Solidarity Statement
March 18, 2017
Greetings of Solidarity!
The Nagkakaisang Filipino sa Pransya (United Filipino in France) and Migrante Europe express our warmest greetings of solidarity to the organisers and participants to the March 19 event as we join the growing voice of oppressed and exploited and its defenders and advocates calling for Justice and Dignity for all.
Throughout the world today, the phenomenon of peoples’ movement is undeniably changing the character and shape of the world, both locally and abroad, and it is characterized both by voluntary and forced migration.
In the case of many Filipinos, migration is a product of extreme poverty and joblessness brought about by the unjust social system in the home country. The deepening and worsening economic challenges in the Philippines have aggravated the growing number of land-based and sea-based Filipino workers. There are more than 4,000 migrant Filipinos that leave the country each day and they can be found in around 182 countries worldwide.
Migrant Workers and Seafarers are giving substantial contribution to the economies of both the host and their home countries.
We left our homes and families to take care of other homes and families. We left our noble profession in the home country to work abroad in a hope that we will enjoy the real fruits of our labor. We work as nanny, we prepare food and drinks, we maintain the cleanliness of houses and offices, we care for the elderly and vulnerable people, we groom other’s pets and make them fit, we tend the ships that transport goods and people to feed the world and sustain the world economy.
But in spite of our social contribution, many of us experienced discrimination, abuse in work places. While some of us received the right wages and others don’t, we all pay the right taxes.
We are here today to assert our rights and make clear our role in the social development of the French society and the world.
Living as Migrants here in France has made us vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, which makes as even more alarmed and concerned on the harsh realities endangering our communities.
We link our hands with against the war on the poor and migrants. More than ever, now is the time to close our ranks and unite to free ourselves from racism, police violence and humiliation. As a sign of support, we will be present on March 19, 2017. Rise Up Against Racism! Rise Up in the Name of Justice and Dignity! Long Live International Solidarity!
Nagkakaisang Pilipino sa Pransya (NPSP)
Migrante Europe
For references:
Marie Mercado, Secretary General, NPSP
Email: [email protected]
Mobile No. (+33) 771808910
Revd Fr. Herbert F. Fadriquela Jr.
Chairperson, Migrante Europe
Chaplain to the Filipino Community
Diocese of Leicester
Church of England
Email: [email protected]
Mobile No: +447456042156
Ann Brusola
Secretary General, Migrante Europe
Email: [email protected]
Mobile No. (+39)-3278825544
