"The European Union reached a free trade deal with Colombia and Peru on 1st of March 2010 that will fully liberalise commerce in some sectors between the 27-country bloc and the two Latin American nations. The deal is part of an effort by the EU to reach a free trade agreement with the Andean Group of countries. In such a context BWI will continue to raise concerns on the issue of human and trade union rights for Colombian civilians," said Ambet Yuson, general secretary of the BWI. "We cannot tolerate that Colombia remains the most dangerous country for trade unionists in the world where murderers profit from impunity." Take two minutes to sign the online protest message addressed to two german deputies of the European Parliament in the frame of IG Bau's campaign.

The deal follows nine rounds of talks. It must be initialled by the parties possibly at an EU-Latin America summit to be held in May in Madrid before being voted into law by parliament.

The agreement will provide new market access to exporters from both sides and includes manufactured products, agricultural goods, services and investment.

The EU is the second-largest trading partner of the Andean region after the United States, with total trade worth nearly 18 billion euros ($24.3 billion) in 2008.

For further information on IG Bau's campaign see here.

Details about... (02/03/2010 - 30/03/2010) Colombia ACT NOW! Support human and trade union rights in Colombia   BWI Action Letter to Mr. Schultz and Daniel Caspary deputies of the European Parliament Dear Mr. Schultz, A Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Colombia must not be signed under any circumstances. I am shocked to learn about the bad trade union situation in Colombia and the continuing persecution of trade unionists in Colombia. Only in 2008, 49 trade unionists were killed. Since 1986, more than 2700 trade unionists were killed. Members of the military of Colombia are responsible for illegal executions. Also civilians are being hired for such illegal executions. Subsequently, these civilians are murdered and put into uniforms of guerilla fighters. Militaries receive a reward per person killed for supposedly having fought terrorism. There is a shockingly high rate of killings. Very often there are no investigations. Most of the murderers profit from impunity. Furthermore, it is a fact that Colombia does not implement core labour standards. It is the Colombia government which is responsible for this untolerable situation. Should the EU conclude a FTA with Colombia, it would legitimate the policy of this government. It is clear that negotiations of such an agreement will not improve the human rights situation in the country. For this reason, the USA, Canada and Norway have prohibited the signature of comparable treaties with Colombia by way of parliament action. The credibility of the EU as a safeguard of values of democracy, human rights and good working conditions is in danger. Thus, I urge you to use your influence as a member of the European Parliament to stop the negotiations of that planned FTA between the EU and Colombia without delay. Sincerely,