Brussels, 16 October 2009 (ITUC Online): The ITUC firmly condemns the measure taken by the de facto government of Honduras which has prevented Deysi Felipa Ibarra from attending the ITUC’s First World Women’s Conference, taking place in Brussels on 19 to 21 October, attended by over 400 delegates from all continents.
An arrest warrant issued by the de facto Government’s Prosecutor’s Office has prevented Deisy Ibarra, assistant general secretary for the rural workers’ union and women’s officer of the General Workers’ Centre of Honduras (CGT), from leaving the country. The warrant follows her participation in the peaceful occupation of the National Agrarian Institute (INA) which led to charges of “sedition”.
The ITUC has followed the dispute at the INA closely, in particular the violent expulsion of 55 members of the three principal Honduran rural workers’ organisations occupying the premises and their imprisonment under extremely harsh conditions. It expresses its solidarity with all the rural workers involved.
The ITUC deeply regrets the absence of the sister from Honduras from this important ITUC World Women’s Conference, particularly at this difficult time for Honduras.
The ITUC has sent a message of solidarity
to Daniel Durón, general secretary of the CGT, and is taking every possible step to translate this solidarity into strong and effective action by national affiliates and at the international level. The ITUC General Council unanimously approved a resolution on Honduras at the beginning of the month.
Photo: Steve Rhodes
The ITUC represents 170 million workers in 158 countries and territories and has 316 national affiliates. http://www.youtube.com/ITUCCSI
For more information, please contact the ITUC Press Department on +32 2 224 0204 or +32 476 621 018