Venezuela solidarity organisations in the UK
Hands Off Venezuela Campaign
Following the 2002 coup against the Chavez government, and the campaign of disinformation that accompanied it, Hands Off Venezuela Campaign was established in December 2002 by Jeremy Dear (general secretary of the British National Union of Journalists) and a number of other important trade union leaders in Britain. The campaign rapidly spread to other countries in Europe, Latin America, North America, Asia and Africa and has supporters in more than 30 countries around the world. Activities include public meetings, video screenings, raising the issue within the trade union movement in different countries, organising speaking tours, moving motions in Parliaments, and sending solidarity delegations to Venezuela.
The basic principles of the Campaign are:
- solidarity with the Bolivarian Revolution
- opposition to imperialist intervention in Venezuela
- building direct links with the revolutionary and trade union movement in Venezuela
Venezuela Solidarity Campaign
Venezuela Solidarity Campaign was created following the 2002 coup in Venezuela following the 2002 coup against the Chavez government.
The aims of the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign are:
- Promoting & strengthening links with Venezuelan Trade unionists.
- Co-ordinating Solidarity activities within Britain and working together with other groups promoting the Venezuelan cause.
- Promoting news & documentaries raising awareness of Venezuela.
- Supporting the right of the Venezuelan people to determine their own future free from external intervention.
- Promote & undertake solidarity tours to Venezuela.
Venezuela Information Centre
The Venezuela Information Centre (VIC) is a broad-based UK campaign in solidarity with the people of Venezuela. It was launched on 25th May 2005 at a meeting sponsored by trade unions (UNISON, TGWU, GMB, RMT, AUT, CWU, FBU, ASLEF and the General Secretaries of NATFHE and NUJ), NGOs and media organisations. The meeting of 300 people included, NGOs, academics, students and media, as well as trade unionists. VIC aims are to:
- Provide objective and accurate information about all trade union, social movement and political organisations in Venezuela.
- Counteract misrepresentation and distorted reporting on the situation in Venezuela.
- Support the right of the Venezuelan people to determine their own future free from external intervention.
