Glenis Willmott is calling for Europe’s leaders to block a new Free Trade Agreement with Colombia, until the South American state addresses serious human rights issues, particularly against trade unionists.

She has written to European Commission President Barroso, calling for the Free Trade Agreement to be blocked, and for a full investigation to be carried out into human rights violations.

Glenis explained.  “Colombia remains the most dangerous place on Earth to be a trade unionist.   Over 2500 trade unionists have been killed in Colombia in the last 15 years as part of an ongoing war between the government and leftwing rebel groups.

“These injustices cannot continue.   Labour MEPs believe that countries committing human rights violations should not benefit from such agreements with the EU.    We should block the renewal of the Free Trade Agreement, and push for a full investigation.“

“The USA, Norway and Canada have all blocked similar trade agreements with Colombia.    It would be a complete disgrace for the EU to push ahead regardless of the human rights situation, and to break the international consensus around this issue.”

“While internationally, eyes are understandably on the dire situation in Haiti, we must not forget our responsibilities to do what we can elsewhere in the world.”

For further information about the situation in Columbia http://www.justiceforcolombia.org

20.1.2010