Kim Howells And Colombia

A little while back, Kim Howells made some rather misleading comments about Justice for Colombia. During an interview with the Western Mail, Howells claimed that the organisation is closely affiliated with the FARC, a disgraceful smear. Appalled by his language, and the fact that his words put many union members' lives in jeopardy, I wrote to the MP to express my disappointment with his attack on an important organisation in Colombia. After much hand wringing (it took a month to elicit a reply, during which time I was told they were 'working' on a response), I finally received a letter from Howells' office which you can read below:

One wonders about the content of the letter to the TUC and just how serious this government is about trade union members in Colombia (perhaps a FoI request is in order). One also wonders how this letter would go down with those who lost family members and work colleagues as a direct result of Mr Howells smearing an organisation fighting for the rights of trade union members.

Long May We Prosper

Whilst everyone works themselves into a frenzy about the redistributive powers of our Chancellor, we get a little insight into what our taxes are paying for. How about this for example:
New figures released today by campaign group Justice for Colombia show that 84 trade unionists were murdered in Colombia in 2006. This marks a 20% increase on the number assassinated in 2005.

But what's that got to do with our taxes, I hear you ask. Well, along with the US, we provide a certain degree of financial support to America's favourite franchise state (approximately £1 million, plus 'lethal military equipment'). As recent events have shown, there is an indisputable link between the Colombian government, and the paramilitary groups that are responsible for these murders. Aren't we supposed to be fighting a 'war on terror'?

According to the report:

The figures, which are sourced from Colombian unions, show that teachers and agricultural workers were hit particularly hard: 40 of the 84 people killed were teachers and 11 were agricultural workers.

Although most of the culprits have never been identified, figures from the Colombian Commission of Jurists show that the vast majority of political assassinations were committed by the state and right-wing paramilitaries, often acting in collusion.

Carlos Rodriguez, President of the CUT – Colombia’s main union confederation – said: “Since the CUT was founded in 1986, there has been a campaign against trade union activity and more than 3,000 trade unionists have been assassinated. There is no other country in the world where trade unionists suffer such violence.”

While Brown talks about 'prosperity and fairness for Britain's families', he ensures a nice little chunk is used to spread poverty and murder throughout Colombia. But hey, fuck it, at least it's built on:

'...the foundation of the longest period of economic stability and sustained growth.'

I feel better already.