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The 600 union leaders at UNI Americas 2016 conference, wore white to mark their commitment to the peace process in Colombia, whilst performers sang “Adios a la Guerra”, which said goodbye to war, suffering and torture in Colombia.

Participants rose to their feet recognize the fantastic performance from the artists, who all belonged to a new union of performers, ACA. The conference hall welcomed the peace process and the potential to build a new Colombia.

18 Colombian unions were honoured with the Freedom from Fear Award for their bravery in the face of assassinations, intimidation and violence. Colombia is well known as the most dangerous country in the world for trade unionists and participants from all over the Americas acknowledged their colleagues with a standing ovation.

The UNI Americas Conference paid tribute to over 3000 trade unionists who were murdered for defending the rights of workers in Colombia. Bracelets bearing the names of murdered Colombian trade unionists were placed on every seat in an emotional tribute.

Eliana Marin, the daughter of murdered trade unionist Guillermo Marin was presented with a “Memory, Truth and Justice” in honor of her father’s sacrifice.

Marcio Monzane and Adriana Rosenzvaig paid an emotional tribute to Leonidas Gomez Rozo. Leonidas worked closely with UNI, and his murder in 2008 was mourned deeply by the UNI family. Leonidas was a close friend to UNI Americas President Ruben Cortina and incoming Regional Secretary Marcio Monzane.