Write to your MEP to stop the FTA

Justice for Colombia, with the support of the European trade union movement, is campaigning to block the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the European Union (EU) and Colombia. The murder of trade unionists in Colombia continues, with 46 trade unionists murdered in 2009, and already over 30 killed so far this year. The Colombian security forces are deeply implicated in the violence against trade unionists and other civilians and those responsible for the murders are almost never punished.

Due to these human rights concerns, the USA has delayed its own FTA with Colombia and we believe that the EU should follow this example. We do not believe Colombia should be rewarded with an FTA whilst workers continue to be murdered simply for standing up for their basic rights. The European Union should stand together with the rest of the international community in condemning this horrific situation and telling the regime in Bogota that trade benefits will only be offered if the human rights situation improves.

Trade unions around Europe have joined the campaign, with ETUC General Secretary John Monks writing to all EU member states calling for their support to halt the agreement with Colombia. But most importantly, the Colombian trade union movement has asked the European labour movement to support them by stopping this Free Trade Agreement with Colombia.

Richard Howitt, Labour European Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs explains why the EU ought to reject a Free Trade Agreement with Colombia

Take Action: Write to your MEP and the EU Trade Commissioner to stop the FTA

JFC has produced an in-depth report on this issue which you can read here.