Community Commemorates International Migrant Workers Day

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Dec. 18, 2013) -

Who: Justicia for Migrant Workers (J4MW) and Migrante Ontario

What: Vigil to commemorate International Migrants Day

Where: Memorial to Commemorate the Chinese Railroad Workers in Canada, Blue Jays Way/Navy Wharf Court. (One street south of Front St., east of Spadina Avenue)

When: 5:00pm to 6:00 pm

Justicia 4 Migrant Workers (J4MW) and Migrante- Ontario will be organizing our annual vigil in recognition of International Migrant Workers Day. On this day, we will pause, joining migrant workers and allies around the world in reflection.

This vigil will focus on some of the experiences and actions that were part of our work this past year . In 2013, we saw horrific injustices: debilitating accidents, sexual violence, and racial profiling perpetrated against migrant workers - all of which we would like to commemorate because they have become catalysts for action and have encouraged our organizing efforts.

"This monument was built to commemorate one of Canada's long standing injustices inflicted on migrant workers who were maimed and died to build the wealth of this country," says Tzazna Miranda Leal. "We have not learned the lessons of the past! Today migrant workers are relegated to the status of indentured labour because of federal, provincial and municipal policies that deny basic human rights to migrants of all categories," says Miranda Leal.

The events in Toronto are part of a global day of action organized across the world to highlight the injustices faced by migrant workers. This vigil is organized as part of the 'Global Day of Action Against Racism and for the Rights of Migrant Workers, Refugees and Displaced People'. Activities are planned for 22 countries and dozens of cities across the globe.