands of migrant workers to Korea to fill labor shortages in small and medium-size companies, it will not allow them to legally settle or invite their families to live with them. Refusing to sight the UN Convention on the Protect of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Family, which promises basic protections for migrant workers' human rights, the South Korean government treats migrant workers only as cheap and disposable labor. The government's sole policy towards undocumented migrant workers has been one of viscous raids, detention and deportation, which has lead to countless injuries and deaths. Every year, migrant workers lose their lives in the course of the government's crackdown.
 

This year, the government is using the G20 Summit as an excuse to openly strengthening the policy of raids, detention and deportation. Since May, the police have been carrying out a 'crackdown on foreigner crime', stopping people on the street for no reason other than that they appear to be foreign. The government has said it plans to get rid of South Korea's 180,000 undocumented migrant workers by the end of August.

 
In response, labor and social justice organizations are joining forces to oppose this anti-human rights, anti-labor policy, and carry out a united struggle to protect migrant workers' rights.
 

We ask for your support and solidarity as we move forward with our struggle. Please send letters of protest to the South Korean government expressing your grave concern about its repression against migrant workers. A sample letter is attached for your reference.

 
Your solidarity is an important part of a wider effort to protect the rights of South Korea's migrant workers. We will work hard to keep you informed of the situation here in Korea. We ask for your sincere attention and support.

July 4th, 2010

A Sample Protest Letter you'll find here!