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On October 2, in a closely contested plebiscite on the peace accord, the Colombian people voted to reject the peace accord. In an unexpected result, the people voted 50.21% in favour of rejecting the peace accord and 49.78 in favour of accepting it. Turnout for the referendum was extremely low, with only around 38% of eligible voters participating. Although the result was unfavourable, the Colombian people will continue to strive for a new peace deal. This setback will serve to strengthen the activism and unity of all those who fight for peace.

UNI Global Union welcomed the historic signing of the agreement by Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and the leader of Farc, Timoleon Jimenez. After 4 years of peace talks in Cuba between the Colombian government and Farc, it seemed that the 5-decade long conflict had come to a close. Colombia has experienced a painful conflict that has killed an estimated 260,000 people and displaced over 6 million people. 

“The result from Colombia is very disappointing,” said general secretary of UNI Global Union Philip Jennings. “We must now redouble our efforts to bring peace and calm for a new chapter after so many years of conflict.”

“This is still a chance for a step forward in Colombian history – a step based on social inclusion, democracy, labour rights, elimination of poverty, and most importantly, peace. Only with peace can we start making real changes.”

UNI Americas will hold its regional conference in Medellin in December where there will be special sessions on Colombia to discuss the development of civil society and to honour the courage of the Colombian people. There will be a ceremony celebrating the ceasefire and an homage to those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for a peaceful Colombia.

President Manuel Santos recognized the result and confirmed that the bilateral ceasefire would hold. He called for political dialogue and vowed to continue the search for peace whilst the government’s negotiation team returned to Havana to continue the peace talks with the FARC.

In a statement, the FARC declared that they were saddened and disappointed by the result but remained committed to reaching a stable and long-lasting peace.

Throughout the conflict, trade unionists have been murdered, persecuted and stigmatized for their activism, yet still have managed to contribute to the establishment of peace in the country. Colombian trade unions will continue to fight for social justice, equality and peace.