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Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM)
Address: No.4 Jordan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR
Tel. no.: (852) 2723-7536
Fax no.: (852) 2735-4559
E-mail: apmmf@hknet.com
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Press Release
3 May 2002

The Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM) together with other migrant organizations and local advocates held a picket demonstration in the Korean consulate in Hong Kong this noon against the implementation of the "Voluntary Reporting Program for Unauthorized Foreigners" (VRPUF) and the heightening harassments and threats against those who are opposing this scheme. The picket demonstration was participated by 23 individuals of four different nationalities representing various migrant and advocate organizations.

The Confederation of Trade Unions (CTU-HK), the Far East Overseas Nepali Association (FEONA) and the Asian Students Association (ASA) gave solidarity messages. A petition letter signed by 42 organizations worldwide was presented to the Korean consulate but consulate officials refused to receive the petition letter.

According to Ramon Bultron of APMM, the refusal of the Consulate officials to formally accept the petition letter shows the insensitivity and arrogance of the Korean government towards people in Hong Kong and other parts of the world advocating for the rights of migrant workers in Korea.

The harassments and intimidation being experienced by those against the VRPUF belies the claims of Korea that their President is a human rights crusader, Mr Bultron added.

The picket demonstration is a solidarity action in support to the on-gong opposition of migrant workers and migrant advocates in Korea. A sit-down protest of migrant workers and their local advocates is being held inside the Myendong Cathedral. Similar protest actions were also held today in Canada, Bangladesh and the Philippines.#

Reference: Ramon Bultron, Managing Director