Violence Against Colombian Trade Unionists Project

This project focuses on the horrific level of violence against Colombian trade unionists and the near-total impunity their murderers enjoy. 

Colombia is the most dangerous country in the world for trade unionists, with more trade unionists killed each year in Colombia than in the rest of the world combined.  The vast majority of violence against trade unionists is in response to basic union activities. Since 1991, over 2,200 trade unionists have been assassinated in Colombia. Over 98% of these murders go unpunished.

USLEAP works to change U.S. aid and trade policy towards Colombia in an effort to end impunity and violence against Colombian trade unionists.  This work includes leading delegations to Colombia, producing and distributing analyses of trends with respect to violence and impunity in Colombia, advocacy efforts with policy makers with respect to U.S. aid and trade policy, opposition to a free trade agreement with Colombia, and producing basic educational materials, including a Power Point presentation, bulletins, and a special report on worker rights in Colombia.

 

On this project, USLEAP works with the AFL-CIO, Latin America Working Group, the U.S. Office on Colombia, Witness for Peace, and a number of U.S. trade unions.