Free trade and human rights

Published in The Globe and Mail

April 17, 2008  
 
Re Why Canada Should Strike A Free-Trade Deal With Colombia (April 15): Jeffrey Simpson blames protectionism for opposition to U.S. and Canadian free trade agreements (FTAs) with Colombia.

Related Material Workers' Rights - A Good Reason to Delay the Colombia Trade Deal Commentary, April 16, 2008 US: Delay Colombia Trade Vote Press Release, April 10, 2008 Congress Should Stand Firm on Colombia Country Page, April 9, 2008 US: Reject Colombia Free Trade Deal Press Release, April 7, 2008 More Information on Human Rights in Colombia Country Page Free Email Newsletter

This ignores the real reason that groups concerned with workers' rights oppose the Colombian FTAs at this time: widespread anti-union violence, impunity, and the influence of paramilitary death squads.  
 
Colombia leads the world in unionist murders; 19 have been killed this year. Impunity is endemic: Of 2,500 reported killings in the past two decades, 68 have resulted in convictions.  
 
Criminal investigations are revealing close ties between paramilitaries and dozens of politicians, most from President Alvaro Uribe's coalition.  
Free trade should be premised on respect for human rights. This respect is glaringly absent in Colombia.  
 
José Miguel Vivanco; Jasmine Herlt  
Americas director, Canada director, Human Rights Watch  

 

 

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