International Indigenous Solidarity Gathering
Latin America,Asia and the Pacific

Statement
About the repression of the indigenous and trade unionist movements in Colombia

During Sunday Oct. 26 a representative from ONIC address the people attending the gathering through video-conference and they informed about the repression perpetrated against the indigenous demonstrations taking place since October 12th in different Colombian regions, and the murder of 27 indigenous people, the disappearance of many more and the injuring of others. We have also learned about the repression against the sugar cane workers movement which begun in September.

We want to express our deep indignation about these serious violations of indigenous and trade unionists' rights that should not go unpunished.

We consider as legitimate the claims of the indigenous people for the respect of their land and autonomy, for the survival of their 102 different peoples, of which 18 are in constant danger of disappearance and for the indiscriminate exploitation of natural resources. Likewise we recognize the legitimate claims of the sugar cane workers for decent work.

We urge the Colombian government to order the police and army force to immediately stop the repression against the indigenous peoples' and workers' movement.

We express our rejection of the unfounded expulsion of three European citizens who were observing the current demonstrations.

We condemn the permanent use of the pretext of fighting against terrorism to repress the social movement in Colombia.

The gathering express its total support for the indigenous people in Colombia and will denounces the violation of first nation rights in every forum possible...

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In solidarity

Latin American Solidarity Network(LASNET) lasnet@latinlasnet.org