Education unions in Britain and Ireland have come together to condemn recent legal targeting of the FECODE teachers federation in Colombia, as well as apparent attempts led by state institutions to undermine the elected government of Gustavo Petro. In a joint statement, the NEU, NASUWT, UCU, INTO and EIS express concern over the potential ramifications for democratic processes and trade union security.
It comes in response a raid on FECODE’s Bogota offices on 22 January that was ordered by the then-Attorney General, as well as the Inspector General’s decision two days later to suspend foreign minister Alvaro Leyva.
The five education unions have worked closely with JFC to support FECODE’s campaigning and to oppose anti-union violence which targets education workers more than most other sectors, while also building links with FECODE through visits and advocacy.
You can read or download the joint statement below.