Solidarity Message to Our Imprisoned Sisters (9th May 2012)
The Women’s Committee of the International Trade Union Confederation, meeting in Brussels on May 8 and 9 2012, expresses its full solidarity with the sisters of KESK currently imprisoned. The Committee reiterates its full support for the struggle of our sisters for the realisation of their fundamental rights and freedoms, and pays tribute to their courage and determination.
Our sisters were imprisoned for speaking out against the intolerable violence suffered by women in Turkey, the huge gender inequalities that prevail there and for having exercised their right to organise peaceful mobilisation. Most of the women arrested have helped shape and implement policy on gender equality within the labour movement and in society. The Turkish government, instead of repressing these acts, should support and encourage them as a contribution to social justice and democracy in the country.
The ITUC Women’s Committee also expresses its deep concern at the violations of the rights of workers in Turkey and urges the Government to stop such violations. (See attached letter)
Finally, the ITUC Women’s Committee stands ready to provide assistance and support to our sisters currently detained and will continue to denounce the injustice they face until they are free.
Diana Holland
Chair, ITUC Women’s Committee
