International Action
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
International Action is a small, non-violent, political group in Hong Kong campaigning a range of issues including social justice, human rights and democracy. The group was founded in 2004 and is made up of expatriate permananet residents and locals. Their website (www.thebiggerpicture.hk) claims that they "represent the new breed of foreigners who are here [in Hong Kong] without the expatriate perks", however, they invite anyone to join them. The group is committed to non-violence. The group uses a mixed strategy of campaigning both in public and behind the scenes.
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[edit] Beliefs and Approach
International Action believes the gap between the rich and poor in Hong Kong is 'obscene' and 'unacceptable'. The group works to raise awareness of issues which affect the poor locally such as the lack of minimum wage and worker’s rights. The group believes the democratic movement in Hong Kong needs to change it's strategy to be more effective in the fight for universal suffrage. In particular, the group feels the democratic camp needs to use tactics that work well in the cultural, social and political situation of Hong Kong in 2008.
As some of their protests are high-profile and take place in prominent areas of the city, their actions have sometimes led to legal action - namely, 'public nuisance' cases. In March 2006, a leading member Matt Pearce was sentenced to 3 weeks in prison following a stunt in a Spider-Man costume.
[edit] Past Action
- On April 30, 2006, the group deflated a large McDonalds advertisement located on top of North Point Ferry Pier. The group was calling for better worker's rights and a minimum wage for Labour Day, the following day. A member also described the inflatable bill-board as an 'eyesore' on the harbour.
- On January 23, 2006, the group supported teachers' unions demanding less pressure in Hong Kong schools. The group wore nooses around their necks to symbolise the increasing number of teacher stress-related suicides in the territory.
- On December 21, 2005, Matt Pearce, dressed as Santa Claus, climbed onto a structure across Connaught Road, Central, while the Legislative Council voted on constitutional development. He was subsequently charged with causing a public nuisance and given 100 hours of community service.
- On December 4, 2005, group members, in costume, joined the democracy march to oppose the government's 5th report on Constitutional Development.
- On July 6, 2005, members dressed in tribal African clothing and unfurled a banner demanding more to be done at the G8 meeting to tackle poverty in Africa.
- On July 1, 2005, the group dressed as cartoon characters 'The Incredibles' and joined the territory-wide pro-democracy demonstration.
- On June 3, 2005, Matt Pearce climbed to the top of large outdoor TV screen in Central and unfurled a banner that said "Tiananmen Square 4.6.1989 : Justice Must Prevail". For this protest, he was convicted of causing a public nuisance and given a 21 day prison sentence.
- On May 17, 2005, on the first International Day Against Homophobia, the group dressed up to support the gay and lesbian community and demand that gay marriage is made legal.
- On May 1, 2005, Labour Day in Hong Kong, the group staged a protest dressed as Supermen in a branch of local supermarket 'Park n Shop'. The group handed out $50 notes to staff, suggesting that the amount would be an appropriate minimum wage for Hong Kong workers.
- On April 1, 2005, April Fool's Day, the group dressed as clowns, suggesting that the upcoming election for Chief Executive was a joke and Hong Kong people wanted full democracy.
- On March 14, 2005 on the eve of the 2005 Budget, a mamber dressed as Robin Hood and handcuffed himself to the front door of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The group wanted more to be done to help the poor in Hong Kong.
- On March 8, 2005, International Women's Day, the group dressed as prostitutes calling for more rights and protection for sex workers in Wan Chai.
- On February 27, 2005, during the Standard Chartered Marathon, heterosexual group members 'ran for gay marriage', calling for Hong Kong to allow gay couples to marry.
- On January 8, 2005, the group paid for a suicidal citizen to receive dental care. The man, who was in constant pain, had tried to take his own life as he could not afford medical treatment. The event sparked debate on the issue and lead to some changes being implemented to help those on welfare with dental problems.
- On December 12, 2004, Pearce ran onto the Sha Tin Racecourse before the start of a race wearing a horse costume to protest for democracy. Pearce was convicted of disorderly conduct and causing a public nuisance. He was given a suspended one month prison sentence on each charge.
- On December 12, 2004, at the Omega Hong Kong Golf Open, the group called for golf clubs to end 'discrimination' against poor people, and reduce their fees to allow people from all backgrounds to enjoy playing the game.
- On December 5, 2004, a protester dressed in a full-body condom to raise awareness of World AIDS Day and call for better sex education in the territory.
