COLOMBIA: Most dangerous country for unionists

Colombia is the most dangerous country for trade unionists. This was the finding of a survey conducted by the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU). In 2001, 201 trade unionists were reported killed or disappeared in Colombia. This represented almost 90% of the world total. The report was released on June 18.

The number of unionists murdered or disappeared in Colombia was 30% higher than the 153 reported in 2000. Throughout the world, 223 people were killed or disappeared for their involvement in trade union-related activity in 2001, 14 more than in 2000.

Public sector union members in Colombia were targeted the most, accounting for about 65% of those killed or missing. The ICFTU attributed that to their opposition to the privatisation of state-owned industries. While the Colombian government denies responsibility, the report said most of the killings were "carried out by paramilitary groups which enjoy the tacit complicity of the security forces".

ICFTU found that more than 4000 trade unionists were arrested worldwide, 1000 were injured and 10,000 were sacked. Anti-union repression was especially bad in China, Indonesia, South Korea, Burma, Zimbabwe and Swaziland. Unionised workers at banana plantations in Costa Rica and Guatemala were harassed and sacked.

From Green Left Weekly, June 26, 2002.

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From GLW issue 497