TUC condemns brutality in Guinea

Solidarity with unions in Guinea

TUC writes to Ambassador

October 2009

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber has protested to the Guinean ambassador about the horrific events in Guinea last week, where hundreds of peaceful demonstrators - including trade unionists - were attacked by soldiers loyal to the dictatorial regime which took power in a coup last December. Over 150 people are confirmed dead, and many women were raped and mutilated by soldiers in the streets of the capital, Conakry. The TUC is also seeking firm action by the international community and the UK Government.

The General Secretary's letter is as follows:

HE Lansana Keita

Ambassador

Embassy of Guinea-Conakry

258 Belsize Road

London NW6 4BT

Dear Ambassador

Repression of demonstrators in Guinea

The TUC General Council was shocked and outraged by the brutal repression of demonstrators in Conakry on 28 September 2009. We support the call by the international trade union movement for an international independent commission of inquiry to investigate the massacre and related incidents, and I would be grateful if you could convey our concerns to your Government.

Our information is that some 150 people were killed, that over 1200 were injured and that a number of women were raped during the violent incidents in the capital. We have also learnt that, following these incidents, the Junta has banned all gatherings which it considers to be subversive, thereby drastically restricting any activity in defence of human and trade union rights. Moreover, we note that the situation in the country has rapidly deteriorated, that threats against the defenders of human rights, democracy and the rule of law persist and that some people have been placed under arbitrary detention.

As a member of the international community, your country has an obligation to uphold the democratic values and principles and the rule of law enshrined in the international instruments that it has been signatory to.

We urge you to pass on our growing concern over the situation to your Government and use your influence to ensure: that the people in Guinea-Conakry are allowed to exercise their democratic rights; that all detainees are released without delay; and that appropriate and effective measures are taken to avert a recurrence of violence.

Yours sincerely

Brendan Barber

General Secretary