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"We support the continuity of the strike and peaceful mobilizations in line with the decisions of the National Strike Committee and the multiple social organizations that accompany it." — Larry Brown, NUPGE President
Ottawa (10 May 2021) — The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is speaking out against Colombia's violent repression of ongoing protests, which began with a general strike on April 28. The demonstrators, led by trade unions and social groups, are protesting government policies that threaten to deepen inequality.
Larry Brown, NUPGE President, has written a letter to the President of Colombia to condemn the violence and to voice solidarity with the people's movement and their demands.
NUPGE condemns brutal repression
"NUPGE strongly condemns the brutal repression of the Colombian people who have exercised their right to freedom of expression against the tax reform bill and the anti-social policies of your government," wrote Brown.
"The protests have been met with military action. State agencies—the National Police and the Mobile Anti-riot Squad (ESMAD)—social cleansing groups, and plainclothes police officers, with the help of the army, have intimidated, persecuted, repressed, injured, and murdered union and social leaders. They have also indiscriminately targeted the general population.
According to reports from human rights organizations, there have been more than 1,089 cases of violence. They include 726 arbitrary detentions, 28 protesters killed, 234 people wounded, 5 demonstrators who disappeared, and 6 women raped by ESMAD soldiers."
Withdrawal of tax bill a victory, but fight isn't over
"The announcement of the withdrawal of the tax reform bill is a triumph of the massive social protest and citizen mobilization," wrote Brown. "But it does not satisfy the demands of the Colombian people, as your government has proposed the immediate presentation of another bill, through methods that are still unclear."
"For this reason," Brown continued, "we support the continuity of the strike and peaceful mobilizations in line with the decisions of the National Strike Committee (Comité Nacional del Paro) and the multiple social organizations that accompany it."
The people's demands must be met
Brown echoed the movement's demands. "We support the legitimate demands of the Colombian people for:
• demilitarization of the urban areas and cities
• dismantling of ESMAD
• consequences for those responsible for the brutal repression of the demonstrations
• guarantees for the right of peaceful protest
• negotiations on the Unified Emergency Plan with the National Strike Committee"
Read the letter here.