EU Presidency declaration on the arrest of trade union leaders in Zimbabwe

The EU would like to express its profound concern by the recent arrests of ten Trade Union leaders and the allegation of mistreatment during the period of their arrest. This follows on from a number of other acts of intimidation and violence committed against trade unions in recent months.

As a member of the international labor organization, the Government of Zimbabwe has committed itself to respecting fundamental principles and rights at work.

Free Trade Unions play a vital part in a normal society. By attempting to intimidate the Trade Union movement by arresting its leaders, the Zimbabwean police have acted in a partisan manner.

The economic crisis in Zimbabwe is intensifying. The European Union urges the Government of Zimbabwe to engage in a political dialogue with civil society and to respect the rights of trade unions. This would be one contribution towards finding a solution to the current crisis.

The EU will follow closely any further developments.

The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the European Union, the associated countries Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, and the EFTA countries, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this declaration.

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