Report by Kyle Baleva, organising committee, Anakbayan-Europe
28 June 2017, Berlin, Germany — Migrant organizations such as Migrante-Europe and International Migrants Alliance (IMA) Europe, along with progressive organizations in Europe like DIEM25 and Coalition against Trump have let their voice be heard in the IAMR7 Berlin. Their message is clear: Migrants and refugees are forced to leave their homes because of poverty, wars of aggression and climate change. In their host countries, they are used as cheap labor and scapegoats. Solve the root causes of migration! The day ended with the delegates from the various organizations marching to the foreign ministry where the GFMD is being held. We then handed over a joint statement to a member of the German parliament and foreign ministry.
The sentiment of the organizations in the IAMR7 are very relevant to the Filipino people. Thousands of Filipinos leave their homeland every day to escape the poverty and unemployment rampant in the Philippines caused by the semi-feudal character and lack of national industrialization in the country. Anakbayan Europe joined this demonstration to show their solidarity with migrants and refugees from other countries and to show their support for the message of the IAMR7. It was also a prime opportunity to strengthen our ties with other progressive organizations in Europe.
Solve the root causes of migration! Long live international solidarity!
For photos, videos, and speeches during the speak out: www.iamr7berlin.wordpress.com