According to a recent AFL-CIO report, although the number of trade unionist deaths in Colombia decreased last year, the Colombian government still is doing far too little.

Workers' Rights, Violence and Impunity in Colombia shows the combination of ongoing assassinations, death threats and violence against union family members creates a climate of fear for trade unionists that makes it impossible for them to fully and confidently exercise their freedom to form unions, bargain collectively, go on strike or criticize the government.

After Colombia, the Philippines had the highest rate of murdered trade unionists, with 33 killed last year. There also were 201 death threats against trade unionists in 2007. (Click here to read the report.)