Solidarity with Colombia

On April 12, Jorge Navas, secretary of the South Australian branch of the Health Services Union, spoke to a meeting at Unions Tas about human rights in Colombia and campaigns to protect union leaders.

Navas described the current political crisis in Colombia arising after information was made public about connections between paramilitary death squads and 40 members of parliament. This has led to an increase in human rights abuses as the perpetrators attempt to silence criticism. Nevas told the meeting that after Israel, Colombia is the largest recipient of US military aid.

Solidarity groups in Australia have been working effectively with Colombia's peak union body, the CUT, to lobby key ministers when activists are abducted. To get involved, email <hsuasa@bigpond.net.au>.

From GLW issue 706