No letup in anti-union pressure in Colombia

The ITUC has strongly condemned the threats issued to 92 organisations and leaders defending human, political and labour rights. The activists were slandered and declared "enemies and permanent military targets" for having "attacked the government’s good and noble intentions to foster peace". They were warned that "the threats will be acted upon" if their activities are not brought to an end.

"This endless wave of anti-union and anti-social pressure is unacceptable," said ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow. "The Colombian authorities have a duty to protect their people and their workers, and, above all, to bring an end to impunity."
Over 280 trade unionists received death threats and 20 were killed in Colombia during 2012. Four trade unionists have already been assassinated in the first three months of 2013.

National, regional and international trade union movements have once again joined with the three Colombian trade union centres, CUT, CGT and CTC, in reiterating their unwavering condemnation of the relentless attacks on the Colombian trade union movement, including the constant intimidation, harassment, persecution and murder of union leaders and members, in blatant violation of the core ILO Conventions ratified by Colombia.

In a letter to the Colombian authorities, the ITUC vehemently condemned the threats issued and firmly rejected the unfounded accusations regarding the human rights activists’ alleged links with the insurgency, and demanded constitutional guarantees with respect to the fundamental right to organise and freedom of association.

For more information, please contact the ITUC Press Department on: +32 2 224 0204 or +32 476 62 10 18