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4 Global solidarity

74 Human trafficking

Congress notes with concern that, despite the efforts of Government and a range of other agencies, the trafficking of men, women and children into this country continues apace.

Congress is aware that trafficking is carried out to take advantage of vulnerable people either in an employment context or as a means of exploiting people sexually.

Congress supports the continuing efforts of Government and the other agencies involved in:

i) raising awareness of trafficking, particularly for the purpose of sexual exploitation

ii) establishing the full extent of trafficking within the UK

iii) developing policy and strategic objectives to end this exploitative practice.

Congress, therefore, calls on the General Council to continue to raise awareness amongst affiliates of the extent of trafficking within this country and of the efforts being made to bring this abhorrent practice to an end.

Educational Institute of Scotland

Amendment

Insert new paragraph 3:

'Congress also recognises that child prostitution is one of the abuses of human rights that results from such trafficking.'

In the final paragraph, line 2, turn all from 'raise' to the end into sub-paragraph a), and then add new sub-paragraph b):

'b) work with the Global Union Federations, ETUC and ITUC to encourage trade unions around the world to lobby their own governments to take concerted action to prevent prostitution of children.'

Association of Teachers and Lecturers

75 Colombia

Congress is outraged by the increasing numbers of trade unionists being assassinated in Colombia. In addition to the killings our education colleagues are regularly jailed without trial, threatened, physically attacked or forced to flee their homes and jobs. Colombia remains the most dangerous country in the world for trade unionists.

Congress believes that the administration of President Uribe is complicit in the violence and is appalled by the lack of any effort by the regime to put an end to the attacks and safeguard the lives of Colombian trade unionists.

Congress notes that the Colombian trade union movement is clearly opposed to both military aid and the proposed EU-Colombia Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Congress is pleased that the US, Canada and Norway have refused to sign FTAs due to human rights concerns and notes that the US has frozen millions of dollars is military aid to Colombia.

Congress is therefore appalled by the current FTA negotiations between Colombia and the European Union and by the ongoing provision of British military aid to Colombia. Rewarding Colombia with trade agreements and military assistance when there has been no improvement in human rights does nothing to improve the situation.

Congress calls on the General Council to:

i) campaign vigorously to prevent the European Union from signing an FTA with Colombia

ii) oppose strongly ongoing UK military aid to Colombia

iii) call on our Government to speak out about the plight of Colombian political prisoners

iv) support the work of Justice for Colombia.

University and College Union

(Please note: the General Council Statement on the Middle East takes precedence over motion 76 Palestine.)

76 Palestine

Congress condemns the Government of Israel's January offensive in Gaza resulting in 1,450 Palestinians deaths and 5,000 injured and the massive destruction of infrastructure.

Congress further condemns the ongoing blockade that is in contravention of International Law.

Congress calls on the General Council to:

i) use its influence with the British Government to make appropriate representations to the international community to secure support for a negotiated settlement based on justice for the Palestinians

ii) build solidarity with the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions.

Congress condemns the Histadrut statement of 13 January 2009 in which it backed the attacks on Gaza and calls on the General Council to carry out a review of the TUC's relationship with Histadrut.

Congress calls on the General Council to pressure the Government to:

a) condemn the Israeli military aggression and end the blockade on Gaza

b) end all arms trading with Israel

c) impose a ban on the importing of goods produced in the illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Territories

d) support moves to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

Congress further calls on the General Council to encourage affiliation to the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and to develop an effective Boycott, Disinvestment and Sanctions campaign by working closely with the PSC to:

1) raise greater awareness on the issues

2) promote a targeted consumer-led boycott

3) encourage trade unionists to boycott Israeli goods, especially agricultural products that have been produced in the illegal settlements

4) encourage campaigns of disinvestment from companies associated with the occupation.

Fire Brigades' Union

Amendment

At the end of paragraph 1, insert: 'and Hamas' rocket attacks against Israeli civilians.'

At the end of paragraph 2, insert: 'and prevents vital supplies from reaching the people of Gaza.'

In paragraph 3, at end of sub-paragraph ii), insert: ', including through project support and encouraging and supporting stronger relations with the Histadrut.'

In paragraph 4, line 1, replace 'condemns' with 'regrets'. In line 3 insert a full stop after 'Gaza' and delete the remaining words in the paragraph.

In paragraph 5, delete sub-paragraph b). Renumber existing sub-paragraph c) as b) and insert at the start of it 'seek EU agreement to'. Renumber existing sub-paragraph d) as c).

In paragraph 6, delete all from 'to develop' in line 3 to 'PSC' in line 5. Delete sub-paragraph 2) and renumber sub-paragraph 3) as 2). In this new sub-paragraph 2), add 'those' before 'Israeli goods' and replace ',especially' with 'and'. Re-number sub-paragraph 4) as 3), inserting at end: 'and pressure companies to withdraw from building the separation wall.'

GMB

Amendment

Add new final paragraph:

'Congress asserts that in undertaking these actions each affiliate will operate within its own aims and objectives and within the law.'

University and College Union

Section five

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