Justice For Colombia

Colombia is still the most dangerous place in the world to be a trade unionist. 49 trade unionists were murdered in 2009. 31 activists killed between Jan to June this year. Of the 2,700 union members murdered there have been just 4 convictions.
Jack O’Connor spoke about the horrific sights that befell him and his colleagues on a recent trip to Colombia. He heard horror stories of people not returning home, about mass graves for the disappeared and about people being imprisoned for the crime ‘Rebellion’. This is an all encompassing term that can mean jail time for anyone without trial and proof. Currently there are 5,200 political prisoners in Colombia, the majority being held under the charge ‘Rebellion’
All Irish MEPS have signed a declaration that they are opposed to signing up to the Proposed Free Trade agreement with Colombia until Human Rights violations are reduced drastically. Under intensive lobbying that will seems to be dwindling. Pressure needs to be put on these MEPS to ensure they stay on board. It may go to all national parliaments so we may need to lobby td’s. Representatives from very small unions in Colombia are going to Brussels making false claims to MEP’s and some of this seems to be working. Democrats in the US have refused to sign up to this Agreement so the Justice For Colombia Irish group have been working to try and ensure that Irish representatives do as their American counterparts are currently doing.