British trade unonists have reconfirmed their solid support for worker rights, human rights and peace in Colombia after an emergency motion was unanimously passed at TUC Congress in Brighton on 16 September.
While the trade union movement has a distinguished record of solidarity towards Colombia through the work of Justice for Colombia, the emergency motion came in response to the recent election of a far-right government that has taken major steps to block the peace process while escalating military confrontation and attempting to roll back social rights.
The motion was moved by the NASUWT and supported by the POA and EIS, before being unanimously approved by congress delegates.
Read the motion text below or via the TUC website.
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Congress expresses its solidarity with trade unionists and activists in Colombia who live in fear following an alarming upsurge in threats and attacks under the new far-right government inaugurated on 7 August.
Three trade unionists were killed in one weekend in August. Another two members of the Historic Pact were also murdered on 1 September. Threats and stigmatisation are growing. Meanwhile the government has indicated its disdain for human rights, saying it will withdraw from the international criminal court.
Colombia’s government is undermining the 2016 Agreement – threatening to imprison the leaders of Comunes Party of former combatants, slashing spending on reincorporation, and threatening to reverse the rural reform key to the agreement. There are fears that it will try to reverse the labour, pensions and other reforms passed by the Petro government.
The government has ended peace talks with other armed groups and is threatening to criminalise former government officials involved, restarting military operations that have already killed civilians
There are fears that anyone who supported Petro, worked for peace, or opposes the government is going to be labelled a ‘narco-terrorist’ and subjected to repression.
Congress must stand with our Colombian sisters and brothers.
Congress resolves to:
i. redouble our backing for Colombian trade unions by supporting Justice for Colombia and encouraging affiliation to JFC
ii. ensure our government defends the 2016 peace agreement and speaks out for human and labour rights in Colombia
iii. encourage MPs to support Justice for Colombia.