Resolution on serious and systematic trade union rights violations in Africa
We, participants at the NGO Forum in preparation for the 48th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights, from 7th – 9th Nov. 2010, in Banjul, The Gambia,
Considering that African workers have consistently been denied the right to form free trade unions and trade union leaders and activists have faced harsh treatment, including arbitrary arrest and detention;
Considering that independent and democratic trade unions in Africa have been facing severe persecution and crackdown;
Considering the indisputable and renowned role of the trade union movement in Africa in securing the independence of many African countries;
Knowing that trade union rights are human rights;
Urge the African Commission of Human and Peoples’ Rights to:
1. Express strong support and solidarity for all the workers of Africa seeking the right to freedom of association and assembly.
2. Condemn violations of human and trade union rights particularly the right to freedom of association and assembly, two of the basic pillars of human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
3. Address the human and trade union rights situation in Africa by protecting the trade union rights and the lives of African workers as a matter of high priority in close cooperation with the African trade union movement.
4. Call on member states of the African Union to respect their obligations under continental and international human rights standards, including all treaties to which they are party.
Done at Banjul, November 9th, 2010
