The NASUWT teachers union has written to the FECODE teachers union, the largest trade union in Colombia, to offer solidarity and support over the high levels of violence being inflicted on teacher trade unionists. It follows the murder of school principal Orlando Gómez in Cauca, southwest Colombia, on 12 August. Below is the full text of the letter.
Carlos Enrique Rivas, Presidente
Rafael David Cuello, Secretario a General Federacion Colombiana de Educadores (FECODE)
Carrera 13A no 34-54
Santafe de Bogota D.C.
Colombia
Dear Carlos and Rafael,
We are writing to you on behalf of the NASUWT – The Teachers Union of the United Kingdom, to express our solidarity with your members in Colombia during these dangerous days. We especially want to give our condolences to the family of Orlando Gómez the school Principal murdered on Monday 12th August.
The NASUWT denounces this act of violence and also calls on the Colombian government, the senate, the United Nations and other international bodies to address Colombia’s human rights crisis.
Please also communicate NASUWT’s eternal solidarity to the officers and members of FECODE. We are ready to give whatever support we can for you and your members during these difficult times. Our thoughts are with you, your members and Orlando’s family during these days.
Yours in solidarity,
Chris Keates (Ms), General Secretary (Acting)
Dr Patrick Roach, Deputy General Secretary