The Congress of South African Trade Unions strongly condemns the massacre of more than 1000 protesters by the government of Libya and demands that people be allowed to exercise their basic human right to demonstrate peacefully against the regime of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.

COSATU appreciates that Libya, which produces 1.6 million barrels of oil a day (nearly 2% of the world's production), has a far better record in promoting prosperity among its 6.6 million people than other North African countries where there have been popular revolts.  

It has the lowest infant mortality rate in Africa - 18 per thousand, compared to South Africa's 44 per thousand, and the highest life expectancy in Africa - 74 years compared to SA's 49 years. The literacy rate is 90%.  Less than 5% of the population is undernourished, and in response to the rising food prices around the world, the government of Libya abolished all taxes on food on 12 January 2011.

Libya has the highest gross domestic product at purchasing power parity per capita of all of African countries - around $13,000 relative to SA's $10,000. A lower percentage of people (7%) live below the poverty line than in the Netherlands. The SA figure is about 50%.

COSATU does not accept however that these achievements in any way excuse the slaughter of those protesting against the oppressive dictatorship of Colonel Gaddafi and reaffirms its support for democracy and human rights in Libya and throughout the continent.

Statement issued by Patrick Craven, COSATU national spokesperson, February 28 2011

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