On behalf of the trade union movements in Great Britain and Ireland, Justice for Colombia expresses our deep solidarity with all individuals and organisations affected by the earthquake that struck western Colombia on Monday 10 August.
We know that many trade union members and their families are in the earthquake zone and our thoughts are with them. Many workers affiliated to the CUT [trade union federation]– in sectors such as health, emergency services, construction and more – will be mobilising in the coming days to save lives, care for survivors, create access roads, replenish power and water, and rebuild. They demonstrate that, during times of crisis, it is the workers who save the people.
The images of the damage are shocking, while the testimonies that reach us leave no doubt about the scale of the tragedy. We feel deep sorrow for those who have lost their lives or have lost loved ones in the disaster. Several trade union and social organisations that we work with, including in the cities of Cali and Pereira, have been affected, as have different projects in Cali that carry out invaluable work in defence of human rights, peace and reconciliation, and which are financed and supported by British and Irish unions. The damage suffered is a bitter reminder that it is much easier to destroy than to build. But we know they will continue in their work and in the rescue and reconstruction efforts.
As the situation continues to develop, we pledge to support the humanitarian effort as best we can. With our union partners, we are already collecting financial assistance and will be liaising with the relevant organisations to form a distribution plan.
All our solidarity with the Colombian people in these difficult times.
Justice for Colombia
London, 13 August 2026