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KASAMA Vol. 22 No. 4 / October-November-December 2008 / Solidarity Philippines Australia Network
 

Migrant Workers are Human Beings – not Commodities
 

Manila: Civil Society March for Migrants’ Rights
 

Manila 22 October, 2008

The People’s Global Action on Migration, Development and Human Rights kicked off on Wednesday, October 22, with a rally and a march in Manila. This event represented a tribute to the rights of migrants across the world, and an affirmation on the part of PGA participants that they would proceed with their plans despite the sudden revocation of their assembly permit by city police. With speeches and performances, the event demonstrated the importance of collectively defending the human dignity of migrants. After the presentations, everyone walked together from the Malate Catholic Church to Rajah Sulayman Park, where police were waiting with their riot gear. The march continued, as participants shouted chants such as “Our workers make us strong!” and “Migrants’ rights are human rights!” Rex Varona, from the Asian Migrant Centre, urged both the protesters and nearby spectators to stand firm in the face of governmental disregard for the human rights of migrants.

— Angela Sarakan / Migrant Rights International

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