The third in a series of annual reports, which reviews and analyzes the available 2009 rulings issued by specialized Colombian courts that were created in 2006 to address cases of anti-union violence. This 2009 report includes an analysis of the convictions, the challenge to prosecute both material and intellectual authors, the alleged motives behind these crimes, and the continued need for a systematic approach in the investigation and prosecution of these crimes.

Workers around the world face systematic barriers to organizing, including egregious acts of violence and intimidation. Thousands of workers were physically and verbally harassed, arrested and abducted for their involvement with unions as they continue to be denied their fundamental, internationally recognized right to freedom of association and collective bargaining.