Activists took to the streets of Rostock today (Monday June 4) campaigning for greater rights for migrants.
 
Between 2,000-4,000 people marched from the south of Rostock to the harbour area demanding an end to deportation and the alleged racist treatment of migrants.
 
Chanting slogans like "No Borders. No Nations. No Deportations", the march was lead by migrant workers from Africa and South America.
 
The colourful march, led by the self-styled Clown Army with the Naked Army - dressed only in underwear - in support, proceeded peacefully through the south of the city despite a police presence that engulfed the march.
 
Legal teams say around 50 people were arrested, mostly for “ban on disguises” offences. It is against the law in Germany to cover your face on a demonstration.
 
Outnumbering demonstrators by at least six to one, the police stopped the march on several occasions, once for at least 90 minutes as they confiscated a toy water pistol and directed the procession away from its planned route through the city centre.
 
Earlier activists gathered outside Sonnenblumen House in the city, to commemorate an arson attack in 1992 on a high-rise block occupied by migrant workers.
 
The march took place on the eve of the Alternative G8 summit where ActionAid is showing a range of films, many of which deal with discrimination – specifically that which affects people living with HIV and AIDS.
 
ActionAid is demanding that the G8 summit – which starts officially on Wednesday June 6 – delivers on its commitment to provide treatment for everyone living with HIV and AIDS.
 
We are urging G8 leaders to deliver the funding shortfall – estimated at $8-10 billion a year together with a recognition that violence against women and girls is a key cause of the spread of HIV.