when i wrote recently about the potential for a new u.s. legislative position regarding colombia, the war on drugs (sic), and human rights violations in colombia many of you wrote and asked for more background and what not...in particular you wondered about organizing and unions and such...i've pulled this from amnesty's international secretariat's website y'all...think of it this way: a plague of death threats and killings, a sham paramilitary demobilization process and almost total impunity - these are the perpetual battles facing trade unionists in colombia...this country is one of the most dangerous places in the world to stand up for workers' rights...period...
a pattern of systematic attacks against trade unionists involved in labour disputes and campaigns against privatization is exposed in a new amnesty international report...
colombia's national trade union school documented 2,245 killings, 3,400 threats and 138 forced disappearances of trade unionists between january 1991 and december 2006...
WTF!
sixteen have died so far this year...army-backed paramilitaries and the security forces are thought to be behind most of the attacks, despite the former's supposed demobilization...guerrilla groups have also been responsible for threats and killings...according to susan lee, amnesty international's americas programme director:
“Trade unionists across Colombia are being sent a clear message: don’t complain about your labour conditions or campaign to protect your rights because you will be silenced, at any cost...By failing to adequately protect trade unionists, the Colombian authorities are sending a message that abuses against them can continue, while companies operating in Colombia risk being held accountable for human rights abuses for which, through their conduct, they may bear responsibility.”
the report lists human rights abuses against trade unionists -- and their relatives -- working in colombia’s health, education, public services, agricultural, mining, oil, gas, energy and food sectors...
and be clear about this - trade unionists are human rights defenders...the universal declaration of human rights, article 23, clearly states that: "Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests,"...
amnesty international is calling on companies working in colombia to use their influence with the government to end and prevent human rights abuses against trade unionists...says lee:
“The attacks will continue unless effective measures are taken to end the impunity enjoyed by those killing and threatening them. This report is a wake-up call for any multinational company operating in an environment in which human rights are systematically violated. Inaction is no longer an option.”
for further information, see:
killing, arbitrary detentions and death threats - the reality of trade unionism in colombia
colombia: one of world's most dangerous places for trade unionists
colombia: one of world's most dangerous places for trade unionists
peace out <3
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