Zacatecas, Mexico September 3, 2006
Cathleen Caron, Global Workers Executive Director, traveled to Mexico City on August 26 to strengthen ties with migrant organizations in Mexico City and to attend the first anniversary of the Centro de los Derechos del Migrante in Zacatecas, Mexico September 2-3.
In Mexico City, Cathleen discussed the planned work of Global Workers in southern Mexico, our initial geographic focus, and asked the organizations to identify groups that would be interested in joining Global Workers as certified sending-country advocates. Although no organization in southern Mexico specifically works on migrant labor rights, many groups defend human rights therefore encompassing migrant labor rights may well be a natural extension of their work. With the assurance of referrals from well-known and trusted human rights organizations in Mexico City, we look forward to traveling to southern Mexico and connecting with the potential future partner organizations.
The Centro de los Derechos del Migrante invited Global Workers to train attendees at its first anniversary on the basics of the United Status legal system. The Centro opened its doors last year to provide legal services to Mexican migrants plus advocate for their rights. It was an honor to be invited to take part in the anniversary celebration of this important new effort. About one hundred people attended including Mexican migrants, government officials, unions, and foreign and local NGOs. Cathleen described to the group the basic processes of the United States legal system and how migrant workers can use the system when their rights are violated. Other presentations discussed organizing, immigration reform, guestworker rights, labor standards, and employment discrimination. Global Workers will continue to collaborate with the Centro as both programs develop in Mexico.