UNESCO builds Memorial Square for Immigrants in Guangdong   

联合国择广东梅州设移民纪念广场

Meizhou (CNS) -- A Memorial Square for Immigrants, the first of its kind in the mainland, was launched Sunday by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Meizhou city, Guangdong province.

Over 200 people attended the launching ceremony, including UNESCO representatives, members of overseas Chinese groups, and researchers.

Featuring a Chinese immigration monument and a memorial hall, the square is located in Songkou Town of Mei county.

To strengthen communication between overseas Chinese around the world and explore the history of Indian Ocean islands, UNESCO has introduced similar memorial activities in several regions since 2004.

UNESCO chose Meizhou, China's largest source of Hakka immigrants, for the memorial square, in order to commemorate Chinese who left their hometowns and went to islands in the Indian Ocean during the 19th and 20th centuries.