Worker Empowerment

25th February, 2008.

Dear friends and groups all over the world,

Warm greeting from Shenzhen!

Since the violent attacks that targeted the Dagongzhe Migrant Worker Centre and me on October and November last year, we have gained a lot of support from friends and groups all over the world. We are so grateful to have your support in condemning the violent attacks, endorsing the statement, writing letters, donating to and visiting me. All of the solidarity has made it possible for DGZ Centre and me to pass the difficult period.

I have been discharged from the hospital since 10th January 2008, and most of the wounds have healed over; however, I still need to receive rehabilitation treatment for the left leg that had been injured most seriously. I have to rely on a walking stick, and cannot walk too long. If my physical condition allows, I may have another operation three months later.

In February 2008, the police announced that the case was solved, and five suspects were arrested and detained. The police claimed that the one who manipulated the attacks was a landlord, motivated by the loss of rent after a factory closure. However, the police also have claimed that this case is related to labour disputes. We hope that the police can provide more detailed information about the case. Meanwhile, we are very disappointed that the Shenzhen Municipal Government has never publicly condemned these serious violent attacks to labour organization and workers.

Since Chinese New Year, the DGZ Centre has re-opened with hours from 12:00 to 18:00 every day, to provide assistance to the workers. Unfortunately, part of the work of the DGZ Centre cannot be re-launched yet, such as the outreach labour law education, under the threat of violent attacks.

After these violent attacks, many friends have expressed concern about the future of DGZ Centre and me. First of all, I will definitely keep my commitment to be the registered person of the Centre, and the DGZ Centre will rejuvenate and struggle to the very end for workers’ rights.

Once again, please accept our heartfelt thanks to you!

In Soildarity,

Huang Qing-nan, and Staff of Dagongzhe Migrant Worker Centre

Written in Chinese and translated by Worker Empowerment