A plea to the Colombian government to tackle civil society violence and honour the 2016 peace agreement

The International Trade Union Confederation’s latest report shows the shocking extent of violence against trade unionists in Colombia. Thirty-four trade unionists were murdered in 2018 – almost two-thirds of worldwide cases. This is more than double the previous year’s tally of 15 murders, which even then made Colombia the most dangerous country for labour organising.

The violence has continued into 2019, with 10 members of the Fensuagro agricultural union killed this year, and 30 since late 2016. Thirteen teachers were also killed in 2018 amid nationwide strike action over conditions and pay.

In 2018, Colombia was invited to join the OECD, formed of the world’s richest countries, even though it clearly violates established standards of labour rights and conditions.

Anti-union violence is a major contributor to Colombia’s abysmal labour rights record. Protecting trade unionists therefore will not only save lives but improve conditions for millions of working people.

Violence against civil society has continued despite the 2016 peace agreement between the state and the Farc to end decades of armed conflict. Colombia faces a human rights catastrophe, with more than 500 social activists and 135 Farc former guerrillas killed since the deal was signed. The UN says the agreement is vital for tackling violence, and reminded the government of its obligations to the peace process.

The international community must demand that Colombia guarantee security for trade unionists and activists. We also urge Colombia’s government to fully implement the peace agreement.



Senator Paul Gavan

Sinn Fein

Dan Carden MP

Labour, Liverpool Walton

Jo Stevens MP

Labour, Cardiff Central

Tony Lloyd MP

Labour, Rochdale

Helen Goodman MP

Labour, Bishop Auckland

Clive Efford MP

Labour, Eltham

Councillor Philippa Marsden

Labour, Caerphilly

Councillor Ian Byrne

Labour, Everton

Councillor Linda Perks

Labour, Greenwich

Steve Cavalier

Thompsons Solicitors chief executive

Frances O’Grady

TUC general secretary

Len McCluskey

Unite general secretary

Dave Prentis

Unison general secretary

Kevin Callinan

Fórsa senior general secretary

Chris Keates

NASUWT general secretary

Dave Ward

CWU general secretary

Claire Sullivan

CSP director of employment relations and union services

Tim Roache

GMB general secretary

Horace Trubridge

MU general secretary

Kevin Courtney

NEU joint general secretary

Grahame Smith

STUC general secretary

Mick Cash

RMT general secretary

Manuel Cortes

TSSA general secretary

Tony Woodhouse

Unite chair

Christine Blower

NEU international secretary

Paddy Lillis

Usdaw general secretary

Dave Todd

POA vice-chair

Joe Simpson

POA deputy general secretary

Mick Whelan

Aslef general secretary

Eoin Ronayne

Forsá Senior general secretary designate

Anne Speed

Unison Northern Ireland head of bargaining and representation

Carl Madan

CWU national executive council

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