Dear GAATW Members and Friends,
Welcome to the first GAATW E-bulletin for 2005! It has not been long since we saw many of you at our International Congress in December. We hope that all of you have started 2005 with renewed energy and determination.
Unfortunately the Tsunami disaster at the end of the year and its aftermath have left their mark on many friends all over the world. As if the natural disaster was not tragic enough, we are further saddened by reports of the neglect of migrant workers, increased vulnerability of women and children to trafficking and allegations of rape and other abuse. GAATW Secretariat staff member Jiraporn Saetang and Parada Ngochontanchai spent their Xmas break in the affected areas working with many member organizations on emergency relief. During the Xmas break we received many messages of sympathy and concern to convey to GAATW friends in the affected areas. We’ve attached a warm letter of support from STV and La Strada, who also wish to know of any initiatives in affected areas which they could assist funding.