Cochabamba, Bolivia December 9, 2006
Global Workers came to Cochabamba, Bolivia as a guest speaker in the People’s Summit for South American Integration Legal Workshop, coordinated to coincide with the Second Summit of South American Presidents, December 8-9, 2006. Representing Global Workers, Cathleen Caron, joined labor lawyers from Bolivia, Argentina, Brazil, and Cuba to discuss various themes including fairer free trade, labor protection and trade agreement linkages, human rights and integration, and social security systems. Cathleen made a presentation on the rights of transnational migrant workers which was well received. In the context of Bolivian migration, portable justice was particularly relevant. Bolivia is the major sending country in South America, with over three million Bolivians living outside of the country. Most migrants go to Spain, where until March of this coming year, Bolivians can travel to without a visa. Other major receiving countries for Bolivian migrants are Argentina, Brazil, and the United States.
In addition to the Legal Workshop, Cathleen had the opportunity to attend the other parts of the People’s Summit. Over three thousand delegates mostly from South America came together to discuss South American integration consistent with human rights principles and dignity for all peoples. The indigenous delegations were particularly well represented and vocal.