"My health is deteriorating each day"
Interview (by IBMK) with Suwash Budathoki  

Suwash Budathoki, a Nepalese migrant worker and MTU activist, was arrested in the S. Korean capital Seoul on July 7, 2007. He is now struggling to overcome his ill-health in Hwaseong Immigration Detention Center. A level of sugar on his blood (400 mg/dl) is found abnormal since last week. He is also suffering from acute gastritis. He failed even to manage a daily life.

The Migrant Trade Union (MTU) and other Korean social and human rights organizations (such as  have taken initiation to protect Suwash from his deteriorated health condition. They have put two conditions with Ministry of Justice (Korea). The first condition is to set Suwash free immediately. If his release is unlikely, activists urged to make thorough check up Suwash at an equipped hospital rather than the detention center itself.  But the Ministry of Justice refused their demands, ignoring the Suwash's health. Their logic is that it is impossible to make his treatment outside since Suwash is undocumented.

The activists worrying about Suwash's health again knocked the door of National Human Rights Commission in Korea. A team including doctors visited Hwaseong Immigrantion Detention Center and checked up Suwash. There are rumors that Ministry of Justice is on the process to deport Suwash to his homeland Nepal without any treatment. Suwash has worked very hard for five years in South Korean.

Is it not a violation of his human rights and labor rights? In addition, Suwash was arrested by the police while he was walking on the street in the Dongdaemun area (on his way to participate on a KCTU demonstration). That means the arrest was illegal since Korean law doesn't allow arresting undocumented migrant workers unless they are involved in criminal activities.  MTU had filled a written petition at Human Rights Commission in Korea, which yet to decide the case of Suwash.

Considering the seriousness of the subject and condition of Suwash’s health, IBMK interviewed Suwash on Hwaseong Immigration Detention Center recently. During an interview, Subash’s face was faded and eyes were tearful. And fatigue and tiredness were visible.

Here you can read..
☞ The interview with comrade Suwash (in English)