TUC condemns violence against protesters.

Dear Mr President

Violence against Protests

On behalf of the TUC General Council, I write to express shock and outrage over the violence perpetrated by the Malawian security forces against demonstrations over the rising cost of living, shortages of essential commodities and repression of human rights on 20-21 July 2011 in Lilongwe.

Our information is that the Malawian security forces opened fire on unarmed demonstrators in the capital, causing the death of 18 of them, that scores were injured in the incidents and that many protesters including a number of trade union leaders and democracy activists had to go into hiding in fear for their lives. We have also learnt that the Malawian authorities had threatened to 'smoke out' those in hiding.

The repression of the freedom of expression is a violation of democratic rights of the people of Malawi enshrined in the country's constitution. Moreover, action against trade unionists exercising their legitimate rights to protest is a breach of the ILO Declaration of Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. Your country which ratified Convention 98(1965) and Convention 87 (1999) is obliged to observe the workers' rights enshrined in them. Furthermore, these incidents will, no doubt, tarnish the image of your country, aggravate the current difficulties and make national dialogue and reconciliation even more difficult.

We urge you to pass on our deep concern over the recent events in Malawi and use your influence with the Malawian authorities to ensure that all Malawians are allowed to exercise their fundamental rights guaranteed in the country's constitution without interference from the State.

Yours sincerely

Brendan Barber

TUC General Secretary