CHOIR SINGS TO KEEP MARY SAFE
Picture shows Mary Adenugba speaking at a rally in Manchester
- RAPAR launches campaign for woman who was trafficked, exploited and abused.
- 7pm-9pm, Friday 30th March - Cross Street Chapel, central Manchester.
- Manchester Community Choir will sing at campaign launch.
Manchester Community Choir will sing at the launch of RAPAR's asylum campaign for Mary Adenugba, who was trafficked from Nigeria to the UK in 2004. She suffered years of abuse and exploitation before she finally escaped and built a new life for herself.
The UK Border Agency has refused Mary's application for asylum but she is now working with her solicitor and with members of RAPAR to appeal against the decision.
Mary's MP Tony Lloyd supports her campaign and is hoping to speak at the launch. Also speaking will be Unitarian minister Jane Barraclough of Cross Street chapel where Mary is a member of the congregation.
A representative from the trade union UNITE will speak about their anti trafficking work. Speakers also include Mary herself, Zeinab Mohamed and Sandy Broadhurst, who are all members of RAPAR. Friends and supporters will provide food for the event and there will be an African dance display.
Sandy Broadhurst said Mary's campaign launch will publicise her individual case but will also focus on the wider issue of trafficking. “Trafficking people for enslavement and exploitation is on the increase in our society. It is big business and is flourishing here in Manchester. It de-humanises people - and needs to be exposed and eradicated from our streets.”
Mary Adenugba says she has been overwhelmed by the friendship she has received from the congregation at Cross Street chapel, her fellow members of Manchester Community Choir, her MP Tony Lloyd, RAPAR, UNITE and the many supporters who are backing her campaign.
“I am terrified that I will be sent back to Nigeria but I know that my friends will do as much as they can to help keep me safe,” she added.
For more information, please contact
Kath Grant, RAPAR Press Officer, 07812471047
To find out more about Mary's campaign and what you can do to help, click here.
Download a PDF version of the leaflet for this event here.