New Brussels giant honours undocumented migrants

A new folkloric giant that honours undocumented migrants and their struggles has been created and will be included in marches, demonstrations and awareness-raising activities in Brussels.

Named Sabine, the 3.6-metre giant was christened in Place du Béguinage in Brussels during the Festival of Dignity as a symbol of the fight for the regularisation of undocumented migrants and human dignity.

Brussels now has more than 100 giants, but Sabine is unique in her social commitment. She is inspired by Sabine Amiyeme, an undocumented hairdresser who arrived in Belgium more than 15 years ago and was almost deported to Cameroon, the country from which she had fled. After a large citizen mobilisation, she was allowed to remain in Belgium.

At just 20 years old and while still undocumented, Amiyeme saved 12 people in a deadly fire in Anderlecht.

“This giant will be her voice, and that of thousands of others,” said Father Daniel Alliët, one of the founders of House of Compassion that organised the Festival of Dignity.

The festival brought together people “committed to a fairer world, whether in terms of migration, the fight against poverty, ecology or equal opportunities,” said coordinator Geneviève Frère.

The festival included an awards ceremony and the first Dignity Award was presented to Nezha Alouah, an activist for regularisation, who was praised for her commitment on the ground.