On 16th April 2014 the South Korean passenger ferry MV Sewol sank en route to Jeju Island, taking the lives of 304 people, mostly high school children. As the Korean public watched live pictures of the ship dangerously listed and slowly sinking, authorities responsible for rescue acted with confusion and inertia. An inexplicable announcement through news media that all passengers had been rescued set the tone for ineptitude that has characterised the handling of one of South Korea’s biggest disasters.
The parents and campaigners visiting Europe between 3 and 15 May 2016 hope to reach as many people as possible to highlight their struggle for truth. They want not only justice for the victims but proper safety laws and regulations to ensure that such a disaster could not happen again. They hope to learn from those affected by similar disasters and from campaign groups fighting injustices.
3 – 4 May Munich, Germany
Interview with local radio stations
Meeting with Amnesty International Munich and overseas Koreans in Munich
5 May Bochum, Germany
6 May Berlin, Germany
7 – 8 May Vatican Republic
Attending catholic mass; one person protest and public campaign, such as sharing yellow ribbons and receiving solidarity messages
9 May Brussels, Belgium
Meeting with European Network of Disaster Victims (TBC)
Meeting with overseas Koreans at Belgium
10 – 11 May London, UK
11 May Liverpool
Meeting with families and lawyers of Hillsborough tragedy
Visit memorial sites of Hillsborough tragedy in Liverpool
13 – 14 May Paris, France
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