ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS COMMITTEE HEARS RESPONSES OF COLOMBIA
Press Release
HR/4240
ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS COMMITTEE HEARS RESPONSES OF COLOMBIA
19951124 GENEVA, 21 November (UN Information Service) -- The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights this afternoon heard the responses of Colombia on how that country was complying with the provisions of the International Covenant which enshrines these rights. The Committee was also briefed by the delegation on the efforts to integrate the Afro-Colombian citizens into the national economic programme.The delegation affirmed the economic growth of Colombia. However, the rate of unemployment, particularly among the educated youth, was on the rise. The small number of trade union affiliates, compared to the total number of 5 million workers, could better explain the difficulties of workers, an expert remarked.
The economic adjustment had been painful to the workers. The legislative labour reform had not affected them adversely; it allowed them to speak out with more responsibility, the delegation said. The tripartite nature of the social contract had exerted a political influence on trade unions.
Discussion of Report
Responding to additional questions and to the list of issues to be taken up in connection with the consideration of the report of Colombia, the delegation affirmed that there was no discrimination of any kind concerning non-nationals. Although political rights were wholly reserved to citizens, aliens enjoyed the same civil rights as Colombian citizens.
With regard to the major black ethnic group, several experts expressed concern about discrimination inflicted on that community in terms of work and other social benefits. The report itself had admitted that traditionally they had been discriminated against. The Afro-Colombian population comprised 6.5 million black people, including people of mixed black and white parentage -- Mulattos. A new law had provided a legal framework for improving the conditions of the black communities. Any acts of discrimination against that community were strongly condemned, the delegation stated.
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Concerning equality between men and women in the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights, experts asked if men were still considered to be superior in Colombian society. Such a situation might be detrimental to the social equality of women. Women's equal opportunities in employment, social benefits, education and health were also raised, with special emphasis on their role in the development of the nation.
The delegation assured the members that there was no intentional discrimination directed against women. There was discrimination in practice, but the Government was aware of the problem and the authorities were promoting positive programmes, including equal opportunity plans for all Colombian women.
Responding to questions on the right to work, the delegation said that that was being encouraged by the establishment of productive units with Government support through the national plan for the development of micro-enterprises. The process of decentralization had extended the autonomy of the regions, increased the transfer of resources and established the regions that were to be responsible for the execution of the Government's policies.
Regarding trade union rights, several experts expressed concern over the deaths of some trade union members. The delegation acknowledged that about 1,600 deaths had been reported. There were 2,817 trades unions with a total number of 912,200 members. The right to strike was restricted in the case of State workers' trade unions. Only 8 per cent of the labour force was unionized. Of those people, less than a third had the right to engage in collective bargaining, the main reason being the classification of the workers as public servants. One expert wondered why there was a long list of constitutional restrictions to the right to strike.
To a question on the right to social security, the delegation said that the social security system in respect of health and pensions, which had existed for more than 40 years, had been completely transformed. The new system represented a group of institutions, provisions and procedures available to the individual and the community to protect them against the financial and health risks which arose during their lives. In addition, the system covered all types of care and all pathologies and gave priority to activities to promote health and prevent illness.
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