BETTERCOAL REJECTS THREATS AND VIOLENCE AGAINST TRADE UNIONS, HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS AND JOURNALISTS IN COLOMBIA

The Bettercoal Programme and its Members reject the threats and increase in violence against trade union representatives, human rights defenders, and journalists in the mining regions of Cesar and La Guajira in Colombia. We were made aware of increased violence and threats in recent weeks by NGOs active in the region, media reports, and contact with mining companies. This includes threats made against two representatives of the labour union Sintramienergética as well as a PAX En Colombia official, and an attack against a group of journalists making a documentary in the north of La Guajira.

We would like to reiterate that we strongly condemn threats and acts of violence. We have followed up with our contacts in the region and have been informed that the relevant authorities in both cases have been contacted and are carrying out investigations.

We urge the Colombian authorities, mining companies, and other actors to continue actively supporting the peace process and helping improve the security situation of all human rights defenders, trade union leaders, and journalists in the region.

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The Bettercoal Programme is the international standard working towards a global responsible coal supply chain. For further information about the Bettercoal Programme, please visit our website here.