FACTSHEET ON TRADE UNIONS IN COLOMBIA 2002-2008

Protection and Prevention Policy

The Risk Evaluation and Regulation Committee (CRER) meets bi-weekly to define the measures of the Protection Programme, including the selection of those individual who are to be protected. The committee consists of state officials; representatives from the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Ombudsman’s Office and the Office of the Controller General; and representatives from the Trade Union Confederations, amongst others. 

The Protection Programme for Communities at Risk or Vulnerable Populations has increased greatly in scope and budget. In 2008, the budget assigned for the protection of unionists represents 30% of its total resources; and has increased by 220% since 2002. The number of trade unionists covered by the programme has increased from 84 in 1999 to 1,959 in 2008.

On 1 May 2008, President Uribe announced the implementation of a preventative reward scheme, authorising authorities to pay rewards to those who provide them with information leading to the prevention of the murder of a union member. 

Results

The number of trade unionists murdered in Colombia has decreased from 186 in 2002 to 26 in 2008, as shown in the graph below.

Justice

According to statistics provided by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, throughout the 1990s there was only one conviction for the murder of a trade unionist, compared to 98 convictions in 2008. To date, a total of 177 persons have been convicted of these execrable crimes, 80 of whom belong to the United Self-Defence Groups of Colombia (AUC), 58 are common criminals, 23 belong to the FARC, ELN and EPL; and 15 are members of the Armed Forces and the Police. Of those condemned, 117 (66%) are carrying out their sentences in prison. 

The murders of trade unionists are being investigated by 19 Public Prosecutors and 90 investigators. Previously no public prosecutors were dedicated to investigating crimes against our unionists. During the first four years of President Uribe’s government, 45 people were convicted of the murder of a trade unionist. In 2007 and 2008 alone, 55 people were condemned. 

To further ensure justice, Colombia will this year submit itself voluntarily – a first for any country – to the Universal Periodic Review by the UN Human Rights Council. 

>> View extended information on trade unions
>> View Joint Statement National Govt & TUCs, 17 july 08
>> Ver Declaración Conjunta - Sindicatos, 17 julio 08