Rammell links cocaine and human rights abuses
A Foreign Office Minister has said that armed conflict and human rights abuses in Colombia are inextricably linked to the drugs trade.
Around 80 per cent of the cocaine on the UK streets is exported from Columbia, which is one of the most dangerous and violent countries in the world.
Amnesty International estimates that in 2003 more than 3,000 civilians were killed for political motives and at least 600 “disappeared”
Armed guerrillas, both left and right wing, operate with relative impunity in many parts of the country, and are heavily involved in the illegal drugs trade.
Human Rights Watch also claims that there are long standing links between the right wing guerrilla groups and the Columbian military and accuse the Columbian government of failing “to ensure that the perpetrators of crimes against humanity and serious human rights violations are brought to justice.”
Bill Rammell said: “80 per cent of cocaine in the UK comes from Colombia. So it is crucial that the UK does everything it can to support and critically engage in Colombia’s efforts to tackle illegally armed groups and fight drugs.
“But the war on drugs cannot be waged without addressing the causes of conflict and human rights abuses in Colombia. This visit will also provide a valuable opportunity to express our deep concerns to the Colombian government about human rights: the plight of vulnerable groups, including that of trade unionists, hundreds of whom have been murdered over the last few years.”
Mr Rammell is currently in Columbia on a three day visit where he will meet a number of Columbian ministers and trade union and NGO representatives.
He will be accompanied by UNIFI joint general secretary Rory Murphy. Mr Murphy has been a long time campaigner against the targeting and intimidation of trade union leaders in Columbia.
Mr Murphy is on the council of the Justice for Columbia group and has previously called for all UK military assistance to Columbia to end.
