We held the 19th Migrant Workers' Gathering.

On June 3, 2018, the 19th Migrant Workers' Gathering was held at Itabashi Ward Green Hall.

First, we invited Professor Masako Tanaka of Sophia University to deliver a keynote speech on the theme of "The Rights of Migrant Workers - What's Happening Worldwide Today." Although there is an international treaty within the UN framework to protect the rights of migrant workers, most developed countries, including Japan, have not ratified it. On the other hand, the Sustainable Development Goals adopted at the 2015 UN Summit mention "well-managed immigration policies." Professor Tanaka pointed out that "well-managed immigration policies" could also lead to restrictions on employment opportunities for migrant workers, and therefore, we should carefully monitor the developments in international policy.

Next, there were appeals from the participants themselves, who are migrant workers. Those who had suffered work-related injuries or unfair dismissals shared their cases. Children of families in undocumented immigration also spoke about their current situation, and some participants in the audience were moved to tears.

Finally, to conclude this meeting, we made a pledge to protect the rights of migrant workers. We pledged to stand in solidarity and work together to create a truly equitable society for migrant workers.