ITUC passed an emergency resolution to demand the immediate release of all trade union leaders imprisoned in Hong Kong in their 5th World Congress held in Melbourne last week. ITUC hosts the World Congress every four years. The congress this year gathered 1000 trade union representatives from 130 countries.
Hong Kong autonomous trade union movement is facing an existential threat
The resolution declares the governments of Hong Kong and China have supressed civil society organisation in Hong Kong under the National Security Law (NSL) in Hong Kong. The right to freedom of association has been attacked. The independent trade union movement in Hong Kong is facing an existential threat. More than 60 trade unions have been forcibly dissolved and several trade union leaders imprisoned for participating in peaceful assemblies. The resolution unequivocally denounced the authorities weaponising laws against trade unions and human rights activists.
ITUC World Congress insisted that the NSL be revoked and the suppression of trade unions and other civil society organisations must end, and Hong Kong’s international labour and other human rights obligations must be respected.
The Congress also expressed grave concerns over the persistent suppression on workers’ rights and trade union rights in China and calls on the Chinese Government to respect the right to strike, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. The practice of forced labour, including in Xinjiang, must end.
Solidarity with trade unionists from Belarus to Myanmar, Hong Kong and Afghanistan
ITUC World Congress reaffirms the international trade union movement’s deep and abiding commitment to peace and democracy, and repudiates all those who seek to incite or justify armed conflict. The Congress condemned Russian illegal invasion of Ukraine. And stand in solidarity with trade unionists in Belarus, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Iran, and Afghanistan.
