27th June 2002
To: Haitian Embassy: Washington and Brussels, President Aristide's PA
The South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) is shocked that the nine workers arrested on 27 May 2002, during the rally organised by the St. Raphael Guacimal Workers Union, are still in jail. On behalf of the 120 000 members of SAMWU, we demand their immediate and unconditional release.
It is clear from the reports we have received that workers were simply exercising their constitutional rights to assembly and association. Why were they arrested?
In the current international situation, no government, including the Haitian government, can be allowed to trample on the rights of workers and the poor. Any government that does this, does it its peril.
We therefore call on the Haitian government to respect the rule of law; recognise that these workers were doing nothing illegal; and release them immediately.
SAMWU looks forward to a positive response and your positive co-operation in this regard.
Sincerely yours,
Victor Mhlongo
International Relations Officer on behalf of
The General Secretary, SAMWU,
South Africa
