Press release 21/12/2006

Press Release: After a successful first run, Radio 1812 Marathon is now closing

Brussels 21st December

Three days later, Radio 1812 - the first global radio marathon launched on 18th December in celebration of International Migrant's Day and to support the voices of migrants worldwide - is now coming to an end.

With nearly 50 radio stations from 27 countries and 42 programmes gathered so far (and more to come!), 1700 visitors to the website on the day, hundreds of files played and downloaded, the December 18 Team (the organisation behind Radio1812) has met the challenge it had set itself; the marathon stretched in fact from Australia to Peru, gathering programmes in the most various languages, from Chinese and Baha to Spanish and Kazak.

Celebrating the success of the initiative, December 18's Director, Rene Plaetevoet enthuses: "We at December 18 are truly amazed at the fantastic response from migrant groups and radio stations around the world. From Taiwan to Peru, a huge amount of people worldwide, perhaps for the first time, heard migrants share their stories, whilst experts explain the challenges and opportunities of migration. But the most important is the clear reminder that migrants are human beings and are entitled to their human rights respected wherever and whoever they are. We will be back next year and beyond, every time more numerous, to ensure that human rights for all means human rights for migrants too."

Adding to the fantastic radio turn out, extraordinary participation by migrant groups worldwide, December 18 was honoured to welcome the support of former Irish President and Human Rights defender Mary Robinson, and of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Louise Arbour. We believe that their generous and committed participation bolstered Radio1812 and gave to all those taking part the recognition they deserved.

Finally, thought provoking editorials from distinguished guests such as Mariette Grange, Miguel Pickard, David Bacon and Patrick Taran ensured that our audience was able to fill both eyes and ears. We are delighted to announce that most pieces published on the Radio 1812 website were read over 100 times in 48 hours!

Please, note that both audio and written content will remain on the website and can be used for re-broadcast at anytime. We would also like to encourage everyone to keep uploading content beyond the marathon; the last programmes sent to radio-info@december18.net will be added until end of this week.

For more information please see the radio18-12 website at: www.radio18-12.net You can also register for the Radio18-12 mailing list by contacting radio-info@december18.net

Ends

Please see below for the press release in French, Spanish, Dutch and Italian.

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