The Colombian government has responded with brutal repression to widespread civil unrest that started with a national strike organised by the Colombian union movement.
As The Lamp went to press, police and military units had killed more than 40 protestors.
According to reports from human rights organisations, by 10 May there had been more than 1089 cases of violence, 726 arbitrary detentions, 234 wounded, five demonstrators had disappeared and six women raped by ESMAD soldiers (Escuadrón Móvil Antidisturbios – the Mobile Anti-Disturbances Squadron).
Working people, led by an alliance of trade unions and social groups, have taken to the streets daily since the national strike on 28 April to oppose a tax reform bill, which would have increased inequality by disproportionately impacting workers and the poor, who were already struggling with the economic impacts of COVID-19.
More than 80,000 people have died from COVID in Colombia.
In a letter to the Colombian President, Ivan Duque, the ACTU said: “The Australian union movement stands in solidarity with the workers in Colombia who have taken the brave decision to continue with peaceful demonstrations in line with the decisions of the Comité Nacional del Paro (National Strike Committee).
“Colombia is already the most dangerous place in the world to be a trade unionist, with more than 3000 trade unionists murdered since 1989. Most of these crimes remain unresolved, as your government has failed to address the culture of impunity.”