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ITF welcomes EU statement condemning re-arrest of Iranian trade unionist
14 December 2006
 |  | | Mansour Osanloo: re-arrested | |
The ITF has welcomed the first ever statement by the European Union (EU) in defence of trade union rights. This follows a declaration yesterday condemning the recent re-arrest of Iranian trade unionist, Mansour Osanloo. Osanloo had been released on 9 August this year after almost eight months in prison.
The statement was issued yesterday by the Presidency of the European Union on behalf member states. It expresses concern over reports that the President of the Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company was detained without an arrest warrant and has not been allowed access to legal representation.
The declaration also says: “The EU urges Iran to respect fully the rights to freedom of expression and association and the right to form or join trade unions. The EU calls on Iran to uphold its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and to honour its commitments under the 1998 ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.”
Welcoming the statement today, ITF General Secretary David Cockroft commented: “This is the first time the EU Council has taken a position on trade union rights. This statement will strengthen the case that the ITF and the ITUC are making in support of basic union rights in Iran. We look forward to the EU taking a stand like this more often.”
Last week the ITF and the International Trade Union Confederation submitted further information to back up an official complaint made to the International Labour Organization in July on the Iranian government’s anti-union repression. The new evidence includes details concerning allegations regarding Osanloo’s treatment while in detention between 22 December 2005 and 9 August 2006.
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