14th anniversary: A solidarity message from AFAD, Philippines
May 29, 2003
MS. DING ZILIN
Leader of the Tiananmen Mothers
Beijing, China
Dear Ms. Ding Zilin,
Warmest greetings from the Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD)!
Once again, the Tiananmen Mothers and the rest of the relatives and friends of those who were killed, wounded and made to disappear during that gruesome massacre in Beijing, China, are going to commemorate their 14th anniversary. Coincidentally, it is also the 5th anniversary of AFAD, of which your group, the Tiananmen Mothers, is a member.
There is not much to celebrate in terms of achieving truth, justice and redress to all victims of the Tiananmen massacre due to the failure of the Chinese government to reveal the truth of what happened, punish the perpetrators and indemnify and rehabilitate the victims and their families. I myself witnessed a bit of your situation during my personal visit to Beijing last year. My heart bled to listen to your stories of pain. On the other hand, I salute you for your continuing courage amidst intense government repression. Your examples all the more give us the much-needed strength to carry on with our work - not to lose hope when there seems to be every reason to despair. Moreover, knowing that in some of our countries, there is democratic space, we are humbled by your situation and are challenged to double our efforts in this long journey towards justice, peace and freedom.
On the occasion of your anniversary, we would like to recognize the fact that the membership of the Tiananmen Mothers to AFAD, through the able representation of the Tiananmen Mothers Campaign group in Hong Kong, has given strength to our Federation. During the very recent hunger strike of our brothers and sisters in Kashmir, India, the Tiananmen Mothers Campaign Group effectively staged a picket in front of the Indian Consulate in Kowloon. Such an exemplary act of solidarity is moving, indeed. When multiplied a hundredfold, nay a thousandfold, it shall hasten the attainment of our long-cherished dream for justice. For this, we express to your our most profound gratitude.
Amidst the pain and seeming hopelessness, there is certainly every reason to hope, to struggle and to celebrate. Yours is a struggle that has withstood the tests of time. This, in itself, is a cause for celebration because despite intense security situation, you have never given up. Your fearlessness in suing the Chinese government for the atrocities it committed against its own people merits the world's commendation. Your strength of spirit is our source of inspiration to go on amidst different kinds of difficulties. The extensive support you receive from the international human rights community is a bountiful blessing that should also give you a reason to rejoice.
On the occasion of your Ivory (14th) anniversary), we cry with you as you mourn for your dead and as you search for your disappeared. We fight with you as you confront the states, which are human rights violators. Together, let us help each other contribute towards the creation of a new reality.
As AFAD also commemorates its Wooden (5th) anniversary, let us join hands together in this long, difficult and sometimes lonely journey towards a better world ?a world where human rights are respected and where truth, justice, peace and freedom reign.
Finally, we congratulate you for your strength and reassure you of our continuing friendship and solidarity!
More power to the Tiananmen Mothers!
In solidarity,
MARY AILEEN D. BACALSO
Secretary-General
Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances
c.c. AFAD Council Members and Mr. Chandra Kumarag
