Unions throughout the World Call for the Release of Imprisoned Trade Unionists in Korea

Dear Mr. President,

The Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU) must protest vehemently at the continued imprisonment of KCTU President, Mr. Dan Byung-ho, KCTU-KMWF President, Mr. Mun Sung-hyun and 45 trade unionists.

We were informed that President Dan would be released on October 3, 2001 after serving ther reaminder of his sentence, based on the negotiated understanding between KCTU and your government mediated through the prominent Catholic leader Fr. Kim Seung-hoon. However, President Dan has been kept in prison to face fresh charges; this is an unacceptable breach of faith and another example of the flagrant violation of human rights by your government. President Dan is a trade union leader international respected for his strong commitment to represent and protect the legitimate interests and rights of Korean workers.

We note in this context that some 686 trade unionists have been arrested under your presidency. Last year 341 unionists were put in jail; these figures contradict bitterly with your reputation as a defender of human rights.

The HKCTU joins all those in Korea and internationally who are demanding the immediate release of President Dan, Presiden Mun and all imprisoned trade union leaders. We will continue to monitor the cases of Mr. Dan and others, as well as the general situation in the Republic of Korea concerning labour standards, workers' rights and the exercise by all persons of their rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association. We would appreciate any timely information concerning measures taken by you to address our concerns in these matters.

Yours sincerely,

Lee Cheuk-yan
General Secretary