항의 편지나 지지성명서
GEFONT migrant division (네팔노총 이주국12.2) and Deputy Secretary General (네팔노총 사무총장 (11.28), Jacquelyn Miller (미국 개인 11. 29), Nafiz Oezbek (개인 11.28), JT Takagi (미국 개인 11.27),
International Trade Union Confederation (국제노총 11.30), Nepal National Teacher’s Association
(네팔 전교조11.29), 20 representatives of migrant groups in the Netherlands (네라란드 NGO
단체 20개 11.29), APWLS-Korea (11.28), Public Services International (PSI), MFA (11.28),
KMU (필리핀 노총) (12.4), Amnesty International (11.4), Austrailian Meat Industy Employees Union (호축산 산업 노조, 12.4), General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (포르투갈 노총, 12.3), Nodutdul for Korean Community Development (노둣돌, 제미교포 단체), Teachers of English Abroad in Korea (TEA-KOR, 12.7), International Action Center (미국 12.4), Food, Beverage & Tobacco Senior Staff
Association(FOBTOB) (니이지리아, 12.7), Pakistan Trade Union Federation, Pakistan Workers Confederation,Working Women Organization,Railway Workers Union affiliate of All Pakistan Trade Union Federation-Karachi-Sind United Workers Union TMA Town  (Affiliated APTUF) Karachi-SIND Ittehad Carpet Labour Welfare Union-Karachi-SIND, Progressive Youth Organization, Progressive Youth Organization (파키스탄 노총, 노조 및 청년 단쳬, 12.5), League of People's Struggle and Migrante International (12.5), Asian Migrants' Coordinating Body (홍통 여러 국가 이주노동자 연합 12.7), United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE) (미국 전기, 라디오, 기계 노총 12.9)





국제 연대 행동 보고: KMU ( May First Movement), Migrante International, KASAMMAKO, International League of Peoples Struggle's (ILPS) and multisectoral organizations are set to have a rally  in front of the Korean Embassy in Manila on December 10, 2007, Picketing and protests have already occured in the Philippinese and Nepal. Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants (홍콩, NGO 연합) 서명서 조직중, 12.18 법무부에 배낼 예정. Asian Migrants' Coordinating Body 및 Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants 비롯한 여러 단체들이 대사관 앞 집회 조직중.  

  



-------------------------
Dear Friends,

Greetings of peace and solidarity!

The Study Commission on Im/migrants, Refugees and Other Displaced Peoples of the International League of Peoples' Struggle and Migrante Internationl are extending an urgent appeal in joining us in protest against the November 27 arrest of three Migrants' Trade Union leaders in Korea.

The arrest of the three leaders is a clear signal of a heightened crackdown against migrants in Korea.  It is but important to also heighten our resistance against persecution of migrant trade union leaders and against trade union repression.  The need for an international solidarity is crucial in ensuring that human rights of all migrants regardless of their status are respected.

As we mark the 59th International Human Rights Day on December 10, ILPS Study Commission on Im/migrants. Refugees and Other Displaced Peoples and Migrante International are calling all international networks for support to free the three Migrants' Trade Union leaders and to stop massive crackdown of migrants in Korea by:

1.  Holding a protest action in front of the Korean Embassy or Consulate in your respective country.

2.   Sending a solidarity message to the Migrants' Trade Union (MTU) in Korea.  Please email copy to MTU and iswmigrante@hotmail.com.

3.  Sending a protest letter to the Korean government and concerned agencies. You can address your letter to:

    Ministry of Justice
    Minister Jung Seong-Jin
    Fax: +92-2-503-3532 or +82-2-500-9128

Please send Migrants Trade Union, Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, Migrante International a copy of your message, letter and report of actions you have taken to emails: MTU , KCTU

Release Masum, Kajiman, and Raju!
Stop crackdown of migrants in Korea!
Stop trade union repression!

Thank you very much in anticipation.

Sincerely,

Connie Bragas-Regalado
Chairperson, ILPS Study Commission on Im/migrants, Refugees and Other Displaced Peoples
Chairperson, Migrante Internation


  All Pakistan Trade Union Federation
December 5th, 2007


Mr. Jung Seong-Jin
Minister of Justice
Seoul, South Korea

Subject:        Protest Message
                Unjust arrest of Three Migrants’ Trade Union leaders in Korea

Dear Minister Jung,

Let me tell you briefly that All Pakistan Trade Union Federation is a national trade union center in Pakistan, working for uplift, better working and living condition of working class and ignored segment of the society. Its our aim to abolish bonded and child labor and carry on struggle to eradicate all sorts of discriminations against men and women, by forming strong and effective women and youth wings. APTUF is struggling for peace, democracy and social justice too.

It was a great shock to heard that on the morning of November 27 between 9:00 and 9:30, the president, vice president and general secretary of the KCTU affiliate, Seoul-Gyeonggi-Incheon Migrants' Trade Union, were arrested, each in front of his separate home or workplace. This event has already received international attention. It is clear from the form in which the arrests took place that this was a targeted crackdown meant to silence MTU and the opposition struggle it has lead against the anti-human rights crackdown being carried out against undocumented migrants in South Korea. That this was a meditated act of repression is also apparent from the fact that the arrests came at the same time as the South Korean Immigration Control Office is stepping up its crackdown and a proposal is being put forth the revise immigration law to make it possible to carry out the crackdown continuously with complete disregard for the most basic procedures to protect human rights.

APTUF strongly condemned the arrest of MTU leadership, the arrests of the MTU leadership is a gross violation of human rights and a horrendous act of labor repression which targets not only migrant workers and MTU but also the KCTU, the 15 million workers it represents and the International labor community. As such, we will not remain silent.

We therefore forcefully call on you to meet the following demands:

        -Immediately release President Kajiman, Vice President Raju and General
Secretary Masum!
        -Stop the targeted crackdown and labor repression against MTU!
        -Stop the crackdown and deportation of undocumented migrant workers!


Signed,



Gulzar Ahmed Chaudhary
General Secretary
All Pakistan Trade Union Federation
14-N, Industrial Area, Gulberg II,
Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: 92-42-5311306/5311309
Fax: 92-42-5314365


Rubina Jamil
Chairperson
All Pakistan Trade Union Federation
Secretary
Pakistan Workers Confederation

Aima Mahmood
Secretary
Working Women Organization

Nasir Chaudhary
Secretary
Information & Publication


Junaid Awan
Joint Secretary
Railway Workers Union
All Pakistan Trade Union Federation-Karachi-Sind

Farid Awan
President
United Workers Union TMA Town
(Affiliated APTUF)
Karachi-SIND

Mr. Muhammad Nasim
Senior Vice President-Karachi-SIND
Pakistan Workers Confederation

Mr. Niaz Khan
General Secretary
Ittehad Carpet Labour Welfare Union-Karachi-SIND

Mr. Yasir Gulzar
President
Progressive Youth Organization

Mehrin Amin
Progressive Youth Organization

Haroon Younas
Progressive Youth Organization 


Mr. Jung Seong-Jin
Minister of Justice
Seoul, South Korea

Dear Minister Jung,

On the morning of November 27 between 9:00 and 9:30,
the president, vice president and general secretary of
the KCTU affiliate, Seoul-Gyeonggi-Incheon Migrants?br /> Trade Union, were arrested, each in front of his
separate home or workplace. This event has already
received international attention. It is clear from the
form in which the arrests took place that this was a
targeted crackdown meant to silence MTU and the
opposition struggle it has lead against the anti-human
rights crackdown being carried out against
undocumented migrants in South Korea. That this was a
meditated act of repression is also apparent from the
fact that the arrests came at the same time as the
South Korean Immigration Control Office is stepping up
its crackdown and a proposal is being put forth the
revise immigration law to make it possible to carry
out the crackdown continuously with complete disregard
for the most basic procedures to protect human rights.


The arrests of the MTU leadership is a gross violation
of human rights and a horrendous act of labor
repression which targets not only migrant workers and
MTU but also the KCTU, the 15 million workers it
represents and the international labor community. As
such, we will not remain silent.

We therefore forcefully call on you to meet the
following demands:
-Immediately release President Kajiman, Vice President
Raju and General Secretary Masum!
-Stop the targeted crackdown and labor repression
against MTU!
-Stop the crackdown and deportation of undocumented
migrant workers!

Brother Gabriel Babalola
National President
Food, Beverage & Tobacco Senior Staff
Association(FOBTOB)
NIGERIA


The International Action Center
c/o Solidarity Center
55 West 17th St. New York, NY 10011
Ph 212 633-6646 /Fax 212 675-7869
www.iacenter.org

December 4, 2007
Mr. Jung Seong-Jin
Minister of Justice
Seoul, South Korea



Dear Minister Jung,


On the morning of November 27 between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m., the president, vice president and general secretary of the KCTU affiliate, Seoul-Gyeonggi-Incheon Migrants' Trade Union, were arrested, each in front of his separate home or workplace. This event has already received international attention. It is clear from the form in which the arrests took place that this was a targeted crackdown meant to silence MTU and the opposition struggle it has lead against the anti-human rights crackdown being carried out against undocumented migrants in South Korea. That this was a conscious and pre-planned act of repression is also apparent from the fact that the arrests came at the same time as the South Korean Immigration Control Office is stepping up its crackdown. In addition, a proposal is being put forth to revise the immigration law to make it possible to carry out the crackdown continuously, with complete disregard for the most basic procedures that protect human rights.

The arrest of the MTU leadership is a gross violation of human rights and a horrendous act of labor repression. The arrests target not only migrant workers and MTU but also the KCTU, the 15 million workers it represents and the international labor community. Because of the seriousness of this attack, we will not remain silent.

We therefore forcefully call on you to meet the following demands:
-Immediately release President Kajiman, Vice President Raju and General Secretary Masum!
-Stop the targeted crackdown on labor and the repression against the MTU!
-Stop the crackdown and deportation of undocumented migrant workers!

Sincerely,
Teresa Gutierrez, Sara Flounders Imani Henry, Arturo Perez-Saad and John Catalinotto
for The International Action Center



TEA-KOR
Teachers of English Abroad in Korea

Message of Solidarity
(December 7, 2007)

Re:  Crackdown and repression against the Migrant Trade Union leaders

TEA-KOR condemns the crackdown and repression against the Migrant Trade Union. We urge the immediate release of MTU President Kajiman, Vice President Raju and
General Secretary Masum who were arrested on the morning of November 27.

TEA-KOR works against discrimination and abuse against foreign workers. These problems are extreme in many cases. They are systemic and the immigration authorities are implicitly if not directly permitting and supporting them. At times, immigration personnel have demonstrated favoritism toward the employer of foreign teachers and accepted incentives, even bribes in the form of gifts or an exchange of personal favors.

We strongly suspect that immigration authorities and some employers have created situations that result in the lack of documentation for certain foreign workers. For instance, they deliberately procrastinate and delay proceedings in some instances.

We view the proposed measures to screen criminals out of academies and schools such as pedaphiles with scepticism. For agencies and employers remain generally disregard the law and engage foreign teachers without due attention to employment standards. The proposed security measures therefore indicate an anti-foreigner bias. They stir up fear by framing the incident of the pedaphile as a national security issue rather than quality education and employment standards. In brief, teachers of English abroad in Korea are experiencing some of the crackdown against foreign workers.

In the experience of many foreign teachers living and working in South Korea, foreign workers are exploited as a source of cheap labor especially since their status as foreigners makes them more vulnerable. TEA-KOR therefore shares the desire to protect foreign workers and raise their employment and living standards.

In solidarity,

TEA-KOR

tea_kor@yahoo.com

Mr. Jung Seong-Jin
Minister of Justice
Seoul, South Korea

Dear Minister Jung,

I am writing on behalf of Nodutdol for Korean Community Development, a community organization based in New York City, to demand the release of the president, vice president and general secretary of the KCTU affiliate, Seoul-Gyeonggi-Incheon Migrants' Trade Union. President Kajiman, Vice President Raju and General Secretary Masum were arrested on the morning of November 27 between 9:00 and 9:30, each in front of his separate home or workplace. This event has already received international attention. It is clear from the form in which the arrests took place that this was a targeted crackdown meant to silence MTU and the opposition struggle it has lead against the anti-human rights crackdown being carried out against undocumented migrants in South Korea. That this was a meditated act of repression is also apparent from the fact that the arrests came at the same time as the South Korean Immigration Control Office is stepping up its crackdown and a proposal is being put forth to revise immigration law to make it possible to carry out the crackdown continuously with complete disregard for the most basic procedures to protect human rights.

As overseas Koreans, we are especially concerned of this pattern of repression against migrant workers. The fact that the South Korean government would choose this path of cracking down on undocumented people is greatly troubling to Koreans living as immigrants in the United States. The arrests of the MTU leadership is a gross violation of human rights and a horrendous act of labor repression which targets not only migrant workers and MTU but also the KCTU, the 15 million workers it represents and the international labor community. As such, we will not remain silent.

We therefore forcefully call on you to meet the following demands:
* Immediately release President Kajiman, Vice President Raju and General Secretary Masum!
* Stop the targeted crackdown and labor repression against MTU!
* Stop the crackdown and deportation of undocumented migrant workers!

Signed,

Nodutdol for Korean Community Development


Mr. Jung Seong-Jin

Minister of Justice
Seoul, South Korea

Dear Minister Jung,

The Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union were appalled to hear that on the morning of November 27 between 9:00 and 9:30, the president, vice president and general secretary of the KCTU affiliate, Seoul-Gyeonggi-Incheon Migrants? Trade Union, were arrested, each in front of his separate home or workplace.  

As representatives of workers in Australia it appears to us that the arrests are a targeted crackdown to try to silence MTU and the opposition struggle it has lead against the anti-human rights crackdown being carried out against undocumented migrants in South Korea.

That this was a meditated act of repression is also apparent from the fact that the arrests came at the same time as the South Korean Immigration Control Office is stepping up its crackdown and a proposal is being put forth the revise immigration law to make it possible to carry out the crackdown continuously with complete disregard for the most basic procedures to protect human rights.

The arrests of the MTU leadership is a gross violation of human rights and a horrendous act of labor repression which targets not only migrant workers and MTU but also the KCTU, the 15 million workers it represents and the international labor community. As part of the international labour movement, we will not remain silent.

We demand that you meet the following demands:

-Immediately release President Kajiman, Vice President Raju and General Secretary Masum!

-Stop the targeted crackdown and labor repression against MTU!

-Stop the crackdown and deportation of undocumented migrant workers!

Signed,


Gwynnyth Evans
Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union
62 Lygon Street
Victoria 3053
Australia



Nepal National Teacher's Association
(NNTA)
Purnachandi, Kumaripati, Lalitpur                                        e-mail: nnta@hons.com.np
P. O. Box. 107, Lalitpur,Nepal                                        www.nntanepal.com                
Tel # 00977-1-5527581
Fax # 00977-1-5538418

November-29, 2007

To,
Honorable Minister
Jng Seong -Jin
Ministry of Justice
South Korea
Re: Urgent Appeal for immediate release of Trade Union Leaders.


We, The Nepal National Teachers' Association, express our deep concerns over the targeted crackdown of Mr. Kajiman, the president, Vice President Raju and General Secretary Masum of Migrants' Trade Union MTU, one of the affiliate of KCTU and other arrested leaders of the MTU. This act of detention is not only against the global rights of the trade union, but also a violation of the human rights. It is a great threat to the international labor, professional and human rights communities.

We, NNTA, being as a charter member of Education International EI ( the global organization of teachers' and educators) and the biggest and the oldest  teachers' Association of Nepal (representing about 80 thousand teachers) strongly condemn the detention of the leaders of MTU.
NNTA appeals for the immediate release of the arrested leaders with out any precondition and wish all the trade unionists of the world to oppose ageists this brutal steps of the government of Korea. We are currently making further preparations and will mobilize every means possible to pressurize the government of Korea via-embassy of Korea, Nepal.

We support all the trade union movements of the KCTU and express our immense solidarity forever.

With Solidarity!

Babu Ram Adhikari
General Secretary
NNTA


CC:   KCTU, Korea
          MTU, Korea
          KTU, Korea
          EI,Head quarter, Brussels
          Embassy of Korea, Nepal  

To: Mr. Jung Seong-Jin
        Minister of Justice
        Seoul
        KOREA
        fax: 00 82 2 503 3532 or 00 82 2 500 9128

From: 20 directors/coordinators Migrant and Human Rights NGOs in The Netherlands
        contact person: Jan Paul Smit
        Olympiaweg 59-II
        1076 VP Amsterdam
        NETHERLANDS
        Phone: + 31 20 664 0088
        e-mail: jpsmit@xs4all.nl

Copy to: the Migrants’ Trade Union, Korea
        Mrs. Chung, Yeon Soon, Director General Discrimination Investigation Bureau of the National Human Rights Commission of Korea,
        Mr. Lee, Dong-Bum, Secretary to the Prime Minister for Civil Affairs,
        Mrs Catherine Hee-Jln Kim, director Amnesty International South Korea
        Mr. Theo Wijngaard, Amnesty International The Netherlands
        Human Rights director of the European Commission
        Human Rights director of the Council of Europe
        Human Rights director of the Federation of Dutch Unions (FNV)

About: violent arrest of three leaders of the Migrants’ Trade Union


Amsterdam, November 29, 2007

Dear Mr. Jung Seong-Jin

We were very shocked when we received an e-mail yesterday night about the violent arrest of three important leaders of the Migrants’ Trade Union: mr. Masum, mr. Kajiman and mr. Raju.

We know very well how always the MTU exert to the utmost to help migrants in Korea who are in trouble. We also know the MTU always does the best it can to get media attention for the problems of the migrants and to inform the general public. So the MTU contributes a lot for the understanding and the peaceful living together of different groups of the population in Korea.
We think your government should be very grateful for all the important work the MTU is doing for the Korean society.

The violent arrest of trade union leaders who completely peacefully and legally works for the rights of the members of their legal organization is a serious violation of the human rights we cannot accept.

We hope you will release the three leaders of the Migrants’ Trade Union, mr. Masum, mr. Kajiman and mr. Raju directly and you will have a fruitful cooperation in the next future.


Waiting for a response on your part,

signed,

                twenty directors/coordinators Migrant and Human Rights NGOs                 in The Netherlands
                contact person: Jan Paul Smit

Dear KCTU Comrades
Sorry to hear about MTU Leaders arrested and we will do International
Solidarity
officially after our president going back from Brasil (together with Hye-Won).
Please be informed that FSPMI support KCTU action regarding this
violence and hope
MTU-KCTU will held good result immediately to fight againts workers rights.
Bro Lee Changgeun .... Bro Ridwan now in Seoul, South Korea due to
Trade Union activity.
I hope he can joint to your struggle.

In Solidarity
Vonny Diananto
DPP FSPMI

Free Comrade Kajiman, Masum and Raju!

November 28,2007

The Asia Pacific Workers Solidarity Link (APWSL-Korea)condemn in the strongest terms possible the illegal arrest and detention of Comrade Kajiman, Masum, and Raju, President, Vice President and the General Secretary of the Migrant Trade Union by the Korean Immigration.

The APWSL Korea hold the Roh Mo Hyun government responsible for this fascist attack against Comrade Kajiman,Masun and Raju. The APWSL Korea will make these government fully accountable for any harm and dirty act that may befall Comrade Kajiman, Masum, and Raju while under Chongju detention center, including possible deportation to their respective countries.

Arresting Comrade Kajiman, Masum and Raju signals the intensification of all sorts of legal manipulations, judicial proceedings and dirty tricks against the MTU personnel.

The government mistakenly believe that their arrest will weaken the Migrant Trade Unio. They are completely wrong in thinking that by incarcerating these people will put a stop to the rapid growth of the militant and progressive migrant unions in Korea.

In having Comrade Kajiman,Masum and Raju arrested, the Roh Mo Hyun government has succeeded only in further fueling the militant movement and the migrants worker’s anger against his brutal government

The APWSL Korea calls on all workers and friends in Korea and other countries, the international progressive and civil rights movement and other anti-imperialist and democratic forces and people around the world to act now and help safeguard the rights and life of Comrade Kajiman, Masum and Raju

We express complete support and solidarity to the protest actions in the Korea, We anticipate protest actions to intensify in the coming days in order to denounce the arrest, demand the Roh Mo Hyun government to immediately release Comrade Kajiman, Masum and Raju and stop the governments from subjecting them to further fascist attacks and harassment.

Free Comrade Kajiman, Masum and Raju!

Stop Crackdown! Legalize All Migrant Workers

Rev Jang Chang Weon APWLS-Korea

Convener





Date: Nov 29, 2007

Mr. Jung Seong-Jin
Minister of Justice
Seoul, South Korea

Dear Minister Jung,

On the morning of November 27 between 9:00 and 9:30, the president, vice president and general secretary of the KCTU affiliate, Seoul-Gyeonggi-Incheon Migrants’ Trade Union, were arrested, each in front of his separate home or workplace. This event has already received international attention.

It is clear from the form in which the arrests took place

that this was a targeted crackdown meant to silence MTU and the opposition struggle it has lead against the anti-human rights crackdown being carried out against undocumented migrants in South Korea.
that this was a meditated act of repression at the same time as the South Korean Immigration Control Office is stepping up its crackdown and a proposal is being put forth the revise immigration law
that it is under the ill-intention to make it possible to carry out the crackdown continuously with complete disregard for the most basic procedures to protect human rights.

The arrests of the MTU leadership is a gross violation of human rights and a horrendous act of labor repression which targets not only migrant workers and MTU but also the native Korean workers, their federations & confederations of Korea mainly KCTU & its affiliates.

We therefore strongly put forward the following demands tro meet as soon as possible:
- Immediately release President Kajiman, Vice President Raju and General Secretary Masum!
- Stop the targeted crackdown and labor repression against MTU!
- Stop the crackdown and deportation of undocumented migrant workers!

Looking forward for immediate positive action

Umesh Upadhyaya

Deputy Secretary General

GEFONT-Nepal Date: Nov 29, 2007

Mr. Jung Seong-Jin
Minister of Justice
Seoul, South Korea

Dear Minister Jung,

On the morning of November 27 between 9:00 and 9:30, the president, vice president and general secretary of the KCTU affiliate, Seoul-Gyeonggi-Incheon Migrants’ Trade Union, were arrested, each in front of his separate home or workplace. This event has already received international attention.

It is clear from the form in which the arrests took place

that this was a targeted crackdown meant to silence MTU and the opposition struggle it has lead against the anti-human rights crackdown being carried out against undocumented migrants in South Korea.
that this was a meditated act of repression at the same time as the South Korean Immigration Control Office is stepping up its crackdown and a proposal is being put forth the revise immigration law
that it is under the ill-intention to make it possible to carry out the crackdown continuously with complete disregard for the most basic procedures to protect human rights.

The arrests of the MTU leadership is a gross violation of human rights and a horrendous act of labor repression which targets not only migrant workers and MTU but also the native Korean workers, their federations & confederations of Korea mainly KCTU & its affiliates.

We therefore strongly put forward the following demands tro meet as soon as possible:
- Immediately release President Kajiman, Vice President Raju and General Secretary Masum!
- Stop the targeted crackdown and labor repression against MTU!
- Stop the crackdown and deportation of undocumented migrant workers!

Looking forward for immediate positive action

Umesh Upadhyaya

Deputy Secretary General

GEFONT-Nepal

Dear friends,

Migrant Forum in Asia is alarmed by the recent arrest of the Migrants?Trade Union (MTU) leadership in Korea yesterday morning, 27 November 2007.

MTU is an affiliate of the KCTU which was formed on April 24, 2005. The MTU, which is in fact a merger of several migrant workers unions and groups in Seoul, Gyeonggi and Incheon, is an effort by migrant workers in South Korea to organize and fight for their rights.

From the beginning, the South Korean government refused to recognize the MTU and publicly announced that the MTU could not have the three basic labor rights---the right to organize, the right to strike, and the right to collective bargaining.

In May 2005, MTU former President Anwar Hossain was also forcibly arrested and detained at the immigration center where he suffered injuries in the head and hands. Clearly, the arrest of President Anwar is a direct attempt by the South Korean government to repress the MTU and crackdown against migrant workers in South Korea.

In February 2007, the 11th Division of Seoul High Court ruled that all migrant workers have the right to unionize regardless of their legal status.  Depite the Court's decision, we have again received information about the arrest of MTU leadership.  Please find below more information about the incident.

In support of MTU and KCTU, we would like to call for your solidarity to make an urgent appeal to the Minister of Justice.  MTU and KCTU has already drafted a protest letter addressed to the Minister of Justice.  Please send appeal by fax to +82-2-503-3532 or +82-2-500-9128.  
Please be sure to send a copy to KCTU by +82-2-2635-1134(fax) or e-mail at inter@kctu.org

Courage, Peace and Power,

William Gois
30 November 2007
Arrest and detention of the MTU leadership and KGEU trade unionists  
Dear President,
The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), representing 305 trade union organisations, with a total membership of 168 million workers in 153 countries and territories, including Korea, is concerned about the arrest and detention of the President of the Migrants’ Trade Union (MTU), Mr. Kajiman, Vice President Mr. Raju and General Secretary Mr. Masum on 27 November, and the arrest and continued detention of Park Moon Gyu, Head of Dongan-gu(ward) Local of KGEU Anyang City Chapter and Lee Ho Seong, Policy Director of KGEU Anyang City Chapter.
The ITUC has been informed that the MTU leadership were arrested in the wake of an intensified crackdown on undocumented migrants, in order to stifle the union that defends the interest of all migrant workers, including undocumented workers. All three leaders were rounded up and arrested in the morning on 27 November.
Mr. Kajiman was arrested by 10 immigration officers in front of his home at about 9.20 am, just as he left to attend a protest in front of Seoul Immigration Office. His shoulder was hurt in the process. Mr. Masum was on his way to the same protest, when about 10 immigration officers come up from behind him on the street and arrested him. Mr. Raju was arrested in front of the factory where he works. The officers immediately tried to handcuff him, and upon his request they showed him a detention order issued against him.
All three leaders were sent to a detention center in Cheongju, Northern Choongjeong Province, south of the capital Seoul, where they are still detained.
The ITUC has also been informed about the arrest of 15 KGEU members in Anyang, Gyeonggi-do (province). During a sit-in at the Dongan-gu office building on 21 November, riot police arrested 12 members of the KGEU, including Park Gwanf Won, Chair of the KGEU Anyang Chapter. Two hours later the President of the KGEU Son Young Tae, along with two other KGEU members had a meeting with the Head Officer of the Dongan-gu (ward) of Anyang City. During the meeting riot police stormed the room and arrested them.
All of them were held for about 30 hours and released late in evening on 22 November. Three were bought before court to have their detention prolonged. On 23 November the Court decided that only Park Moon Gyu, and Lee Ho Seong had to remain detained. They are now charged under the Penal Code for "Obstruction of Performance of Official Duties" and for breeching the "Prohibition of Collective Action" under the Public Officials Act, which is in breach of the principles of Freedom of Association established by the International Labour Organization. Furthermore, the KGEU informs us that despite their decision to accept the legalisation process requested by the government (which was a sign of goodwill from the union, not a necessary requirement under international jurisprudence), the union still suffers a great deal of repression.
The ITUC would like to emphasize that migrant workers, like other workers in South Korea, have the right to organise and be treated with dignity and respect. The arrest and detention of trade union leaders and activists are contrary to Korea’s obligations under international law, including and especially, those deriving from its membership of the International Labour Organisation. They also contravene the commitments made to the OECD and the ILO by Korea when it joined these world bodies, commitments that have long remained unfulfilled.
I strongly urge you to release the President, the Vice-President and the General Secretary of the MTU and the two KGEU activists. Furthermore, I urge you to drop all charges against the two KGEU activists.


        Yours sincerely,
        General Secretary





FAX TO:     Minister Jung Seong-Jin
011 82-2-503-3532 /   011 82-2-500-9128.
                        Ministry of Justice                                                      Date: November 27, 2007
Seoul, South Korea

FROM:             JT Takagi
                        545 Eighth Ave, NYC 10018
                      

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Dear Minister Jung,


I am writing to protest today's arrests of the leaders of the KCTU affiliate, Seoul-Gyeonggi-Incheon Migrants' Trade Union (MTU).
Along with many supporters here in the United States, I am appalled that the South Korean government is attempting to silence the MTU and suppress its struggle for the rights of undocumented migrants in South Korea.
The arrests of the MTU leadership are gross violations of human rights, as is the crackdown on migrant workers, as well as a blatant attempt at labor repression.


I support the demand that you:

-Immediately release President Kajiman, Vice President Raju and General
Secretary Masum;

-Stop the targeted crackdown and labor repression against MTU;

-Stop the crackdown and deportation of undocumented migrant workers.

  

Sincerely,



JT Takagi


Date: Nov 29, 2007

Mr. Jung Seong-Jin 
Minister of Justice
Seoul, South Korea

Dear Minister Jung, 

On the morning of November 27 between 9:00 and 9:30, the president, vice president and general secretary of the KCTU affiliate, Seoul-Gyeonggi-Incheon Migrants’ Trade Union, were arrested, each in front of his separate home or workplace. This event has already received international attention.

It is clear from the form in which the arrests took place
0.        that this was a targeted crackdown meant to silence MTU and the opposition struggle it has lead against the anti-human rights crackdown being carried out against undocumented migrants in South Korea.
0.        that this was a meditated act of repression at the same time as the South Korean Immigration Control Office is stepping up its crackdown and a proposal is being put forth the revise immigration law
0.        that it is under the ill-intention to make it possible to carry out the crackdown continuously with complete disregard for the most basic procedures to protect human rights. 

The arrests of the MTU leadership is a gross violation of human rights and a horrendous act of labor repression which targets not only migrant workers and MTU but also the native Korean workers, their federations & confederations of Korea mainly KCTU & its affiliates. 

We therefore strongly put forward the following demands tro meet as soon as possible:
          - Immediately release President Kajiman, Vice President Raju and General Secretary   Masum!
          - Stop the targeted crackdown and labor repression against  MTU!
          - Stop the crackdown and deportation of undocumented migrant workers!

Looking forward for immediate positive action



Umesh Upadhyaya
Deputy Secretary General
GEFONT-Nepal
29 November 2007

Mr. Jung Seong-Jin
Minister of Justice
Seoul, South Korea

Dear Minister Jung,

On the morning of November 27 between 9:00 and 9:30, the president, vice president and general secretary of the KCTU affiliate, Seoul-Gyeonggi-Incheon Migrants’ Trade Union, were arrested, each in front of his separate home or workplace. This event has already received international attention. It is clear from the form in which the arrests took place that this was a targeted crackdown meant to silence MTU and the opposition struggle it has lead against the anti-human rights crackdown being carried out against undocumented migrants in South Korea. That this was a meditated act of repression is also apparent from the fact that the arrests came at the same time as the South Korean Immigration Control Office is stepping up its crackdown and a proposal is being put forth the revise immigration law to make it possible to carry out the crackdown continuously with complete disregard for the most basic procedures to protect human rights.

The arrests of the MTU leadership is a gross violation of human rights and a horrendous act of labor repression which targets not only migrant workers and MTU but also the KCTU, the 15 million workers it represents and the international labor community. As such, we will not remain silent.

We therefore forcefully call on you to meet the following demands:
-Immediately release President Kajiman, Vice President Raju and General Secretary Masum!
-Stop the targeted crackdown and labor repression against MTU!
-Stop the crackdown and deportation of undocumented migrant workers!

Sincerely,




Jacquelyn Miller
136 Myrtle Ave.
Winchester, VA 22601
U.S.A.