Message to MEP's

[Your name]
[Your Address]
[Your Postcode]
[Your Constituency]

Dear [MEPs Name],

I am writing to draw your attention to the proposed EU-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that is awaiting ratification by the European Parliament and to ask you to add your support to the campaign against this agreement.

As you may be aware, Colombia remains the most dangerous country in the world in which to be a trade unionist. Since 2007 over 150 trade unionists have been assassinated in Colombia and it is likely that 2010 will see more killings than in any of the previous few years. Unfortunately the Colombian Government has failed to punish those responsible with 96% of cases remaining in complete impunity.

In addition to the murders, trade union activists in Colombia continue to be victims of arbitrary detentions, death threats, torture and forced disappearances. Furthermore, Colombia continues to fail to implement recommendations made by the UN and ILO to improve the situation. Any FTA with Colombia whilst this situation persists will be seen as an endorsement of a regime which has shown flagrant disregard for the rights and lives of workers in Colombia.

The US Congress has blocked a similar US-Colombia FTA due to human rights concerns and the ETUC, numerous European trade unions, and the Colombian trade union movement have all also called for an immediate halt to the proposed EU-Colombia FTA.

I would be grateful if you could add your support to the campaign by contacting Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht and making it clear to him that you intend to oppose the FTA with Colombia. If you could encourage your colleagues in Parliament to do likewise I would appreciate it very much.

For the EU to press ahead with an FTA would send completely the wrong signal to the Colombian regime by appearing to condone their treatment of trade unionists. I hope you will make every effort to support the campaign.

Yours sincerely,

[Your name]

Message to EU Trade Commissioner

[Your name]
[Your Address]
[Your Postcode]
[Your Constituency]

Dear Commissioner De Gucht,

I am writing to express my concern at the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the EU and Colombia.

I am sure that you are aware that Colombia remains the most dangerous country in the world in which to be a trade unionist. Since 2007 over 150 trade unionists have been assassinated in Colombia and it is likely that 2010 will see more killings than in any of the previous few years. Unfortunately the Colombian Government has failed to punish those responsible with 96% of cases remaining in complete impunity.

In addition to the murders, trade union activists in Colombia continue to be victims of arbitrary detentions, death threats, torture and forced disappearances. Furthermore, Colombia continues to fail to implement recommendations made by the UN and ILO to improve the situation. Any FTA with Colombia whilst this situation persists will be seen as an endorsement of a regime which has shown flagrant disregard for the rights and lives of workers in Colombia.

The US Congress has blocked a similar US-Colombia FTA due to human rights concerns and the ETUC, numerous European trade unions, and the Colombian trade union movement have all also called for an immediate halt to the proposed EU-Colombia FTA.

I very much hope that you will listen to those who support human rights and that the EU will not press ahead and ratify this agreement. Doing so would send completely the wrong signal to the Colombian regime by appearing to condone their treatment of trade unionists.

Yours sincerely,

[Your name]