UNISON condemned the persecution of political activists in Colombia yesterday, which delegates labelled the most dangerous country in the world for trade unionists.

A prison broadcast from Colombian trade union leader Huber Ballesteros, arrested and imprisoned “on trumped up charges,” was shown to delegates attending conference.

Unison northern region’s Clare Williams deplored the high number of Colombian trade unionists and human rights activists killed in the country.

The 26 Patriotic March members, of which Mr Ballesteros was national organiser, were among those killed last year.

Unison executive member Jean Butcher said: “Columbia is the most dangerous country to be a trade unionist.”

She called on the union to be more involved in the peace process adding that it must do more than simply talk about the grave situation in Colombia.

The union vowed to continue its political and economic support for Justice for Colombia as well as stepping up parliamentary lobbying.