Zimbabwe: Europe renew restrictive measures against Zimbabwe for a further year

The International Trade Union Confederation and the European Trade Union Confederation welcomed the adoption by the EU Council of a common position to renew restrictive measures against Zimbabwe for a further year, until 20 February 2009.


Brussels, 20 February 2008: The International Trade Union Confederation and the European Trade Union Confederation welcomed the adoption by the EU Council of a common position to renew restrictive measures against Zimbabwe for a further year, until 20 February 2009.

The restrictive measures, first introduced in February 2002, consist of a ban on entry into the EU and a freeze on financial assets for individuals who engage in activities that seriously undermine democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law in Zimbabwe. An embargo on the supply of arms and equipment intended for military operations is also in force.

The Council also adopted a decision extending for 12 months the suspension of support to Zimbabwe under the European development fund, given that essential provisions of the ACP-EU partnership agreement continue to be violated by the Zimbabwean government.

The ITUC and the ETUC had written earlier this year together to Commissioner Louis Michel to call for the EU’s measures against the government of Zimbabwe to be maintained.

“The ITUC welcomes this position as there has been no improvement in the situation regarding trade union and other human rights in the country”, said General Secretary Guy Ryder “

The international trade union movement has condemned today the brutal Zimbabwean police attack on teacher trade unionists took place on February 19, and has called on Governments in the region and around the world to protest to the Zimbabwean Government.

Nine members of teachers’ union PTUZ, including General Secretary Raymond Majongwe, were arrested and beaten when they started distributing leaflets about the country’s education crisis. 5 of them are seriously injured. They were taken to the police station where further savage beatings were administered leaving five in hospital with broken bones and other injuries.

The ETUC exists to speak with a single voice, on behalf of the common interests of workers, at European level. Founded in 1973, it now represents 82 trade union organisations in 36 European countries, plus 12 industry-based federations

Patricia Grillo Head of Press and Communications
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The ITUC represents 168 million workers in 155 countries and territories and has 311 national affiliates.

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