quote:

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A new survey of trade union rights says that Colombia is by far the most dangerous place in the world to be a member of a trade union.

(By Alfredo Castro, ANNCOL Colombia) According to a new report on human rights violations released by the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) at least 184 trade unionists were killed last year in Colombia - accounting for some 86% of the global total of killings of trade union members. The report also mentions that some 189 Colombian unionists received death threats, 27 were victims of assassination attempts, nine were ‘disappeared’ and that there were a total of 166 abductions and arbitrary arrests of union members.

Colombian security force personnel physically attacked many other trade unionists during the year and the report mentions some 80 union activists forced into exile in fear of their lives.

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Colombia most dangerous place on earth for trade unionists

It is interesting to note that Colombia is the largest recipient of aid from the US in all of Latin America. I guess we now know what it's used for.

No wonder so many Latin Americans are turning their backs on "yanqui progress".

[ 08 June 2006: Message edited by: a lonely worker ]