Abuse of trade union and human rights in Colombia: CSP takes up issue with UK Government

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Published: 16 May 2008

CSP lobbies UK Government on human and trade union rights abuses in Colombia

Colombia is the most dangerous country in the world to be a trade unionist. Since 1986 over 2,500 trade unionists have been murdered by right wing paramilitaries.

These figures should shock. Imagine your CSP steward or safety representative being assassinated for representing you or your colleagues. Beyond belief isn't it? Not in Colombia.

In December last year, the Society's Industrial Relations Committee wrote to the UK's Secretary of State for Defence to lodge its deep concern at the appalling abuse of trade union and human rights in Colombia and to ask why the Government continues to support the current Colombian administration with military aid whilst expressing outrage at the repression of human rights in Burma (a copy of the CSP's letter can be downloaded at the foot of this page).

In the same week that CSP members were gathering at this year's Annual Representatives Conference (ARC), with many present at a well-attended fringe meeting hosted by Justice for Colombia, the CSP received a response from the Minister of State for the Armed Forces, the Rt Hon Bob Ainsworth MP - a full copy of the Minister's letter can be downloaded at the foot of this page.

In his letter, the Minister states that the UK's co-operation with the Colombian government "is helping to reduce human rights violations, creating an environment that encourages conflict resolution" and saves lives. The Justice for Colombia campaign begs to differ. According to JfC, Britain is Colombia's closest ally in Europe and provides "no strings attached" secret military support to the Colombian armed forces and political and diplomatic support to the "deeply corrupt", "violently anti-trade union" Colombian regime. Justice for Colombia says that, contrary to British Government claims that its co-operation is "producing positive and tangible results", there is no evidence of this.

If you are interested in finding out more about the situation in Colombia, you can download the CSP's letter to the UK Government, the Government's response, and an analysis of the situation produced by Justice for Colombia by clicking on the links below. You can also visit the Justice for Colombia website for latest news, petitions and ideas on how to get involved in campaigning actions.