How should we help Colombia?

Colombia was a central topic of concern at this year’s TUC Conference and the UK Government has recently revealed details of some of the military advice that they have provided to Colombia in the last year.

We welcome these details being placed in the public domain.

“International co-operation is crucial for Colombia but it should address the root causes of the conflict. Violence is linked to social inequalities, poverty, the impact of globalisation and the growing impunity about human rights violations. The violence will not be solved with more military aid, or by supporting the security forces involved in human right violations. Peace and social justice is not built upon missiles. Only by overcoming social divisions will we find a solution to the terror that faces us in Colombia.” Municipal Services Trade Union SINTRAEMCALI, Cali, Colombia

However, a recent speech by the Colombian President, in which he described some human rights groups as “terrorist sympathisers” and “cowards”, has caused grave concern. The British Ambassador to Colombia has also made remarks which appear to reinforce the President’s view.

“We don’t need more fuel poured onto the flames. We need a freezing of military assistance to Uribe’s regime. We need a fair deal for the Colombian people – not the IMF and multinationals imposing their agenda on us.” Gloria Ramirez, Colombian Trade Union Congress (CUT)

We believe this places the lives of human rights defenders in Colombia in danger. We further believe these events support the view of War on Want that military assistance to the Colombian armed forces should be frozen.

In a shocking u turn the Colombian government, headed by president Alvaro Uribe Velez, has announced its intention to privatise and fragment the Cali Municipal Corporation. The Colombian government had previously assured the workers that no such sell off would take place. Click here to for more on our Urgent Action with our Project Partner SINTRAEMCALI