| 5th Morecambe Bay commemoration |
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| Features | |
| Friday, 06 February 2009 | |
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On 5 February 2004, 23 Chinese migrant workers were drowned at Morecambe Bay, picking cockles when they were cut off by the incoming tide. Yesterday the 5th anniversary was commemorated by the Morecambe Bay Victims Fund at the Electric Cinema, Portobello Road, London. It was hosted by Sir David Tang who generously sponsored the fundraising event, aiming to raise £36000 to support education costs of the Morecambe victims' children. In 2006 Nick Broomfield’s film Ghosts brought the international attention to the plight of migrant Chinese workers. At the same time, the Morecambe Bay Victims Fund was established to raise money to help the victims’ families in Fujian. During the event an edited version Ghosts was screened. The film, based on Guardian reporter Hsiao-Hung Pai's undercover reports about life of undocumented Chinese workers. Following the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority rejection of applications by the 22 families' for compensation in December 2008, a committee was formed to raise money to support the families and educate the children. Last night’s commemoration, attended by a distinguished audience including Lord Patten - last Governor of Hong Kong, Jack Dormey - Deputy General Secretary of the union UNITE, and activist Bianca Jagger amongst others, looked to build awareness of the tragedy and highlight the dreadful working conditions still endured by many in the UK today. A message of support was received from the Prime Minister Gordon Brown. It highlighted his awareness of the human cost of unregulated working, illegal migration and human trafficking, and his commitment to ensuring the rights and resources available to vulnerable workers. Prior to the event, Sir David Tang had secured almost £36000 from friends and associates, including Stephen Fry, Joanna Lumley, The Rothschild Foundation and Sir Martin Sorrell. During the evening, further pledges and donations raised around £50,000. The Chinese Immigration Concern Committee believes this will enable the education of all the Morecambe Bay victims' children until the age of 20. Unfortunately, there remains much more work needed to support those in a similar situation as the victims of the Morecambe Bay tragedy and Dover 58. You can help by finding out more at http://www.ghosts.uk.com or supporting the Chinese Immigration Concern Committee http://www.ciccuk.org/.
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