On the recordOctober 12, 2011
To say that obviously the murder of any citizen in any country is something to be avoided. But let's just set the record straight that the homicide rate since 2002 against union members has declined 85 percent in Colombia. I think this is an example that the efforts of the Colombian Government are succeeding. And the homicide rate for the general population has declined by 44 percent, and kidnappings as well have declined. The ILO has also removed Colombia from their Labor Watch List. They did that in 2010, recognizing their collective bargaining rules, recognizing the measures they've adopted to combat violence against trade union members. And so we have a very different picture being painted by the reality there. I would also point out that three main labor confederations have called the Labor Action Plan the most significant social achievement in Colombia in 50 years. With that, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from Florida (Mr. Diaz-Balart). {time} 1300
