WAP's Response to Peter Julian

Dear Mr. Julian,

Thank you for taking the matter of human rights violations in Colombia up.

We support the NDP on the issue of social justice and are well aware of the harm that is being done in our name, the citizens of Canada. We are made complicit with these decisions that wreck havoc on countless lives in many countries, including Colombia. This is one of the many reasons why we want to oust this disastrous Harper regime.

NAFTA is scandalous and has destroyed many farmers and buisnesses in Mexico, for example. We hope that the next government will pass every single treaty and trade agreement through the lens of justice, human and environmental rights, and long term consequences on the lives of the poor. We hope that you will have the courage to bring a transformation in the way we percieve our role as Canadians in the world.
Don't let us pass this chance.

Esther Matharu
Women's Alliance Party

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2011

Human Rights Violations in Colombia Lead to the Tabling of Two Parliamentary Motions


OTTAWA, CANADA - The implementation of the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Deal, approved by Parliament last June, has led to the tabling of two Motions in the House of Commons and at the Canadian Parliament’s Standing Committee on International Trade (CIIT) by NDP Critic on International Trade, Peter Julian MP (Burnaby-New Westminster).

The Private Member’s Motions reflect growing concerns over increasing levels of human rights violations which have been taking place in Colombia since the trade agreement was signed by this government in June. The killings of trade unionists and teachers, forced displacements, human rights violations against Afro-Colombians and Colombian First Nations have been ongoing in Colombia, with impunity.

“Many believe Canada made a huge mistake in implementing a free trade agreement with Colombia,” said Peter Julian. “The signing of this trade agreement is considered by the Colombian regime and current President Santos as a blank cheque to further human rights abuses” continued Julian. “This government’s reckless actions, has led us to a situation where, in a sense, Canada is now complicit in these ongoing violations with its rubber stamp approval of the Santos administration – and Canadians don’t approve.”

The Motions tabled will be considered next week if Parliament continues to stand. If the Conservative government falls due to a non-confidence motion, these motions will be re-tabled when Parliament resumes after the election.


For more information, please contact:
Office of Peter Julian, 613.222.4074

- 30 -


That, in the opinion of the House, the growing human rights abuses in Colombia are troubling, namely (i) the killing of 52 trade unionists in 2010, (ii) the murder of three teachers in 2011, (iii) the magnitude of forced displacements at the hands of paramilitaries, military and secret police, which have risen to worldwide record levels, (iv) the increase in violence and forced displacement against Afro-Colombian and indigenous populations in rural areas, (v) the forced detention of political prisoner Liliany Obando and others, and therefore, the House condemns the Colombian government for not keeping its commitment to guarantee the safety of community leaders, teachers and trade union activist.