Join the fight for justice

For over 20 years there has been a virtually unreported war waged against trade unionists and the poor of Colombia.

Unite is affiliated with Justice for Colombia and as the sister union of Fensuagro, one of the targeted unions in Colombia and led by the imprisoned Hugo Ballesteros, aims is to raise as much awareness as it can.

Unite being the largest union in Britain is showing support to our comrades in Colombia by asking that as many branches and branch members as possible affiliate, so the campaign can be as effective as possible in carrying out its tremendously difficult work.

Unite isn’t only trying to raise awareness but is also trying to raise funds, not just to support the campaign and all the hard work that goes with it, but to support the victims themselves.

Unite is working with Justice for Colombia by fundraising to financially support the imprisoned activists. The jail conditions they are force to endure are beyond appalling.

Women aren’t given the simple toiletries needed; men are left without healthcare to a point they end up dying; and they are even deprived of food and water.

Their ‘crime’? All these brave comrades did was to become active in their trade union and stand up for what they believe in– which in Colombia is enough to be charged as political prisoners. Under the eyes of the state these are seen as acts of rebellion and terrorism.

The funds raised won’t only be used to financially support the imprisoned victims’ healthcare, but will also provide legal funding, financial support for their families and even help fund Fensuagro to fight for their members – and to hope eventually that their terrible plight will end.

Unite executive committee chair, Tony Woodhouse is encouraging branches to get involved. He said, “Unite supports the work of Justice for Colombia. I am calling on all branches in our union to stand together and affiliate to this campaign, to help our brothers and sisters in their fight against this terrible injustice.”

See here to find out more or how you can get involved and show support for the Justice for Colombia campaign.

 

Pictured are Unite regional chairs supporting the campaign with Tony Woodhouse (front left) and Justice for Colombia’s  Mariella Kohon (front centre). Pic by Mark Thomas