On the passing of Francisco Rico Martinez
August 16, 2021
We would like to express, on behalf of Migrante Canada, our sincere condolences on the loss of Francisco Rico Martinez.
Many of us knew him personally. Over the past years, Migrante Canada organizers across Canada had the honour to work with Francisco through the Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR alliance) or in other capacities where we tackled important issues of precarious migrants and refugees. We also had discussions on the important role of an international migrants movement in Canada through the International Migrants Alliance (IMA) -Canada, of which the FCJ Refugee Centre is a member.
Francisco was a strong and respected voice for migrants and refugees in Canada, as a former refugee himself and as co-director of FCJ Refugee Centre.
Francisco’s story is like that of thousands of migrants in Canada who were forced to leave their home countries. He and his family had to leave El Salvador in 1989 because of political and economic turmoil and threats to their safety. After settling down in Canada, they worked together to build the FCJ Refugee Centre which is acknowledged to be one of the most reliable institutions for migrants and refugees in the Greater Toronto Area.
We honour the legacy left behind by comrade Francisco Rico Martinez. We commit to continue the fight for the rights and welfare of migrants and their families in Canada and worldwide.
Again, on behalf of all our members and those that personally knew Francisco, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family during this period of mourning.
Francisco’s story is like that of thousands of migrants in Canada who were forced to leave their home countries. He and his family had to leave El Salvador in 1989 because of political and economic turmoil and threats to their safety. After settling down in Canada, they worked together to build the FCJ Refugee Centre which is acknowledged to be one of the most reliable institutions for migrants and refugees in the Greater Toronto Area.
For reference: Danilo de Leon, Chair Stef Martin, Secretary-General Migrante Canada
*Migrante Canada is an alliance of 13 Filipino migrant and immigrant organizations across Canada working to advance the rights and welfare of Filipino migrants and immigrants August 16, 2021