Jennifer Leete, Domingo Tovar Arrieta and translator Jorge Navas-Betancourt...seeking solidarity

Unionist seeks solidarity for better Colombia

The life of a unionist in Colombia is a dangerous one, reports KERRI CARR.

More than 30 trade unionists have been murdered in Colombia so far this year.

When Colombian Trade Union Confederation human rights director Domingo Tovar Arrieta visited Federation recently he said more than 7000 arrests have been made against social activists; there are more than 100 social activists in gaol and more than 600 people in exile, seeking refugee status.

Through an interpreter Mr Arrieta said 24,000 people were assassinated in Colombia last year.

Mr Arrieta said the education sector was the hardest hit by the killings, followed by the health sector.

The International Confederation of Free Trade Unions says the majority of violations of trade union rights in Colombia take place in the midst of collective bargaining, strikes and other legitimate trade union activities, and not -- as the government claims -- a mere coincidence or side-effect of the internal armed conflict affecting the country.

Mr Arrieta said security problems have increased and "now they are threatening my family".

But Mr Arrieta and his fellow social activists are not discouraged in their quest for a better Colombia.

"Like you, we have a love of life and we will continue to fight as long as we have life," Mr Arrieta said.

"Some of us have been in gaol, in exile, but we believe we must continue the struggle for life in Colombia

"For that struggle we need your support, as men and women workers," he said.

He seeks solidarity from other unions to assist in the struggle for a safer Colombia.

Mr Arrieta said Colombia has a fascist government.

"Today it has anti-terrorism laws that are used [against] trade unionists, civil rights activists and the civilian population," he said.

"[There are] special powers for the police and the armed forces.

"Today, police can accuse, judge and sentence you," he added.

The union movement has embarked on a campaign to demand the government find a political rather than military solution to the internal conflicts.

"We want a political solution to the crisis," Mr Arrieta said.

"The truth must come out; secondly, justice must come; thirdly, compensation to the families of the victims."

Mr Arrieta said unfortunately on of the worst problems in Colombia was impunity, where the perpetrators of crimes against social activists are not brought to justice.

"That's why we've conducted an international campaign and invite you to Colombia in September...where we are going to have a trial against the government.

The trial will examine assassinations, murders, kidnappings and forced disappearances.

The social movement wants to start discussions with the government to release political prisoners and for the guerrilla movement to release people they have kidnapped.

"If there is no solution, the conflict will continue," Mr Arrieta said.

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