15 September 2001

There had been two memorial services held for the 58 Chinese asylum seekers found dead at the back of a container in Dover. The first one was organized by the Action 58, a group of prominent writers and artists; the second one was organized by the Churches' Commission for Racial Justice.

The Chinese community is deeply affected by the tragedy and thanks the sympathy and support of the British public. Unfortunately, those in position of power seem to have forgotten the 58 are victims. There was not a word of condolence or sympathy had been said from the government or its representatives. Instead, the Home secretary insensitively calling them 'illegal immigrant', and someone from the Home Office Race Equality Forum calling for 'arrest and deportation of illegal immigrants, and let this be a lesson for those who wish to enter UK by this method'. Such noises from the powerful created an atmosphere of fear in the Chinese community. Little wonder the families of the victims in this country were frightened to come forward to identify their love ones.

The Kent Police returned from China on 12th September with 58 names and DNA samples from families of the deceased. The coroner has accepted the names as the identity of the deceased. It is time for us to pay our respect and mourn the victims of this tragedy with their names on the shrine. The previous memorial services were held with the victims being represented by numbers. We hope this marks the beginning of the process of finding a peaceful resting place for the victims, and assisting their family to take care of the burial and funeral of their love ones.

The Dover 58 Co-ordinating Committee is holding a remembrance service on 27th September 2000. We urge you to join us to commemorate them. The activities on the day include a minute silence, music, speakers and a ceremony to remember the victims of this tragedy.

For further information, contact: Bobby Chan 020 7839 6256 or Jabez Lam 07940 514 268

The Dover 58 Co-ordinating Committee is supported by: Action 58, Churches' Commission for Racial Justice, The Monitoring Group (Chinatown),UK Fujian Association, Hackney Chinese Community Services, Central London Community Law Centre, Newham Chinese Association, Yellow Earth Theatre, Ray Man Chinese Orchestra, Chinese Mental Health Association, Islington Chinese Association, Chinese Information and Advice Centre, Bishop R.O. Hall Chinese Centre, Lambeth Chinese Association, UK Chinese Sporting Federation, Zone East Magazine, Chinese In Britain Forum, National Civil Rights Movement Cllr. Sai Hung, Cllr. Chit Chong, Cllr. Mee Ling Ng