Congress 2013 Emergency Motion 02: Justice for Colombia: Huber Ballesteros

Congress 2013

EMERGENCY MOTION

E02 Justice for Colombia: Huber Ballesteros

Congress is outraged at the detention of Colombian union leader, Huber Ballesteros, on 25 August on false charges of rebellion and financing terrorism, including the channelling of Justice for Colombia funds to FARC. Congress utterly rejects these charges, condemns his imprisonment and calls for his immediate release.

Mr Ballesteros is a leading member of the agricultural workers' union FENSUAGRO, a member of the CUT National Executive, as well as being a leader of the Patriotic March.

Congress notes this arrest comes during a series of industrial actions by unions and others opposing free trade agreements and neoliberal policies. Congress wholeheartedly supports these actions and condemns the widespread repression by police and army, with the killing of 19-year-old Juan Camilo Acosta on 26 August, FENSUAGRO trade unionist Victor Alfonso Ortega on 5 September and more than 10 others.

Congress believes that Mr Ballesteros' arrest aims to undermine the industrial action and shows the government continues to criminalise legitimate union activity and social protest.

Congress firmly believes the right to organise is a fundamental part of any democracy. Congress is particularly appalled that the repression takes place during peace talks between the government and FARC guerrillas.

Congress calls on the General Council to:

campaign for Mr Ballesteros' release

support the work of FENSUAGRO, the CUT and the Patriotic March

continue to support JFC politically and financially and encourage unions to affiliate

continue to oppose the EU Colombia Free Trade Agreement

support the JFC peace campaign.

Mover: National Union of Teachers

Seconder: Unite