Demand An End To Attacks Against Worker Center!

On November 20, Huang Qingnan of the Dagongzhe (DGZ) Migrant Worker Center in Shenzhen, China was seriously injured after being stabbed by two unidentified men. This is the third attack on the worker center in the last two months, and coincides with the center's efforts to raise awareness about legislation that would improve conditions for workers. Email the Chinese authorities today to demand that they condemn the attacks and guarantee the safety of those working at the center.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Condemn and investigate worker center attacks

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to express my grave concern over recent attacks on the Dagongzhe (DGZ) Migrant Worker Center and its staff. The Center, located in Shenzhen, is a valuable resource, providing a free library,labor law education and free legal consultation to migrant workers. In recent months it has been involved in raising awareness of the new Labor Contract Law that comes into effect in January. As you probably know, the law affords better employment protection for workers.

On October 11 and November 14 2007, a group of unknown and unidentified people came to destroy the properties of the DGZ Center. On November 20, staff member Huang Qingnan was seriously injured and remains in serious condition after being stabbed by two unidentified men.

The violent campaign against the DGZ Center warrants your immediate attention. It is of critical importance that you publicly condemn and investigate the attacks, particularly the assault on Huang Qingnan. In addition, I urge you to provide Huang Qingnan with appropriate medical treatment and rehabilitation and help the DGZ Center resume its work. Finally, I ask that you implement the national policy to maintain harmonious labor relations and improve the protection of civil groups and their staff in order to prevent violence and maintain public security.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
December 17, 2007

Background Information

The Shenzhen Dagongzhe Migrant Worker Centre in South China was 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.

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.