To President Noh Moohyun and Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook,

On behalf of the CISL  Italian Confederation of Trade Union, 4,4 million mermbers, we are shocked and angered to hear about the recent fire at Yeosu Detention Center, which took the lives of 9 innocent people and injured 18 more. We are fully aware that this tragedy is the result of the South Korean government’s inhumane and anti-human rights policies towards migrant workers. Brutal work conditions and restrictions placed on migrants by the Industrial Trainee and Employment Permit Systems have led many migrants to become undocumented. The government’s response—a man-hunting crackdown and the confinement of migrants in detention centers that are worse than prisons—is the real root of the Yeosu tragedy.

We strongly urge you to comply with the following demands:

1.        Full disclosure of the real causes and facts of the tragedy, punishment of those responsible, resignation of the Minister of Justice and compensation to the bereaved families.
2.        Closure of all detention centers for their inhumane conditions and implementation of steps to revise the system.
3.        An end to the brutal crackdowns and legalization of all migrant workers.
4.        Institution of a system for the payment of back-wages and protection of migrant workers rights.

We want you to know that this incident and the situation of migrant workers in South Korea have come to the attention of people around the world. The international community will not condone the human rights violations perpetrated by the South Korean government against people who work honestly and contribute to the Korean economy. Urgent action is needed.

Thank you for your attention and initiative,

                                        

                                Luigi Cal
                        Director International Department