France/Italy: "One day without us" day of struggle in support of migrants' rights on 1 March 2010

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A French initiative for a strike by migrants that involves abstaining from work and consumer spending on 1 March 2010 has been adhered to in Italy following recent developments, political, legislative and of violence against migrants such as that against African crop-pickers in Rosarno. From the campaign manifesto "Let's make 1 March an historic day", "We, women and men of all creeds, of all political sides and of all skin colours, immigrants, second-generation immigrants, citizens who are aware of immigration's essential contribution to our countries, have had enough of the shameful proposals backed by certain political representatives that seek to stigmatise and criminalise immigrants and their children..." call a "day without immigrants" by stopping to consume or work on 1 March, voluntarily abstaining from the city's life to "indicate the need for our presence" through this absence. The initiative has crossed borders and will also take place in Italy, with initiatives scheduled to take place in sixty different cities and towns.

Une journée sans nous - Organising committee website

"Campaign manifesto: Let's make 1 March an historic day"

Manifesto "Day without immigrants"

We, women and men, of all beliefs, of all political positions, and of all skin colours, immigrants, immigrants' descendants, citizens, conscious of the important contribution of immigration to our country, have enough of unworthy remarks made by certain political officials aiming at stigmatizing or criminalizing immigrants and their descendants.

Let us recall that an immigrant is perceived as he is by the others even beyond his own origins. We would like to re-adapt and to rehabilitate this term which is used in a derogatory way because of the political instrumentalisation.

We refuse the (conveyed) stereotypes which threaten our social cohesion. We refuse that the past, present and future' benefits of immigrants who built and continue to build France are denied. So it depends on us to emphasize the importance of immigrants in this country!

Immigrants and descendants of immigrants held several demonstrations to defend their rights. But they were scornfully rejected! So as it is agreed that "consumption is the engine of growth, indignation stirs us to action!!!

The 1st of March 2005 was the day the "code of foreigners' entry and stay and right to asylum" came into effect. This law symbolizes a utilitarian conception of immigration, in other words, an immigration based on economic requirements. We couldn't have picked a better day to call for "a Day without immigrants".

We, immigrants, immigrants' descendants, citizens are aware of the contribution of immigration to our country", we all generate economic growth of this country.

Our citizen's approach assesses the potential contribution of each one of us to the economic prosperity. We have the Power to decide on our future, to take action and have our say on it!
March the 1st, 2010: we will abstain from consumer spending and /or working.

During 24 hours, so let us abstain from working in companies, associations, attending colleges, hospitals, buying, selling…For the first time in France, we decide not to take part in the life of "la Cité".

We will mark our presence by our absence!"
[French original and Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic and Turkish versions available on the website, above]

Sciopero 1 marzo - Organising committee website detailing initiatives and adhesions

SOS Razzismo "Don't touch my friend"

"Let's send them home", the clichés. Racism and prejudice, instructions for use. - Document that seeks to belie many of the commonly held but factually incorrect views about migrants.

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