This is from the Star.
Harper and Hu Jintao share the view that human rights must take second place to trade! Harper has no qualms it seems about signing a deal with a country that has a reputation for violating human rights especially with respect to labor activists. China is actively enlarging its trading relationships with South American countries and beginning to compete for political influence with the United States.
Leaders meet in Peru for crisis talks
How Pacific trading partners compare
China increases influence at Asia-Pacific summit, where focus is on ways to keep world trade flowing
Nov 22, 2008 04:30 AM
. Thomas Walkom National Affairs Columnist
LIMA–In a former military torture centre guarded by heavily armed police, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and leaders from 20 other Asia-Pacific economies embark today on stage two of a concerted international effort to prevent global economic collapse.
Stage one occurred last weekend in Washington when the heads of a separate but overlapping group known as the G20 agreed on the need to stimulate the battered world economy.
This weekend's session of the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation forum is expected to continue that work by focusing on ways to keep world trade flowing.
To underscore that point, Harper and Colombian President Alvaro Uribe met last night in a hastily arranged get-together at a downtown hotel to officially sign a free-trade agreement between their two countries.
That the APEC leaders meet today in Lima's ministry of defence compound where, according to Peruvian prosecutors, military interrogators once tortured and killed suspected rebels, is but one of the ironies of this summit.
The other is that big countries like Canada and the U.S. now depend on developing nations like Peru to help extricate the world from the deepening economic crisis.
In two days of meetings, Harper and U.S. President George W. Bush will share the stage not only with the Japanese, Russians and Chinese, but with leaders from Vietnam and impoverished Papua New Guinea, a South Pacific country once renowned for cargo cults and headhunters.
But there is a subtext to this summit. And that is the new role of China in a continent that was once America's private preserve.
China is making a full-court press at Lima. Its official press is providing breathless, minute-by-minute coverage of the event.
Beijing has even donated 63 cars to ferry leaders and their aides around Lima.
Already, China is Chile's biggest and Costa Rica's second-biggest trading partner.
Chinese President Hu Jintao's travels this week highlight the growing influence that this once isolated nation now wields in Latin America.
Last Saturday, Hu was in Washington at the G20 meeting, seated in a place of honour at Bush's side.
Then it was off to Costa Rica for a first-ever state visit to Central America, followed by a trip to Cuba to cement old socialist ties before flying to Lima where Hu is expected to sign a free-trade pact with Peruvian President Alan Garcia.
"China is clearly seeking to establish its leadership in regional or transregional economic governance before it goes to global governance ... and the inevitable challenge to/confrontation with the United States and Europe that this would involve," University of Toronto political scientist John Kirton noted in an email.
York University political scientist Gregory Chin says China has successfully used what he calls its multiple identities to increase its influence.
On the one hand, it is a developing nation, a charter member of what former Chinese leader Mao Zedong labelled the third world. Yet on the other, it is the globe's workshop, a major power whose economy is expected to soon exceed Japan's.
Only recently, says Chin, have Canada and the U.S. "woken up and realized what has been going on in their hemisphere while they were focusing on the war on terror and Iraq/Afghanistan."
As part of that wake-up, Canada has been busy signing free-trade deals with anyone it can – including Colombia (which isn't a member of APEC).
A Canada-Chile free-trade pact has been in place for 10 years. A more recent Canada-Peru deal is expected to be operational next year.
Critics have argued that Canada should follow the lead of U.S. president-elect Barack Obama and delay any deal with Colombia until that nation's government, which has a history of murdering trade unionists and others that it deems undesirable, cleans up its act.
But with the world economy going into a tailspin, human rights concerns are receiving shorter shrift.
Besides, Canadian officials said yesterday, the Colombians have promised in a separate side deal to respect labour rights.
Showing posts with label Free trade agreement with Colombia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Free trade agreement with Colombia. Show all posts
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Colombia Free Trade Pact: Endorsing Death Squad Economics
As an article from the McClatchy newspapers notes:
An empowered Democratic Party has taken command of U.S. policy toward Latin America, stalling a free-trade agreement and taking aim at military aid programs for Colombia and Mexico.
This assertiveness began after Democrats took control of Congress in early 2007, but it took a dramatic turn in recent weeks, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi derailing an effort by President Bush to force a vote on a free-trade agreement with Colombia.....
On the other hand Canada after his visit to Colombia last summer has fast-tracked a free trade agreement with Colombia in spite of concerns about the country's human rights and labor record. In the Canadian press the issue seems to have fallen off the radar of the main stream press but here is an article from January in the dominionpaper.
Canada
January 8, 2008
Print
Endorsing Death Squad Economics
Canada's Lightning Speed Trade Negotiations with Colombia
by Jennifer Moore
The Dominion - http://www.dominionpaper.ca
Marie Clarke Walker, representing the Canadian Labour Congress, speaks at a labour rally held in Toronto on November 29th in opposition of the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement. See more photos. Photo: Rick Arnold/Common Frontiers Canada
“Why is it ridiculous to ask that human rights be respected in order to do free trade with Colombia?” asked award-winning Colombian journalist Hollman Morris during an interview on national public radio in Canada a couple of weeks ago.
Morris was reflecting on Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s comments made in Bogotá this past July where he announced the launch of three-way free trade negotiations with Colombia and Peru.
During a press conference with President Alvaro Uribe, Harper said that Canada is prepared to negotiate with Colombia despite being facing the worst humanitarian disaster in the hemisphere according to the UN. Alluding to US Democrats currently blocking approval of the US-Colombia free trade agreement, he stated, “We are not going to say, 'Fix all your social, political and human-rights problems and only then will we engage in trade relations with you.'” His negotiating team has proved its determination to sign a deal and may have wrapped up fast track talks in Lima this week. The negotiations between Colombia and the US took 21 months.
“Prime Minister Harper’s statement is quite offensive,” said Morris, pointing out that “Colombia is the country in which trade unionists are the most endangered in the world [and] in the last couple of years there has been a phenomenon of the dismantlement of trade unions. I’m wondering, is it ridiculous to protect them?”
In 2006, there were 72 reported killings of trade unionists. Over the course of the Uribe administration, four hundred union officers and rank-and-file members have been murdered and of these crimes there have been only seven convictions, says a statement released this month by the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC).
Morris added that Uribe also continues attacks on the press. He says that he has recently “delegitimized journalists [such that] a number have left the country within the last month.” Morris himself has previously been accused by Uribe of having ties to left-wing guerrillas, comments later revoked, but which still put Morris’ life in jeopardy.
Harper’s comments are a strong endorsement for Uribe at a time when his administration faces a grave crisis of legitimacy. The “para-politics scandal” has shaken even his key alliance with the US as a substantial block of US Congress holds up approval of the US-Colombia Free Trade Agreement. Forty congress people, including senators, governors and mayors representing the President’s political coalition, are under investigation for alleged relationships with paramilitary chiefs and collusion in elections fraud. Seventeen are already in jail including the former head of secret services under Uribe. As well, marked failures in Uribe’s paramilitary demobilization program have been demonstrated as paramilitaries are observed to be reorganizing, also sustaining their political influence following recent local elections.
Considering what might be motivating the Canadian Government’s lack of concern for the deep rooted corruption, human rights abuses and impunity in Colombia, Morris proposed, “I think what Canada is trying to do is to put pressure on the democrats in the US to support the FTA with Colombia, which fortunately won’t be signed during the Bush administration and we are very happy for this.”
In fact, the Harper Index reported in late November that President Bush has indeed been taking advantage of Harper’s policy toward Colombia. Speaking with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce in October, the Harper Index quotes Bush as having stated, “As Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada said, if the United States turns its back on its friends in Colombia, this will set back our cause far more than any Latin American dictator could hope to achieve. By its bold actions, Colombia has proved itself worthy of America's support – and I urge Congress to pass this vital agreement as soon as possible.”
As to why Harper can get away with such offensive statements despite Canada’s image of itself as a human rights champion, Manuel Rozental says a key reason is that the Canadian public hasn’t really responded. Rozental recently completed a CLC-sponsored, cross-country speaking tour about the trade negotiations, urging Canadians to demand that the deal be stopped until a full debate take place in the Canadian Parliament. In July he commented that “Harper wouldn’t even dare to behave the way that he’s behaving and go to [visit] this regime if there was any political reaction from the majority of Canadian people, but there isn’t.”
Harper’s trip to Bogotá sparked minimal critique within the Canadian press and failed to trigger any response in the streets. However, this is not an indication that Canadians do not mobilize. When the crisis in Burma erupted, the Canadian public was infuriated. Canadian media coverage of the situation was extensive and numerous protests took place.
However, resistance to Canada’s overdrive free trade talks with Colombia and Peru is evident, as several labour and human rights organizations released statements opposed to a Canada-Colombia FTA in late November. The CLC, in addition to their statement, held a march of several hundred in Toronto on November 29th and called for public support of delegates participating in labour conventions across the country at which they will “consider this issue and demand an end to trade negotiations.” The CLC rejects that such negotiations could be remedied by “ineffective labour and environmental side agreements with no teeth on rights or standards will do nothing to improve the situation.”
In defiance of Canadian labour demands, and despite the general secrecy that usually surrounds bilateral free trade negotiations, it appears that the current Canadian negotiating team has been taking special efforts this time to ensure that labour organizations have no say in the process. Rick Arnold, Coordinator of Common Frontiers Canada, reported this month that “A Colombian trade negotiator recently let slip that the Canadian government told Colombian negotiators to keep the draft labour text secret, well away from Canadian unions and non-governmental organizations.”
According to the Harper Index, in order “to inoculate itself against criticism, earlier this month Federal Labour Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn announced $1 million being given to Colombia under the International Program for Professional Labour Administration (IPPLA).” The Index quoted the Minister as saying that “this funding will help the Colombian Government to strengthen and enforce labour laws on behalf of workers here, and will support good governance by building capacity for the effective administration of labour legislation.”
However, a joint statement released in July by the CLC and a national Colombian labour organization, the Central Unitaria de Trabajadores de Colombia (CUT), says that addressing the potential threats of a free trade agreement to workers needs to start before any negotiations take place. They call for a thorough and prior assessment of risks to workers noting in particular the great asymmetry between the Colombian and Canadian economies. They outline additional concrete measures that would help address the systematic dismantlement of Colombian labour. During 2006, just over 60,000 workers, of an economically active population of twenty million, were able to benefit from collective bargaining.
RECALCA, the Colombian Action Network Against Free Trade and the Free Trade Area of the Americas, also points out that Colombia’s negative trade balance with Canada amounted to $225 million dollars in 2006. According to RECALCA, this agreement is likely to reinforce Colombia’s orientation as a producer of tropical and mineral products in exchange for manufactured goods and machinery. They note that the themes being addressed by these trade negotiations are the same as those covered by US-Colombia talks and conclude that an FTA with Canada would “lock Colombia into free trade, paralyzing the state’s capacity to promote development, leading to abandonment basic food staple production in the country, and leaving aside industrialization while integrating Colombia into the global economy through over-exploitation of cheap labour.” Rural livelihoods are already seriously compromised in Colombia with internal displacement at around 3.8 million.
However, much remains to be seen from the Canadian public. If the CLC campaign catches on, their demands for real change in the situation in Colombia also implicate serious changes to the current Canadian model; “An international business deal with Colombia or any other country,” according to the CLC, should “foster “fair-trade”, and not only benefit international investors while worsening widespread conditions of poverty and social exclusion.”
The Harper government, in its rush to complete this free trade deal, is unlikely to do this on its own. A serious and vigorous public debate in Canada is urgently required.
An empowered Democratic Party has taken command of U.S. policy toward Latin America, stalling a free-trade agreement and taking aim at military aid programs for Colombia and Mexico.
This assertiveness began after Democrats took control of Congress in early 2007, but it took a dramatic turn in recent weeks, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi derailing an effort by President Bush to force a vote on a free-trade agreement with Colombia.....
On the other hand Canada after his visit to Colombia last summer has fast-tracked a free trade agreement with Colombia in spite of concerns about the country's human rights and labor record. In the Canadian press the issue seems to have fallen off the radar of the main stream press but here is an article from January in the dominionpaper.
Canada
January 8, 2008
Endorsing Death Squad Economics
Canada's Lightning Speed Trade Negotiations with Colombia
by Jennifer Moore
The Dominion - http://www.dominionpaper.ca
Marie Clarke Walker, representing the Canadian Labour Congress, speaks at a labour rally held in Toronto on November 29th in opposition of the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement. See more photos. Photo: Rick Arnold/Common Frontiers Canada
“Why is it ridiculous to ask that human rights be respected in order to do free trade with Colombia?” asked award-winning Colombian journalist Hollman Morris during an interview on national public radio in Canada a couple of weeks ago.
Morris was reflecting on Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s comments made in Bogotá this past July where he announced the launch of three-way free trade negotiations with Colombia and Peru.
During a press conference with President Alvaro Uribe, Harper said that Canada is prepared to negotiate with Colombia despite being facing the worst humanitarian disaster in the hemisphere according to the UN. Alluding to US Democrats currently blocking approval of the US-Colombia free trade agreement, he stated, “We are not going to say, 'Fix all your social, political and human-rights problems and only then will we engage in trade relations with you.'” His negotiating team has proved its determination to sign a deal and may have wrapped up fast track talks in Lima this week. The negotiations between Colombia and the US took 21 months.
“Prime Minister Harper’s statement is quite offensive,” said Morris, pointing out that “Colombia is the country in which trade unionists are the most endangered in the world [and] in the last couple of years there has been a phenomenon of the dismantlement of trade unions. I’m wondering, is it ridiculous to protect them?”
In 2006, there were 72 reported killings of trade unionists. Over the course of the Uribe administration, four hundred union officers and rank-and-file members have been murdered and of these crimes there have been only seven convictions, says a statement released this month by the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC).
Morris added that Uribe also continues attacks on the press. He says that he has recently “delegitimized journalists [such that] a number have left the country within the last month.” Morris himself has previously been accused by Uribe of having ties to left-wing guerrillas, comments later revoked, but which still put Morris’ life in jeopardy.
Harper’s comments are a strong endorsement for Uribe at a time when his administration faces a grave crisis of legitimacy. The “para-politics scandal” has shaken even his key alliance with the US as a substantial block of US Congress holds up approval of the US-Colombia Free Trade Agreement. Forty congress people, including senators, governors and mayors representing the President’s political coalition, are under investigation for alleged relationships with paramilitary chiefs and collusion in elections fraud. Seventeen are already in jail including the former head of secret services under Uribe. As well, marked failures in Uribe’s paramilitary demobilization program have been demonstrated as paramilitaries are observed to be reorganizing, also sustaining their political influence following recent local elections.
Considering what might be motivating the Canadian Government’s lack of concern for the deep rooted corruption, human rights abuses and impunity in Colombia, Morris proposed, “I think what Canada is trying to do is to put pressure on the democrats in the US to support the FTA with Colombia, which fortunately won’t be signed during the Bush administration and we are very happy for this.”
In fact, the Harper Index reported in late November that President Bush has indeed been taking advantage of Harper’s policy toward Colombia. Speaking with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce in October, the Harper Index quotes Bush as having stated, “As Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada said, if the United States turns its back on its friends in Colombia, this will set back our cause far more than any Latin American dictator could hope to achieve. By its bold actions, Colombia has proved itself worthy of America's support – and I urge Congress to pass this vital agreement as soon as possible.”
As to why Harper can get away with such offensive statements despite Canada’s image of itself as a human rights champion, Manuel Rozental says a key reason is that the Canadian public hasn’t really responded. Rozental recently completed a CLC-sponsored, cross-country speaking tour about the trade negotiations, urging Canadians to demand that the deal be stopped until a full debate take place in the Canadian Parliament. In July he commented that “Harper wouldn’t even dare to behave the way that he’s behaving and go to [visit] this regime if there was any political reaction from the majority of Canadian people, but there isn’t.”
Harper’s trip to Bogotá sparked minimal critique within the Canadian press and failed to trigger any response in the streets. However, this is not an indication that Canadians do not mobilize. When the crisis in Burma erupted, the Canadian public was infuriated. Canadian media coverage of the situation was extensive and numerous protests took place.
However, resistance to Canada’s overdrive free trade talks with Colombia and Peru is evident, as several labour and human rights organizations released statements opposed to a Canada-Colombia FTA in late November. The CLC, in addition to their statement, held a march of several hundred in Toronto on November 29th and called for public support of delegates participating in labour conventions across the country at which they will “consider this issue and demand an end to trade negotiations.” The CLC rejects that such negotiations could be remedied by “ineffective labour and environmental side agreements with no teeth on rights or standards will do nothing to improve the situation.”
In defiance of Canadian labour demands, and despite the general secrecy that usually surrounds bilateral free trade negotiations, it appears that the current Canadian negotiating team has been taking special efforts this time to ensure that labour organizations have no say in the process. Rick Arnold, Coordinator of Common Frontiers Canada, reported this month that “A Colombian trade negotiator recently let slip that the Canadian government told Colombian negotiators to keep the draft labour text secret, well away from Canadian unions and non-governmental organizations.”
According to the Harper Index, in order “to inoculate itself against criticism, earlier this month Federal Labour Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn announced $1 million being given to Colombia under the International Program for Professional Labour Administration (IPPLA).” The Index quoted the Minister as saying that “this funding will help the Colombian Government to strengthen and enforce labour laws on behalf of workers here, and will support good governance by building capacity for the effective administration of labour legislation.”
However, a joint statement released in July by the CLC and a national Colombian labour organization, the Central Unitaria de Trabajadores de Colombia (CUT), says that addressing the potential threats of a free trade agreement to workers needs to start before any negotiations take place. They call for a thorough and prior assessment of risks to workers noting in particular the great asymmetry between the Colombian and Canadian economies. They outline additional concrete measures that would help address the systematic dismantlement of Colombian labour. During 2006, just over 60,000 workers, of an economically active population of twenty million, were able to benefit from collective bargaining.
RECALCA, the Colombian Action Network Against Free Trade and the Free Trade Area of the Americas, also points out that Colombia’s negative trade balance with Canada amounted to $225 million dollars in 2006. According to RECALCA, this agreement is likely to reinforce Colombia’s orientation as a producer of tropical and mineral products in exchange for manufactured goods and machinery. They note that the themes being addressed by these trade negotiations are the same as those covered by US-Colombia talks and conclude that an FTA with Canada would “lock Colombia into free trade, paralyzing the state’s capacity to promote development, leading to abandonment basic food staple production in the country, and leaving aside industrialization while integrating Colombia into the global economy through over-exploitation of cheap labour.” Rural livelihoods are already seriously compromised in Colombia with internal displacement at around 3.8 million.
However, much remains to be seen from the Canadian public. If the CLC campaign catches on, their demands for real change in the situation in Colombia also implicate serious changes to the current Canadian model; “An international business deal with Colombia or any other country,” according to the CLC, should “foster “fair-trade”, and not only benefit international investors while worsening widespread conditions of poverty and social exclusion.”
The Harper government, in its rush to complete this free trade deal, is unlikely to do this on its own. A serious and vigorous public debate in Canada is urgently required.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Why a Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement is a big mistake.
In the case of Colombia Harper is forging ahead where even the US has stalled a similar free trade process because of concern about human rights. Harper always portrays himself as a great defender of human rights but his concerns are selective. He does not worry about Khadr in Guantanamo, nor seemingly does he worry about a free trade agreement with Colombia which as this article shows is a huge violator of human rights. This is from the http://canadianlabour.ca/index.php/colombia_projects/1277.
Why a Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement is a Big Mistake
November 7, 2007
“Guided by our shared values of democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law, a commitment to action means that Canada must make common cause with those fighting for the values we uphold.”Throne Speech, Oct. 16, 2007
Ten reasons why Canada should immediately stop negotiations of a free trade agreement with Colombia; the worst human rights violator in the Americas:
Colombia is the country where more trade unionists are killed than in the rest of the world combined. Four hundred (400) union officers and rank-and-file members have been brutally and systematically murdered during the administration of President Alvaro Uribe Velez. Of these crimes there have been only 7 convictions. In 2006, 72 unionists were murdered 23; so far in 2007. Labour activists are targeted by those who believe organizing unions is a subversive activity linked to the guerillas. In those cases where the perpetrator is known, government-supported paramilitary organizations or the armed forces or the police are most often responsible. Former paramilitary leader Carlos Castano explained that, "We kill trade unionists because they interfere with people working.” The government's inaction sends a clear message to human rights violators that there are still no consequences for killing trade unionists in Colombia.
Designated as a "foreign terrorist organization" by the Canadian Government, Colombian paramilitaries have committed numerous atrocities and crimes, including massacres, murder, torture and trafficking illicit drugs. The purpose of paramilitary terror has been to dismantle Indigenous, Afro-Colombian and other social movements and vulnerable groups in order to take over their resource rich territories for the benefit of the mostly multinational extractive industries and agriculture such as "African" palm oil. Few controls exist to ensure that extractive companies behave responsibly.
There are 3.8 million internally displaced people, 57% of which are women. The UN calls this the worst humanitarian disaster in the Western Hemisphere and it is growing.
Nine hundred and fifty-five (955) cases of extrajudicial executions by the army over the last five years have been documented. The numbers are rising. Colombian soldiers are accused of executing peasants in rural areas and passing them off as leftist rebels killed in combat.
Sixty-two (62) mafia-like, ex-paramilitary, drug-trafficking, criminal networks control economic activities and political institutions in 23 of the 31 provinces and are vying with guerilla groups for control of the drug trade. Despite the demobilization of over 31,000 paramilitary death squad members, abuse and insecurity prevail in the countryside.
Forty (40) lawmakers including senators, governors and mayors representing the President’s political coalition are under investigation by the country's Attorney-General and Supreme Court for alleged relationships with paramilitary chiefs (labeled as terrorists by Canada) and collusion in elections fraud. Seventeen (17) are in jail together with Uribe's former head of secret services and campaign manager and high-ranking military officials.
Journalists, electoral candidates, human rights workers, community and union leaders and those who challenge President Uribe's policies are accused by the President of being supporters of the FARC guerillas. Such accusations are often followed by death threats, disappearance or exile. The well-known journalist, Holman Morris, recent recipient of the Canadian Freedom of Expression award is once again in exile after being accused of providing information to the FARC.
The US Congress has refused to approve a similar free trade agreement with Colombia based on evidence of government involvement in crimes against humanity, massive human rights violations, on-going unsolved crimes against labour activists and direct involvement of the Colombian government with paramilitary death squads. They say Bogota is not doing enough to prosecute those accused of colluding with the paramilitaries or to dismantle their power structures.
Prime Minister Harper says he believes that the Colombian government has been working to implement open market policies and strengthen democracy within the country. A FTA with Canada throws a lifeline of political support to a government in a crisis of legitimacy, whose supporters have been linked to paramilitary death squads which the Canadian government has classified as terrorist organizations.
And most importantly,
Colombia’s president Alvaro Uribe Velez and his government do NOT share Canadian values of human rights, democracy, freedom and rule of law.
Ineffective labour and environmental side agreements with no teeth on rights or standards will do nothing to improve the situation described above.
The Canadian Labour Congress, therefore, calls on Prime Minister Harper to stop negotiations of the international business deal with Colombia until he can show the Canadian public that measures have been taken to ensure the following:
the rule of law and an end to impunity for crimes against union leaders, human rights defenders and the civilian population;
that Canadian extractive companies operating in Colombia act responsibly to the communities in which they operate;
that displaced communities can return to their lands;
that Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities are involved and allowed a say on development projects which take place on their territories;
that no products, resources or other commercial goods are produced on lands illegally appropriated by drug traffickers and paramilitary groups;
that a trade deal does not benefit government linked criminal networks;
that an international business deal with Colombia or any other country fosters “fair-trade”, and does not only benefit international investors while worsening widespread conditions of poverty and social exclusion
Why a Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement is a Big Mistake
November 7, 2007
“Guided by our shared values of democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law, a commitment to action means that Canada must make common cause with those fighting for the values we uphold.”Throne Speech, Oct. 16, 2007
Ten reasons why Canada should immediately stop negotiations of a free trade agreement with Colombia; the worst human rights violator in the Americas:
Colombia is the country where more trade unionists are killed than in the rest of the world combined. Four hundred (400) union officers and rank-and-file members have been brutally and systematically murdered during the administration of President Alvaro Uribe Velez. Of these crimes there have been only 7 convictions. In 2006, 72 unionists were murdered 23; so far in 2007. Labour activists are targeted by those who believe organizing unions is a subversive activity linked to the guerillas. In those cases where the perpetrator is known, government-supported paramilitary organizations or the armed forces or the police are most often responsible. Former paramilitary leader Carlos Castano explained that, "We kill trade unionists because they interfere with people working.” The government's inaction sends a clear message to human rights violators that there are still no consequences for killing trade unionists in Colombia.
Designated as a "foreign terrorist organization" by the Canadian Government, Colombian paramilitaries have committed numerous atrocities and crimes, including massacres, murder, torture and trafficking illicit drugs. The purpose of paramilitary terror has been to dismantle Indigenous, Afro-Colombian and other social movements and vulnerable groups in order to take over their resource rich territories for the benefit of the mostly multinational extractive industries and agriculture such as "African" palm oil. Few controls exist to ensure that extractive companies behave responsibly.
There are 3.8 million internally displaced people, 57% of which are women. The UN calls this the worst humanitarian disaster in the Western Hemisphere and it is growing.
Nine hundred and fifty-five (955) cases of extrajudicial executions by the army over the last five years have been documented. The numbers are rising. Colombian soldiers are accused of executing peasants in rural areas and passing them off as leftist rebels killed in combat.
Sixty-two (62) mafia-like, ex-paramilitary, drug-trafficking, criminal networks control economic activities and political institutions in 23 of the 31 provinces and are vying with guerilla groups for control of the drug trade. Despite the demobilization of over 31,000 paramilitary death squad members, abuse and insecurity prevail in the countryside.
Forty (40) lawmakers including senators, governors and mayors representing the President’s political coalition are under investigation by the country's Attorney-General and Supreme Court for alleged relationships with paramilitary chiefs (labeled as terrorists by Canada) and collusion in elections fraud. Seventeen (17) are in jail together with Uribe's former head of secret services and campaign manager and high-ranking military officials.
Journalists, electoral candidates, human rights workers, community and union leaders and those who challenge President Uribe's policies are accused by the President of being supporters of the FARC guerillas. Such accusations are often followed by death threats, disappearance or exile. The well-known journalist, Holman Morris, recent recipient of the Canadian Freedom of Expression award is once again in exile after being accused of providing information to the FARC.
The US Congress has refused to approve a similar free trade agreement with Colombia based on evidence of government involvement in crimes against humanity, massive human rights violations, on-going unsolved crimes against labour activists and direct involvement of the Colombian government with paramilitary death squads. They say Bogota is not doing enough to prosecute those accused of colluding with the paramilitaries or to dismantle their power structures.
Prime Minister Harper says he believes that the Colombian government has been working to implement open market policies and strengthen democracy within the country. A FTA with Canada throws a lifeline of political support to a government in a crisis of legitimacy, whose supporters have been linked to paramilitary death squads which the Canadian government has classified as terrorist organizations.
And most importantly,
Colombia’s president Alvaro Uribe Velez and his government do NOT share Canadian values of human rights, democracy, freedom and rule of law.
Ineffective labour and environmental side agreements with no teeth on rights or standards will do nothing to improve the situation described above.
The Canadian Labour Congress, therefore, calls on Prime Minister Harper to stop negotiations of the international business deal with Colombia until he can show the Canadian public that measures have been taken to ensure the following:
the rule of law and an end to impunity for crimes against union leaders, human rights defenders and the civilian population;
that Canadian extractive companies operating in Colombia act responsibly to the communities in which they operate;
that displaced communities can return to their lands;
that Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities are involved and allowed a say on development projects which take place on their territories;
that no products, resources or other commercial goods are produced on lands illegally appropriated by drug traffickers and paramilitary groups;
that a trade deal does not benefit government linked criminal networks;
that an international business deal with Colombia or any other country fosters “fair-trade”, and does not only benefit international investors while worsening widespread conditions of poverty and social exclusion
Thursday, July 19, 2007
NUPGE opposes Colombia free trade deal
So far there does not seem too much publicity about the NUPGE opposition. I imagine some other unions probably oppose the deal as well. Harper is again following the Bush agenda. I wonder if the Liberals, Bloc, and NDP will oppose the deal as the Democrats have in the US-- at least until some conditions are met. What's next a free trade deal with Zimbabwe or Burma?
NUPGE says free trade talks legitimize violence in Colombia
Murder, threats, arbitrary detention, kidnapping, torture and disappearances associated with the Uribe government
Ottawa (18 July 2007) - Canada is putting economic considerations ahead of the well-being of the Colombian people by pursuing a free trade agreement that legitimizes the violent government of Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, says the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE).
In a letter to Stephen Harper, NUPGE President James Clancy said the prime minister's visit to Colombia this week raises serious concerns about Canada's foreign policy priorities.
Stephen Harper and Alvaro Uribe
"We believe that in pursuing a Canada-Colombia free trade agreement, you are placing trade and investment concerns above the well-being of the people of Colombia," Clancy wrote.
"This also represents yet another example of Canada adopting the failed policy objectives of U.S. President Bush - this time in opposition to even that of the U.S. Congress."
Colombia in crisis
Clancy said the Colombian people are enduring a humanitarian crisis at the hands of the Uribe government.
"Since 1991, more than 2,245 trade union leaders and activists have been assassinated in Colombia. Furthermore, at least 8,000 have suffered threats, arbitrary detention, kidnapping, torture and disappearances," he wrote.
"The Uribe government has done little to quell the violence. Indeed, as recent reports from Colombia indicate, there is growing evidence of links between the government and right-wing paramilitary groups."
The CBC reports that two senators in Uribe's political party and one of his cousins have been closely linked to "right-wing death squads." Videotaped evidence also exists of Uribe associating with paramilitary leaders.
"Colombia's labour and civil rights movements oppose the negotiation of free trade agreements until the government takes meaningful action against the violence and intimidation," Clancy told Harper.
"It is inappropriate for the Canadian government to ignore the pleas for assistance from some of the most persecuted and embattled people in the world," he said.
"It is also surprising, and worrisome, that the Canadian government would pursue this course of action in light of the strong opposition in the U.S. Congress to a free trade agreement with Colombia."
U.S. Congress
On July 2, Nancy Pelosi and other senior leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives issued a statement saying "there must first be concrete evidence of sustained results on the ground in Colombia" before Congress could support a free trade deal with Colombia.
"It appears that your government, by pursuing a free trade agreement with Colombia, is attempting to bring us even further in line with the discredited foreign policy of U.S. President Bush," Clancy said.
He told Harper that NUPGE has joined the Canadian Labour Congress and the Central Unitaria de Trabajadores de Colombia (CUT) in demanding that trade negotiations with Colombia be delayed until the Colombian government:
● completely severs all ties with paramilitary organizations and international criminal networks;
● provides meaningful and adequate protection for unions and trade unionists;
● makes significant advances in the investigation and prosecution of crimes against trade unionists;
● brings its labour laws into conformity with the International Labour Organization (ILO) core labour standards; and
● provides full support for the newly created ILO office in Colombia to monitor labour rights compliance and pursue the investigation of key cases of assassinations of trade unionists.
"The people of the Americas have traditionally looked to Canada as a voice for fair and just policies in the region," Clancy said.
"Your government, by embracing the failed foreign policies of the Bush administration, is severely eroding our reputation in our southern hemisphere. I urge you and your government to give this matter serious consideration." NUPGE
More information:
● Colombia: the struggle for justice and peace
Web posted by NUPGE: 18 July 2007
NUPGE says free trade talks legitimize violence in Colombia
Murder, threats, arbitrary detention, kidnapping, torture and disappearances associated with the Uribe government
Ottawa (18 July 2007) - Canada is putting economic considerations ahead of the well-being of the Colombian people by pursuing a free trade agreement that legitimizes the violent government of Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, says the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE).
In a letter to Stephen Harper, NUPGE President James Clancy said the prime minister's visit to Colombia this week raises serious concerns about Canada's foreign policy priorities.
Stephen Harper and Alvaro Uribe
"We believe that in pursuing a Canada-Colombia free trade agreement, you are placing trade and investment concerns above the well-being of the people of Colombia," Clancy wrote.
"This also represents yet another example of Canada adopting the failed policy objectives of U.S. President Bush - this time in opposition to even that of the U.S. Congress."
Colombia in crisis
Clancy said the Colombian people are enduring a humanitarian crisis at the hands of the Uribe government.
"Since 1991, more than 2,245 trade union leaders and activists have been assassinated in Colombia. Furthermore, at least 8,000 have suffered threats, arbitrary detention, kidnapping, torture and disappearances," he wrote.
"The Uribe government has done little to quell the violence. Indeed, as recent reports from Colombia indicate, there is growing evidence of links between the government and right-wing paramilitary groups."
The CBC reports that two senators in Uribe's political party and one of his cousins have been closely linked to "right-wing death squads." Videotaped evidence also exists of Uribe associating with paramilitary leaders.
"Colombia's labour and civil rights movements oppose the negotiation of free trade agreements until the government takes meaningful action against the violence and intimidation," Clancy told Harper.
"It is inappropriate for the Canadian government to ignore the pleas for assistance from some of the most persecuted and embattled people in the world," he said.
"It is also surprising, and worrisome, that the Canadian government would pursue this course of action in light of the strong opposition in the U.S. Congress to a free trade agreement with Colombia."
U.S. Congress
On July 2, Nancy Pelosi and other senior leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives issued a statement saying "there must first be concrete evidence of sustained results on the ground in Colombia" before Congress could support a free trade deal with Colombia.
"It appears that your government, by pursuing a free trade agreement with Colombia, is attempting to bring us even further in line with the discredited foreign policy of U.S. President Bush," Clancy said.
He told Harper that NUPGE has joined the Canadian Labour Congress and the Central Unitaria de Trabajadores de Colombia (CUT) in demanding that trade negotiations with Colombia be delayed until the Colombian government:
● completely severs all ties with paramilitary organizations and international criminal networks;
● provides meaningful and adequate protection for unions and trade unionists;
● makes significant advances in the investigation and prosecution of crimes against trade unionists;
● brings its labour laws into conformity with the International Labour Organization (ILO) core labour standards; and
● provides full support for the newly created ILO office in Colombia to monitor labour rights compliance and pursue the investigation of key cases of assassinations of trade unionists.
"The people of the Americas have traditionally looked to Canada as a voice for fair and just policies in the region," Clancy said.
"Your government, by embracing the failed foreign policies of the Bush administration, is severely eroding our reputation in our southern hemisphere. I urge you and your government to give this matter serious consideration." NUPGE
More information:
● Colombia: the struggle for justice and peace
Web posted by NUPGE: 18 July 2007
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Harper to discuss free trade deal with Colombia
This article does not mention that the US free trade deal with Colombia is being held up by congress due to concern with human rights issues in Colombia among other things:
Mr Bush asked Congress to consider the implications of the deal with Colombia and two pending pacts with Peru and Panama.
"It is very important for this nation to stand with democracies that protect human rights and human dignity, democracies based upon the rule of law.
"So the free trade agreement with Colombia, Peru and Panama - these agreements are more than just trade votes."
So countries such as Colombia with wretched human rights record and rampant vigilante justice involving the first family it seems are the sorts of democracies that are to be fostered in South America. The entire article is at BBC.
Harper uses the same garbage democracy rhetoric as Bush. The US has promoted democracy in South and Central America through the likes of Pinochet and Somoza, and Papa Doc in Haiti. When the US does not like a government they democratically invade as in Panama, or Grenada, or by proxy as in the Bay of Pigs.
Harper of course does not visit Venezuela or Bolivia or even Brazil. He follows in the footsteps of Bush in Colombia and Peru.
Harper, Colombian leader to discuss free trade deal
Human rights groups pressing for talks on humanitarian issues
Last Updated: Sunday, July 15, 2007 | 5:39 PM ET
CBC News
Prime Minister Stephen Harper is expected to focus on trade relations as he begins a six-day trip to South America and the Caribbean on Sunday.
His first stop is Colombia, a country with a bustling economy and a government mired in a scandal being closely watched by human rights groups.
Colombia's Supreme Court recently began investigating President Alvaro Uribe's cousin and two senators over alleged ties to the country's right-wing paramilitary groups.
The Harper government recently announced its intention to start negotiating a free trade deal with Colombia. Talks have yet to start, but senior government officials say the topic will likely come up for discussion on Monday when Harper meets with Uribe.
Currently, $500 million worth of goods and services flow each way between Canada and Colombia annually, William Dymond, senior executive fellow at Carleton University's Centre for Trade Policy and Law, told CBC News.
The talks are a good idea, he said, adding that it's important for Canada to establish a free trade agreement with Colombia so that it doesn't lose some key markets, such as agriculture, to the United States, which has already signed a trade deal with the South American country.
"Trade agreements are not about today's trade," Dymond said. "They're about tomorrow's trade."
Furthermore, Canada would benefit if a free trade agreement could open new markets for its financial services, mining and engineering sectors, Dymond said.
If there's political backing for it, a trade deal would take eight to 12 months to negotiate, he added.
While in Bogota, Harper is also scheduled to tour a Canadian-funded rehabilitation centre that helps victims of the landmines that litter the country after years of civil war.
Starting Tuesday, he'll spend two days in Santiago, where he will mark the 10th anniversary of the Canada-Chile free trade agreement and meet with President Michelle Bachelet.
Next on the itinerary is Barbados, where Harper will meet with Prime Minister Owen Arthur and other Caribbean leaders.
Harper will end his whirlwind tour on July 20 as he makes a brief stop in Haiti for a chat with President Rene Préval before returning to Ottawa.
In a news conference last Wednesday, human rights and labour groups released an open letter to Harper asking him to raise a number of humanitarian issues when he meets with the leaders of Colombia and Haiti.
"We're asking the prime minister to put human rights first … to make it clear that trade does not trump human rights," Kathy Price of Amnesty International told CBC Newsworld on Sunday.
In a news release earlier this month announcing the tour, Harper's office said: "Through this enhanced engagement, Canada could achieve real progress on key issues such as security, democratic governance and economic prosperity."
Mr Bush asked Congress to consider the implications of the deal with Colombia and two pending pacts with Peru and Panama.
"It is very important for this nation to stand with democracies that protect human rights and human dignity, democracies based upon the rule of law.
"So the free trade agreement with Colombia, Peru and Panama - these agreements are more than just trade votes."
So countries such as Colombia with wretched human rights record and rampant vigilante justice involving the first family it seems are the sorts of democracies that are to be fostered in South America. The entire article is at BBC.
Harper uses the same garbage democracy rhetoric as Bush. The US has promoted democracy in South and Central America through the likes of Pinochet and Somoza, and Papa Doc in Haiti. When the US does not like a government they democratically invade as in Panama, or Grenada, or by proxy as in the Bay of Pigs.
Harper of course does not visit Venezuela or Bolivia or even Brazil. He follows in the footsteps of Bush in Colombia and Peru.
Harper, Colombian leader to discuss free trade deal
Human rights groups pressing for talks on humanitarian issues
Last Updated: Sunday, July 15, 2007 | 5:39 PM ET
CBC News
Prime Minister Stephen Harper is expected to focus on trade relations as he begins a six-day trip to South America and the Caribbean on Sunday.
His first stop is Colombia, a country with a bustling economy and a government mired in a scandal being closely watched by human rights groups.
Colombia's Supreme Court recently began investigating President Alvaro Uribe's cousin and two senators over alleged ties to the country's right-wing paramilitary groups.
The Harper government recently announced its intention to start negotiating a free trade deal with Colombia. Talks have yet to start, but senior government officials say the topic will likely come up for discussion on Monday when Harper meets with Uribe.
Currently, $500 million worth of goods and services flow each way between Canada and Colombia annually, William Dymond, senior executive fellow at Carleton University's Centre for Trade Policy and Law, told CBC News.
The talks are a good idea, he said, adding that it's important for Canada to establish a free trade agreement with Colombia so that it doesn't lose some key markets, such as agriculture, to the United States, which has already signed a trade deal with the South American country.
"Trade agreements are not about today's trade," Dymond said. "They're about tomorrow's trade."
Furthermore, Canada would benefit if a free trade agreement could open new markets for its financial services, mining and engineering sectors, Dymond said.
If there's political backing for it, a trade deal would take eight to 12 months to negotiate, he added.
While in Bogota, Harper is also scheduled to tour a Canadian-funded rehabilitation centre that helps victims of the landmines that litter the country after years of civil war.
Starting Tuesday, he'll spend two days in Santiago, where he will mark the 10th anniversary of the Canada-Chile free trade agreement and meet with President Michelle Bachelet.
Next on the itinerary is Barbados, where Harper will meet with Prime Minister Owen Arthur and other Caribbean leaders.
Harper will end his whirlwind tour on July 20 as he makes a brief stop in Haiti for a chat with President Rene Préval before returning to Ottawa.
In a news conference last Wednesday, human rights and labour groups released an open letter to Harper asking him to raise a number of humanitarian issues when he meets with the leaders of Colombia and Haiti.
"We're asking the prime minister to put human rights first … to make it clear that trade does not trump human rights," Kathy Price of Amnesty International told CBC Newsworld on Sunday.
In a news release earlier this month announcing the tour, Harper's office said: "Through this enhanced engagement, Canada could achieve real progress on key issues such as security, democratic governance and economic prosperity."
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