Workers’ rights advocates are calling on the Chinese government to investigate a ruthless November 21 knife attack on a prominent labor activist in Shenzhen, a major manufacturing center in southern China.

Huang Qingnan works for the Dagongzhe Migrant Workers Center, a small group that counsels workers on their legal rights. The center has helped low-paid factory workers file hundreds of claims for injuries and unfair dismissals. Employers have been held liable for large amounts of severance pay, and it is assumed that an employer is behind the attack.

In broad daylight, as Huang chatted with a friend on a Shenzhen street, he was assaulted by two attackers who slashed him in the back, waist, and leg. His left leg was nearly severed and it appears that he may lose the use of it. Supporters are raising money for the operations needed, estimated to cost $27,000.

The scene from Dagongzhe’s office, after an October 20 attack.
The Dagongzhe offices had been attacked twice in the previous six weeks by men wielding steel bars. Windows, furniture, and equipment were smashed. Police stood nearby during the attacks, and later told the center’s staffers that the attacks were not serious because no one was injured. The Dagongzhe staffers refused to back down from their work.

Five labor rights groups in Hong Kong denounced the attack on Huang and called on the government to find and prosecute the attackers.

Located just across the border from Hong Kong, Shenzhen is a city of 12 million that 20 years ago was a fishing village, a symbol of China’s dizzying economic growth. Its expansion was propelled by thousands of factories and millions of migrant workers who have flocked from rural areas to the city to produce toys, clothes, and electronics.

Please send donations for Huang Qingnan’s medical expenses via international wire transfer. [1] The following details are required :

Bank account name: Worker Empowerment

Bank account number: 227-9-090365

Bank code: 024

Bank address: 83 Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong

Swift code: HASE HKHH

Please e-mail to vivienyau sacom.hk or call 852-9428-7640 for receipt or inquiry on donation.