Colombia - Trade or Human Rights?
Issued on January 28, 2015 at 09:23 AM
The Dail is today (28 January) set to debate and ratify the EU Colombia/Peru Free Trade Agreement. Congress and others have been to the fore in pointing out that this is not in keeping with our international reputation or committment to human rights. The motion takes no cognisance of the recent political contribution by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Jobs Enterprise and Innovation and Congress has written to Minister Bruton seeking a postponement of the debate. You can read the Congress delegation contribution to the Committee here
Murders, disappearances; threats & intimidation of trade unionists, human rights defenders and lawyers continue unabated. Colombia is still the most dangerous place in the world to be a trade unionist.
Please contact your TDs today and urge them to oppose this deal!
Update 29 January 2015 - Unfortunately the agreement was approved after a debate yesterday
See reflection on the development by Congress Global Solidarity Committee member, John O'Brien