OPEN LETTER: Plea for Release and Return of Mary Jane Veloso

Philippines, 14 April 2023

To:
Minister I Gusti Ayu Bintang Darmawati
Ministry of Women Empowerment and Child Protection
Republic of Indonesia

Dear Minister Darmawati,
We are one with the people of Indonesia in commemorating Kartini Day and we join you in honoring the millions of inspiring Indonesian women and girls in the past and present who have contributed greatly to improve the lives of their families, the state of their communities and the future of their country.

The labor, love and strength of our grandmothers, mothers, daughters, aunts—who tend to the land and harvest crops, who work as migrant domestic helpers, who weave traditional garments, who prepare food and care for their family members, who run small businesses— enrich our economies, cultures, and our societies. We recognize that there are numerous challenges and barriers that continue to face women all across the world, especially women who come from impoverished and marginalized backgrounds, in their journey to realizing their hopes and aspirations. There is more work our countries can do together to protect them and ensure the voices, dignity and rights of women are valued, respected and upheld.

As migrants and women’s rights groups and advocates from around the world, we invite you to listen to the story and voice of Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipino victim of human trafficking who has remained in death row in Indonesia for thirteen years and is appealing for clemency from the Indonesian government. Like many women victims of human trafficking, Mary Jane was deceived with a false promise of employment as a domestic helper in Malaysia.

In 2010, Mary Jane was sentenced to death for drug smuggling due to the discovery of heroin in the lining of the suitcase that she carried to Indonesia. Mary Jane had no knowledge that the suitcase given to her by her recruiter while in Malaysia contained drugs.

We believe that Mary Jane, who comes from an impoverished family and province in the Philippines, is among the countless women and girls whose economic and social conditions make them vulnerable to becoming a victim of human trafficking. A single mother of two young sons and a former migrant domestic helper who only completed one year of high school education, Mary Jane’s only aspiration was to support her family and help provide them a good future.

Since 2015, when Mary Jane received a temporary stay of execution, significant legal developments have taken place to hold her traffickers accountable. Her recruiter was already sentenced to life imprisonment for committing large scale illegal recruitment and fraud on January 30, 2020 by the Nueva Ecija Regional Trial Court Branch 88 in the Philippines. Mary Jane Veloso’s recruiters continue to face charges of human trafficking and we strongly believe that the guilty conviction for large scale illegal recruitment and fraud is already a testament to Mary Jane’s innocence.

In addition, a formal appeal for clemency by the Philippine Government, through its Department of Foreign Affairs have been submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
of the Republic of Indonesia on September 2022. We sincerely hope that this formal appeal will be granted at the soonest time.

Mary Jane’s elderly parents, who have developed ailments and health problems over the years are constantly fearful of not living long enough to see their daughter’s freedom. Mary Jane’s children, who have already grown into teenagers—fine young men–still long for their mother’s love, guidance, and nurturing. With Mary Jane’s strong faith, her family’s determination and overwhelming support from the global community, Mary Jane and her family remain hopeful.

We express our resounding and urgent appeal for mercy and clemency for Mary Jane and we humbly request for your support. We sincerely thank the Indonesian Government for granting Mary Jane a temporary reprieve and allowing her to deliver her testimony as part of the ongoing legal proceedings in the Philippines.

Women human trafficking victims like Mary Jane should be protected, while the real perpetrators of serious crimes such as illegal recruitment and human trafficking, those who deceive and prey on innocent, vulnerable and desperate women and girls should be prosecuted and convicted.

We hope we can work with you in combatting human trafficking and protecting women and girls across the world.

Sincerely,
Migrante International (Philippines) with Civil Society Organizations

CONTACT PERSON:
Joanna Concepcion – Migrante Internasional
(+639081292851/chair.migranteintl@gmail.com)

Letter from Mother of Mary Jane Veloso

To: Minister I Gusti Ayu Bintang Darmawati
Ministry of Women Empowerment of Indonesia

My name is Celia Veloso, mother of Mary Jane Veloso. As a mother, it is very painful for me to see my daughter in jail when she did nothing wrong. It is difficult to accept that one of my children has not been by my side for almost thirteen years. My daughter has suffered for a wrong she has not committed. Mary Jane is a kind daughter, helpful sibling and caring mother to her children. She is very loving, which is why it is unjust for her to suffer for a crime she did not commit.

With her life was spared from execution, we had a little bit of hope. But once again the hearing of her case has stalled. This is the reason for my letter to you, to ask for your help in giving attention to Mary Jane’s case. I hope Mary Jane will be granted clemency because my daughter has experienced and endured a lot of hardships.

Please have mercy on my daughter. My family will be indebted to you for any help and assistance you can give. Even your reading my letter already gives us greater hope.God bless you.

With gratitude and hope,
Celia Veloso

List Endorsement of Organizations

1Sambayan Australia
Academia – Australia
ACHIEVE – CARAM Asia Member Organization – Philippines
Asia Pacific Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines
Action for Health Initiatives, Inc. – Philippines
Anakbayan WA – Australia
APMI- PILAR – Hong Kong
Asbury United Methodist Church – United States
Asia Pasific Research Network (APRN) – Asia
Asia Pacific Forum For Women, Law and Development (APWLD)
Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM)
Asian Network Against Violence – USA
Asociația LOGS – Romania
Association of Positive Women Advocates Inc. – Philippines
Asosasyon Sangunian Filipino ASF – France
Asosiasi Buruh Migran Indonesia (ATKI) – Hong Kong
Association “Novi put” – Bosnia & Herzegovina
Association of Concerned Filipinos in Thailand – Thailand
Association pour la Conservation et la Protection des Ecosystèmes des Lacs et
l’Agriculture Durable – RD Congo
ATKI-Hong Kong
Aurora University – United States
Australian Action for Peace and Development in the Philippines (APDP)
Awaj Foundation – Bangladesh
BAI national network of Indigenous women’s organisations, Philippines
Bantay at Kasangga ng OFW int’l inc. – Qatar
Barisan Pemuda Adat Nusantara (The Indigenous Youth Front of the Archipelago) – Indonesia
Beranda Migran – Indonesia
Beranda Perempuan – Indonesia
Beringin Tetap Maidenlike & Benevolent (BTM&B) – Hong Kong
Bisdak Association – Paris France
BNSK- Bangladesh Nari Sramik Kendra(Bangladesh Women Workers Association),
Caram Asia Member organization – Bangladesh
California-Nevada Philippine Solidarity Task Force – USA
CARAM ASIA – Coordination Action Research on AIDS and Mobility
CARAM ASIA Berhad
Carmelite NGO – United States
Churches Witnessing with Migrants
CGAPF FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN FRANCE – France
Committee General des Association Philippine en France – France
Community Development Services (CDS) – Sri Lanka
Concerned Seafarers of the Philippines (CSP)
Cordillera Peoples Alliance – Philippines
Democracy Today – Armenia
Development Action for Women Network (DAWN) – Philippines
DISABILITY PEOPLES FORUM UGANDA – Uganda Afrika
Dorcas Aid international – Lebanon
Echoes of Women in Africa Initiatives – Nigeria
Enjoy Dancer Indonesia – Hong Kong
Fahmina Institute – Indonesia
Federasi Serikat Buruh Persatuan Indonesia (FSBPI)
Floresa.co – Indonesia
Fokupers (Forum Communication for Timor-Leste Women) – Timor Leste
Freedom Business Alliance – Canada
FUNDACIÓN ALIKA KINAN – Argentina
GABRIELA Alliance of Filipino Women – Philippines
Gabriela – Australia
Gabriela Aotearoa – New Zealand
GABRIELA Oakland – United States
Gabungan Migran Muslim Indonesia (GAMMI) – Hong Kong
GANAS COMMUNITY – Taiwan
GenDev Centre for Research and Innovation, India
Gerakan Angkatan Muda Kristen Indonesia (GAMKI) – Indonesia
German NGO Network Against Trafficking In Human Beings – Germany
Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women (GAATW)
Global Pinoy Diaspora – Canada
Good Shepherd Sisters – Indonesia
Grupo Territorio, Género y Extractivismo – México
Herzwerk – Austria
Himigrante – Thailand
Himpunan Mahasiswa Buddhis Indonesia (HIKMAHBUDHI)
Human Rights Working Group (HRWG) – Indonesia
Igorot in France Association – France
Ikatan Persaudaraan Pekerja Migran Indonesia (IPPMI) Singapore
IMA Research Foundation – Global
IMCS AP – Philippines
Impact & Dialogue Foundation – India
Independent Contractor Consultant – USA
Independent Peaceful Australia Network – Australia
Indonesian Family Network (IFN) – Singapore
Indonesian Migrant Workers Union (IMWU) – Hong Kong
Indonesian Migrant Workers Union (IMWU) – Macau
Initiative for Right View (IRV)
Institute for Interfaith Dialogue in Indonesia (Interfidei) – Indonesia
Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity (IM4HI) – USA
International Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self-Determination and Liberation (IPMSDL- Philippines)
International Migrants Alliance (IMA) – Global
International Survivor Advisory Council – USA
International Women’s Alliance – IWA – Global
ISTAC – USA
ISTAC ODIHR OSCE (1st cohort) – Georgia
Jaringan Buruh Migran Indonesia (JBMI) Hong Kong & Macau
Jericho Road Inc – USA
Just Peace Committee-BC, Venezuela Peace and Solidarity Committee – Canada
KABAR BUMI, Indonesia
Karana Rising – United States
KASAMMAKo – South Korea
Kelompok Anak Muda Indonesia (Hapus Hukuman Mati) – Indonesia
KILUSANG FILIPINO WALANG IWANAN SA PAGBABAGO NG BAYAN INC. – Manama Bahrain
Koalisi Buruh Migran Berdaulat – Indonesia
KOBBE – PILAR – Hong Kong
Komunitas Hanaf Kupang – Indonesia
Kongregasi JPIC SSpS – Indonesia
Korea Center for United Nations Human Rights Policy (KOCUN)
Lanka Fundamental Rights Organization – Bangladesh
Larosa Arum HK Organisasi Budaya Nusantara – Hong Kong
LEFÖ – Austria
Lembaga Informasi Perburuhan Sedane – Indonesia
Liga Pekerja Migran Indonesia (LIPMI) – Hong Kong
Liluye org – Spain
LRC-KJHAM-Semarang – Indonesia
LSM Permata – Indonesia
MAP Foundation – Member of CARAM Asia – Thailand
Mentari – USA
Mentari – Zambia
Mercy International Association – Global
Migrant Action Trust – New Zealand
Migrant Care – Indonesia
Migrante Asia-Pacific
Migrante – Australia
MIGRANTE – CANADA
Migrante – Perth Australia
Migrante Aoteroa – New Zealand
Migrante City of SanJose del Monte Bulacan – Philippines
Migrante Europe
Migrante International – Global
Migrante Philippines – Philippins
Migrante-Central Visayas – Philippines
Migrante USA
Migration Services and Development – Lebanon
Mission For Migrant Workers (MFMW) – Hong Kong
Mitra Wacana – Indonesia
MOVERS (Mission Movers Indonesia) – Hong Kong
National Alliance of Women Human Rights Defenders (NAWHRD), Nepal
National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) – Philippines
NAWOU – Uganda
NCCP – Philippines
Nepal Indigenous Women Forum, Nepal
Nepal Institute of Development Studies (NIDS)–CARAM Asia
New Naratif – Malaysia
NIDS – Nepal
Nijera Kori, Bangladesh
North South Initiative (NSI) – Malaysia
Nurmatov Sanoat
OFW VETERANS ASSOCIATION – Oman
OKUP, CARAM ASIA Member Organization in Bangladesh- Bangladesh
OVA Bacolod Chapter – Bahrain
PADMA – Indonesia
Pag-iribang Bikolnon in Korea – Philippines
Pakistan Rural Workers Social Welfare Organization – Pakistan
PANGASINAN ASSOCIATION IN PARIS – France
Paris Glamour Association – France
Penn Thozhilalargal Sangam, Chennai, India
Persatuan Buruh Migran Tolak Overcharging (PILAR) – Hong Kong
Persatuan Sahabat Wanita Selangor – Malaysia
Persekutuan Gereja-Gereja di Indonesia (PGI) – Indonesia
Philippines Australia Solidarity Association (PASA) – Australia
Phnom Srey Organization for Development (PSOD) – Cambodia
POURAKHI – Nepal
POURAKHI – Nepal
PSTF-United Methodist Church – U.S.A
Pustaka Bambu Community – Indonesia
Radyo Sagada – Philippines
Red Alert Task force – United Kingdom
ReFocus Consulting – Canada
Resource Link Foundation – Ghana Afrika
Rumah Harapan GMIT – Indonesia
Rumpun Perempuan dan Anak Riau – RUPARI, Indonesia
Rural women’s association “Alga”, Kyrgyzstan
S.A.F.E.C.H.R. – USA
Saffron Global Health – France
SANDIGAN, Assoc. Of Filipino Domestic Workers from Middle East – Philippines
SANDIWA Network of Advocates for National Minority Rights – Philippines
Sanggar Flobamora – Hong Kong
Sangat – a feminist network
SAOIRSE.global – USA
SBMI West Lampung – Indonesia
SEI – Thailand
Serikat Buruh Migran Indonesia (SBMI) – Indonesia
Serikat Perempuan Indonesia (SERUNI) – Indonesia
Serve the People Association (SPA) – Taiwan
Sierra Cares Foundation – USA
Single Mothers Association of Kenya – Kenya Africa
SMAK Yakobus Rasul – Indonesia
SMAK Yakobus Rasul
Society for Rural Education and Development
South Feminist Futures – Zimbabwe
SPEAK Trust – Pakistan
Student Christian Movement of Canada – Canada
Sukaar Welfare Organization – Pakistan
Survivor Alliance – USA
Talitha Kum Jaringan Jakarta – Indonesia
Tamil Nadu Dalit women’ Movement
Tamil Nadu Women’s forum
Tamkeen For Legal Aid and Human Rights – Jordan
Tarangini Foundation NEPAL
Tarlaqueño association in Paris – France
TDJ – Burundi Afrika
Tenaganita Womens Force – Malaysia
The Hope Group PILAR – Hong Kong
The Set International LLC – USA
The Sex Workers Project of the Urban Justice Center – USA
Tokoh Pemuda Belu – Belu Indonesia
Union Aid Abroad (APHEDA) – Australia
VIVAT International – United States
We Women Network
WHDN (Wanita Hindu Dharma Nusantara) – Hong Kong
WING’S GROUP PILAR – Hong Kong
Women At Risk, International – USA
Women In General Group (WING’S) – Hong Kong
Women Movement Independent (WMI) – Hong Kong
Women’s Rehabilitation Centre WOREC – Nepal
Yayasan Permata Bunda Berbelas Kasih – Indonesia
Yayasan VIVAT Indonesia – Indonesia
YKPI – Indonesia
Youth Task Force Anti Tindak Pidana Perdagangan Orang Indonesia – Indonesia

Read the Bahasa Indonesia Translation here.