Africa
Africa is a continent where 50 per cent of its countries are experiencing or emerging from civil conflict. Of the estimated 42 million people now living with HIV/AIDS, about 30 million are in Africa.
UNISON has worked in Africa for many years, with its strongest links in Southern Africa, most notably in South Africa established during the apartheid years and in Zimbabwe, where unions face continued repression under the Mugabe regime. UNISON intends to continue developing links with unions throughout Southern Africa and in other regions in the long term.
South Africa
For many years UNISON has had long standing links with sister unions in South Africa, links that began during their struggle against apartheid. In 2004 UNISON joins South Africans in celebrating the ten year anniversary of freedom and democracy, which have seen huge advances in South Africa's civil society and with it improved trade union and workers' rights.
Zimbabwe
UNISON has longstanding links with public sector trade unions in Zimbabwe. Trade unions operate under extremely difficult conditions of repression and intimidation. The trade union movement led the call for democratic change in Zimbabwe in the face of deepening political and economic crisis. As a result, there has been a consistent intimidation campaign by the government against trade unionists and workers. Despite this, the unions remain in the forefront of opposition to Mugabe's policies.
Africa news
Tackling HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa project report now available
Download your copy today (22/11/2011)Defend LGBTI human rights in Nigeria: ‘Kiss Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia goodbye!’ demonstration
Protest to be held outside the Nigerian Embassy on 15 November, 4-6.30pm (11/11/2011)Support Action for Southern Africa (ACTSA) – register for the AGM and conference today
Saturday 29 October, 11am - 4.30pm. This year the conference in London will discuss 'Climate change: Listen to southern Africa' (18/10/2011)Thousands march in Swaziland as peaceful protests are met with repression
Swazi civil society confronts King Mwasti's dictatorship on unprecented scale during Global Week of Action (12/09/2011)Global week of action for Swaziland
Stand united with the Swazi people from 5 - 9 September to demand an end to rights abuses suffered under King Mswati's brutal regime (01/09/2011)Hands up for health workers in crisis zones
Support health workers caught up in conflict countries and echo their calls for greater healthcare resources by signing Merlin’s 'Hands Up For Health Workers' petition (30/08/2011)Tell Malawi president to respect human rights
Nineteen people killed in protests calling for end to corruption. Tell president he must investigate police brutality and address legitimate grievances of civil society. Act now! (08/08/2011)Malawi in crisis
Fears in Malawi following deaths of 19 protesters and suspension of international aid (28/07/2011)Swazis at national conference
Swazi trade unionsts give UNISON delegates update from 'last absolute monarchy' in Africa (25/06/2011)Show solidarity with Botswana's workers
Government intransigence prolongs public service strike. Show solidarity! (06/06/2011)< Back | More >
