This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS DJIBOUTI 001373
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV ELAB PHUM BR DJ
SUBJECT: REPORT OF CONDEMNATION OF DJIBOUTI IN PORTO-ALLEGRE
(BRAZIL) MEETING
1. (U) Alleged violations of labor rights have come to the
forefront of opposition party attentions after the Fourth
Congress of International Education held in Porto-Allegre, Brazil
16-26 July, 2004. In its first few issues back from their summer
holiday, La Realite, the opposition journal published by the
Republican Alliance for Democracy (ARD), reported that the Porto-
Allegre Congress on Education in global progress condemned
Djibouti's union liberties and that a six point resolution was
passed which demanded an end to alleged violations of labor
rights there. End summary.
2. (U) The Congress of International Education, an international
education union from 161 countries, which represents 315
organizations in which 26 million persons are affiliated. Two
Djibouti education syndicates were represented in the fourth
Congress: First Degree Syndicate (SEP) and Second Degree
Syndicate (SYNESED). SEP and SYNESED are both affiliated with the
Union of Djibouti Workers (UDT). Souleiman Ahmed Mohamed, ex-
General Secretary of SYNESED and current Deputy General Secretary
of UDT attended the congress. According to Ahmed, Djibouti was
condemned for blocking development of syndicate liberties and
violations of ILO Conventions. The Congress voted unanimously to
approve a six-point resolution, according to the La Realite
report. It reportedly required the Government of Djibouti to
proceed unconditionally with the professional reintegration of
all those who were sanctioned because of their union activities.
The congress asked Djibouti to put an end to the obstacles to
union liberties, to recognize and respect their freedom and
independence as they are affiliated with international
organizations like the International Confederation of Free
Syndicates (CISL) and the International Education Congress. The
final requirement was that Djibouti should open negotiations with
unions and the chaotic situation has to come to an end.
3. (U) Post would appreciate any information Embassy Brasilia can
provide on this conference and any resolutions passed concerning
Djibouti.