Council of Trade Unions media release
8 February 2011

New Zealand must condemn anti-democracy violence in Egypt and Tunisia

The CTU has written to Foreign Minister Murray McCully asking the New Zealand Government to condemn the violent attacks on trade unionists in Tunisia and on the pro-democracy protesters in Egypt. The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has called a Day of Action for Democracy in Egypt for today, February 8.

The offices of ITUC affiliate the UGTT in six towns across Tunisia have been attacked as trade unionists play a prominent role in the protests demanding democracy for the country. Trade unionists in Egypt have also been at the forefront of the peaceful demonstrations in Cairo which have been subjected to provocative violence by pro-Government forces.

CTU President Helen Kelly said: “We have asked the Foreign Minister to add New Zealand’s voice to the condemnation of these attempts to stifle democracy and the illegal intimidation of trade unionists. The right to peaceful protest is an internationally recognised human right. Trade unions have played an important role in establishing this right throughout recent history and we wish to express our solidarity with the trade unionists in Tunisia and Egypt as they face unacceptable intimidation and violence.”

The ITUC’s Day of Action for Democracy in Egypt will see protest actions outside Egyptian embassies around the world. Since there is no embassy in New Zealand the CTU is calling on the Foreign Minister to make representations at the highest diplomatic level in Egypt itself.

ENDS

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