Por favor a todos los compañeros, allegados y familiares reciban en mi nombre y de la CTV, mis mas sentidas codolencias por esta irreparable perdida para la causa de los derechos humanos, de los trabajadores, la democracia y la libertad en el mundo. Que Dios lo tenga en su gloria.
Janek nous a constamment impressionnés par son courage, son engagement, sa passion de vivre et de partager. Ses combats pour la liberté, de la Pologne au Chili, a été intense et il a contribué à entretenir la flamme de l’espérance et à sauver des vies. Il restera une source d’inspiration pour tous ceux qui se battent pour plus de justice et de dignité.
Adieu, Janek, notre tristesse est immense, mais on n’oubliera pas ton sourire, tes indignations, ton humour, ta loyauté.
I was so shocked to learn about Janek’s death. Sam emailed me last night to tell me about this very sad news, and Sue forwarded Elsa’s email to me as well.
*********************
Janek was a friend for only a few years, but long enough to discover what a truly dedicated trade unionist is: a passionate person who fights for what they believe.
Also, it is rare to meet someone who can take constant physical pain without blaming anything or anyone. Janek set an example for all of us, about how to be strong, resist pain and suffering and enjoy life at the same time.
Janek devoted his life to struggle for trade union rights and that struggle will be continued, but we may grieve now and let our hearts mourn for our beloved Janek.
Janek gave the Thai Labour Campaign much support and good advice.
All who work with the Thai Labour Campaign THANK YOU.
Compañeros de la CSI, en nombre de nuestro Grupo y del movimiento sindical independiente de Cuba que representamos en el exterior, reciban el mas sincero pesar por la sorpresiva desaparicion del siempre amigo y solidario Janek. Todos los trabajadores que luchan por la democracia, la libertad y los derechos humanos y sindicales, han perdido uno de sus mas ferreos aliados. Rogamos extiendan nuestro sentimientos a amigos y familiares.
Grupo Internacional para la Responsabilidad Social Corporativa en Cuba.
I’m shocked and very sad to notice the demise of Janek. I cannot believe that the heart of this strong man stopped for ever.
Janek was one of rarely persons who could impressed people. As a Global Labour University student I had the honour to learn Janek as a hard working man for trade union rights. In his political field with all the daily violations, injustice and injury against workers and there rights he never lost his positive and optimistically attitude. His friendly character and fine humour combined with his serious efforts to make the world better for workers gave me the hope that our fight will find success.
The trade union movement lost a strong fighter. To remember him, we should continue his work in his sense.
Janek’s family and all who were close to him have my heartfelt sympathy.
Dear friends and comrades,
We have received news about the departure of our dear friend Janek Kuczkiewicz with deep regret who lived all his life to defend trade union freedoms and cope with all kinds of violations courageously and expressing the real union values. He was standing always at our side in all crises that we have experienced.
Please accept my sincere condolences and the pure consolations of CTUWS’s activists (Center for Trade Union and Workers Services’ activists).
Our only comfort is that we will always remain faithful to the noble values that our deceased lived his life defending them.
Janek’s family and all who were close to him have my heartfelt sympathy.
God rest him in Peace.
Kamal Abbas
General coordinator of
Center For Trade Union And Workers Services
(CTUWS)
Dimanche je te parlais, Janek.
aujourd’hui j’apprends ton décès !
Je n’accepte pas ton départ : c’est trop.
Toute ta vie repasse devant mes yeux : enfance, Bruxelles, les premières années à l’univ., ton accident, Alice…tes engagements
Mes pensées vont à Alice. puissions nous combler ton manque !
a Janek, Halinka
This piece tragic news struck our office badly yesterday.
Our most-respected supervisor in Brussels, Janek, unexpectedly passed away on Tuesday.
It is an irreversible loss for the human & labour rights movement and a devastating news for Dominique & me.
I first heard about Janek and contacted him when i was doing the prisoners’ work in China Labour Bulletin, and he was very supportive, coming up with creative ways to assist imprisoned labour activists and their families in China.
It was very exciting for me to finally meet him in 2005, when he came to HK for the WTO meeting and i officially had become a staff in the ITUC family.
Even with a stressful and tight schedule, he is always ready to provide support, insightful advice and encouragement. He also works with strong moral principles and professionalism. We are going to miss him a lot.
May he rest in peace and the loving memory of him will inspire us in our future work!
mon ami, mon frère
tu es parti debout
comme tu as toujours vécu
les yeux paisibles
au coeur de tes projets, de tant d’amour et d’amitié
unique pour chacun, te donnant à chacun entièrement et personnellement
comme le dit Eric, tu seras le gardien de nos rêves et aventures communes
sois en paix,nous sommes là, autour de ceux que tu laisses
Franz
We are going to miss him a lot.
For us, Janek was the colleague who provide support, and encouragement when we are in need.
For us Janek set an example, symbolizing noble values of human and international solidarity.
And for us Janek will be there inspiring and giving warm feelings.
The CTUWS’ Activists Counsel, Staff, and Volunteers share deepest sadness and devastation feelings with all of you. We offer our condolences to the ITUC, Janek’s family, the international labour movement, and all his colleagues and friends
Rahma Refaat
Program Coordinator
Center for Trade Unions & Workers Services.
CTUWS
EGYPT
Janek was truly one of those rare people who touched the lives of so many of us - and many more he never met. I was devastated to hear the news and still cannot believe he has gone…that I will never be able to call him up for advice or support or simply to talk about the important things in life outside work like children, relationships and relaxing.
He was the most caring, compassionate, charming, principled, personable, wise and diplomatic people I have have ever met and managed to combine humour, wisdom and an unwavering commitment to human rights in all his work and words.
I will miss him dreadfully and my heart goes out to his family and friends whom I know he truly loved and regarded as the foundation of his life.
In terms of China work, Janek was always there supporting the rights of Chinese workers, reminding us that this was our most fundamental priority even in the midst of so many challanges. He personally helped many labour activists - those on the streets, in the worker’s rights centres and in prison along with their families and supported us in our grassroots work with local groups and sometimes sensitive decisions. All of us at the Liaison Office and in Hong Kong will find it hard to carry on knowing he is no longer there in Brussels - far away geographically but always with us in spirit. I think though he will want us to ensure we never fail trying to make a difference.
He was not only a tremendous force for good for workers and ordinary people all over the world but a great guy to work with and a trusted friend.
I was remined of this quote - “Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live”. I think Janek never lost what many of us all do - hope, spirit and integrity - may his memory help guide us all in life.
Our deepest best wishes to all his family and friends who have lost such a dearly loved one.
Dominique
Dominique Muller
ITUC/GUF/HKCTU Hong Kong Liaison office
IHLO
Hong Kong SAR
Janek Kuczkiewicz byl niezastapionym doradca Solidarnosci w czasach stanu wojennego. Zawsze uczynny z ogromna wiedzą. Żegnaj Janku, będzie Cię brakowało. Krzysztof Turowski
Je te connaissais surtout par ta fille Alice et sa maman Michèle.
Nous ne nous sommes rencontrés que quelques fois.
Je garde un souvenir de douceur, de force et de courage hors du commun.
De tout coeur avec toi Alice, Michèle et tous ses proches.
Tu es toujours bien présent même si tu es passé de l’autre côté du rideau.
QUELLE TRISTESSE; QUEL CHAGRIN; QUELLE GRANDE PERTE POUR LE MONDE DU TRAVAIL. AU NOM DE L’INTERCENTRALE ET DE NOS AFFILIES NOUS ADRESSONS A TOUTE LA CSI NOS CONDELEANCES . LES TRAVAILLEURS GUINEENS N’OUBLIERONT JAMAIS NOS FRERE JANEK CAR POUR NOUS IL EST LA TOUT PRES DE NOUS A CHAQUE CRISE SDTOUJOURS SOUCIEUX COMMENT VONT LES DROITS DES TRAVAILLEURS. CAMARADE GAY; SOYEZ TRES FORT CAR NOUS SAVONS CE QUE JANEK DREPRESENTAIT POUR VOUS MAIS AUSSI POUR NOTRE ORGANISATION. C’EST UN PILIER QUI EST TOMBE MAIS EN RESPECTANT SA MEMOIRE ET SA VOLONTE DE LA REUSSITE DE LA CSI; NOUS DEVENONS ENCORE PLUS FORT. QUE SON AME REPOSE EN PAIX AMEN
Can I please echo everything my dad said? Janek was an amazing source of support during those difficult early days that immediately followed my sister’s death. I would certainly like to know of any further arrangements that will be made.
I was flabbergasted when learning that Janek passed away so sudden. We had not been in contact for a while, but I have known Janek at the board of MsF. I remember him for his humor, spectacular wit and thrive, which makes it all the more difficult to believe that he is dead now.
I also remember him for his eagerness to move boundaries, for instance when he asked me to act as attorney for the ICFTU adding a criminal complaint against Pinochet back in 1998.
Goodbye, Janek, you will live on in many memories.
Dear Sisters, dear all of you who knew Janek, or worked with him or
admired his work and personality, we are all so sorry for loosing him.
Janek became a symbol for protection of trade union rights, a fighter
who made unions and unionists all over the world stronger. We all
learned from his sensitivity against discrimination, inequality and
injustice. Let him rest in peace; let him live in our hearts and
memory.
The Union of Autonomous Trade Unions of Croatia received with deep sorrow the information on the death of Janek Kuzcziewicz, Director of Human and Trade Union Rights of the International Trade Union Confederation.
All of us who knew him and worked with him knew Janek as a sincere defender of workers’ and trade union rights, true trade unionists but above all precious friend, compassioned, generous, great person worth admiring.
He left us too early, leaving a deep grief in our hearts. The trade union movement has lost a fighter who made us all better activists and stronger unionists.
Let us in his honour continue fighting and defending the principles he so eagerly advocated.
May he rest in piece,
Ana Knežević UATUC President
Dijana Šobota
UATUC International Department, Head
I am very shock to learn the passing of our Dear Brother Janek. It is a very sadden news, please convey my deepest condolences to his family. May his good old soul takes the road again, I will always remember him.
I first met Janek in the summer of 1988 during a human rights conference in Krakow and I thought: ‘what a fearless, devoted and nice guy!’ We all owe a lot to Janek for his tremendous efforts to make the world a better place for workers and trade unionists. It is hard to believe that he has left us. May he rest in peace.
It is a sad time to contact you. I have already written to Guy.
We are in our minds with you as all of us liked Janek very much.
Yours
Malek Zdenek.
It came as a sudden shock to all of us to read about untimely death of
our true friend Janek Kuczkiewicz. Janek played a crucial role in
defense of trade union rights across the world and was well known as a
tireless and highly competent fighter for justice, dignity and
solidarity. We admired him so much for his readiness to help all the
time and for his kindness ! It is a great loss for us all and he will
be missed by trade unionists world over.
Please convey our personal condolences to his family and to all his
friends and colleagues.
In solidarity
all Janek=B4s friends from the CMKOS
We are very shocked and sad about the loss of our colleague and
friend Janek, who was such a splendid person and trade unionist. His
passing away is such a big loss to the international trade union
movement! I spent some unforgettable days with Janek in the dark
eighties in Poland.
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
We have received with great shock and grief the passing away of Brother Janek Kuczkiewicz and wish, on behalf of the leadership and affiliates of building and wood unions in the Arab region, and on my own behalf, to extend to you our deepest condolences.
Brother Janek Kuczkiewicz will be remembered in the international labour movement for his gallantry in defending worker and trade union rights..
Kindly convey to the bereaved family our deepest condolences.
MAY HIS SOUL REST IN ETERNAL PEACE
Mustapha Said
BWI Project Coordinator
Arab Region
Beirut - Lebanon
Janek was a friend, a mate and someone who I worked with particularly on issues relating to forced labour in Burma. His passionate drive on the issue carried us all along. He is gone and the best I could do for him would be to carry on with at laest part of that struggle.
We will all miss him!
I pray he rest in peace.
Raghwan
dear all,
I was shoked when I read a short message from Maung Maung. I thought it was a mistake. I called Janek phone but no answer. Simply I did not want to believe to this.
Janek my dear you have been always full of life, of funny things to say and of beautiful experience and knowledge. it has been fantastic to work with you, even when you got very angry. But a glass of good wine could smooth everything again. I remembered when you came to Rome and I gave you and your friend my house for some days. it was great wasn’t it?
janek your love for your work, for justice, for democracy has been extraordinary. I called you some time late at night and you were still at the office. I could not believe it. some time I shouted to you on the phone: “go home!!” but no way. when you had to finish something you would not listen.
you did great things. I remember in South Korea in a demonstration against the government and for the liberation of the arrested trade unionists, In Burma when you smuggled in the Karen state on a boat, like a child steeling the marmalade.
great.
Oh Janek we will miss you a lot. not only because you were a great tradeunionist but a great friend.
Cecilia Brighi
Janek fought tirelessly for worker activists who have been imprisoned by repressive governments. I worked with him for years through Labor Rights Now, a U.S.-based human rights group that fights on behalf of jailed unionists and workers worldwide. Time and time again, Janek assisted us with detailed factual documentation of cases on which we worked. He always came through. When we would tire, Janek would inspire us and push us back into the fray. When we thought certain cases were hopeless, Janek would come up with fresh ideas and new strategies. And the result often was that we got people freed from prison and back out in the world with their fellow workers. My condolences to Janek’s family.
Thanks for your info.I diddet know it,he iwas a good man and trade unionist
it was good to work vhit him I remeber he was wery good informd abuth the situation in Polen and Solidanoz if I remember right,I hope thet he in the new place are on a white horse and are fre from the whelchair.Peace whit him Janec.
No me habia llegado ninguna noticia y ciertamente me deja muy triste; la verdad es que Janek y yo habiamos sintonizado mucho y para mi conocerle habia resultado un placer inesperado en la Conferencia. Que pena para su familia, para nosotros sus amigos y toda la familia sindical mundial.
El compañero Janek me habia hablado de su fe católica, que nos hace compartir lo fundamental de saber que la muerte para los que creemos en Jesucristo no es sino un paso más de la vida y Janek luchó y trabajó por construir un mundo más humano y más justo con derechos para todos los humanos. Ahora esta en brazos de aquel del que dio ejemplo con su vida. Por supuesto que lo tendré presente en mi oracion y en la Eucaristia que celebraré en su memoria.
De mi parte reciban todos/as un abrazo de solidaridad y de dolor compartido por la pérdida de éste gran amigo, excelente compañero y extraordinario defensor de los DDHH.
Con sorpresa y profunda tristeza hemos recibido la noticia del repentino fallecimiento de nuestro
compañero Janek Kuczkiewicz, Director del Departamento de Derechos Humanos y Sindicales de
la CSI.
Quienes conocimos a Janek y compartimos su trabajo los últimos veinte años al frente de ésta
importante área de acción de nuestra antigua CIOSL, ahora CSI, reconocimos en él a un abnegado
trabajador, un férreo defensor de las libertades sindicales, los derechos humanos y la democracia en
todo el mundo. Su compromiso con los derechos sindicales y con la acción de los/as trabajadores/as
y sus sindicatos, lo llevó a acompañar difíciles luchas y acciones en los lugares más peligrosos para
la actividad sindical. En nuestra región en varias oportunidades contamos con su valiosa y valiente
presencia para enfrentar la violencia antisindical en países como Colombia, donde no dudó en
acompañar la denuncia de los sindicalistas de ese país frente a los distintos gobiernos por su
complicidad con la violencia y la impunidad frente a los crímenes que hoy siguen sembrando de
dolor al movimiento sindical colombiano.
Janek dejará un gran vacío también en la acción coordinada de los sindicalistas ante los diferentes
órganos de la OIT, en donde año tras año supo articular la presencia de los delegados/as de los/as
trabajadores/as en sus demandas ante los gobiernos y los empleadores y por lograr que éste órgano
tripartito respondiera de manera efectiva a las necesidades de los/as trabajadores/as y los sindicatos
en todo el mundo.
En nombre del Secretariado de la CSA y de todo nuestro equipo de trabajo, queremos expresar
nuestras condolencias a toda la familia de la CSI y también trasmitir nuestro abrazo solidario a su
hija y demás familiares ante esta irreparable pérdida.
Con afecto y solidaridad,
We are greatly saddened to know that Brother Jen our long standing colleague has passed away other day. It was great devoted representative of ITU who devoted in his life for defending and promoting the fundamental rights of the workers. Our condolences to those close to him and to his family.
His untimely death is a great loss to the workers and Group of ILO and ITUC.
Det er ganske enkelt forfaerdeligt. Jeg var sammen med Janek i sidste uge, han var glad, saa frem til en ny tid i Geneve og var “ready to fight the world.” Jeg sender jer og hans datter min dybeste medfoelelse –vi er mange der deler jeres sorg og vil savne Janek for altid. Han var (det er meget svaert at bruge ordet “var”) en meget naer ven, en person jeg altid kunne stole paa og et usaedvanligt dejligt menneske. Kaerlig hilsen, Lotte
Lotte Leicht
EU Director
Human Rights Watch
Avenue des Gaulois, 7
B-1040 Brussels, Belgium
Realy this is the sad news. Janek was the greate man, friend of Solidarnosc
and friend of all working people.
I do belive that the Merciful God has invited Him to His Kingdom.
Thank you for the message.
Tomasz Wójcik
We are greatly saddened to know that Brother Jen our long standing colleague has passed away other day. It was great devoted representative of ITU who devoted in his life for defending and promoting the fundamental rights of the workers. Despite physical disability, he was tower of strength of the workers and Group of the Committee of ILO Standards in I*LO Conference I had privilege to work with him for number of year. He enjoyed his main friendship.
His untimely death is a great loss to the workers and Group of ILO and ITUC.
We pray Peace for his Soul and patience for his dependents to bear this great loss AMIN
Realmente esa noticia causa un dolor muy grande a quienes conocimos a este gran dirigente, cuyas cualidades humanistas fueron claramente demostradas y de su enorme espíritu de lucha de trabajo nos vimos privilegiados con su su apoyo pemanente.
Si tienes mayor información o me indicas donde conseguirla para hacerla extensiva a las organizaciónes. El día de hoy nuestro Consejo Nacional integrado por el Ejecutivo de CTRN y los Secretarios Generales de las organizaciones afiliadas guardamos un minuto de silencio en honor a este gran compañero que ho nos deja
Atentamente
Rodrigo Aguilar,
The labour movement around the world and the Canadian Labour Congress mourn the untimely passing of Janek Kuczkiewicz. An outstanding international workers’ rights advocate, Janek Kuczkiewicz was the director of the Human and Trade Union Rights Department of the Brussels-based International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).
If workers, the world over had a friend, Janek was that friend, says Canadian Labour Congress president Ken Georgetti. His entire life was dedicated to the sole task of making workers’ rights real. It is impossible to count the number of workers who came out of prison, who overcame persecution to achieve a first collective agreement or who managed to find asylum in exile in order to live to fight another battle, because of the tireless and sustained efforts of brother Janek Kuczkiewicz. His passing leaves a void in our hearts and in our movement.
Janek was, among many other things and for many years, the driving force behind the authoritative ICFTU (now ITUC) Annual Survey of Violations of Trade Union Rights. Last November he was in Toronto to promote the idea that respect for workers’ rights in countries like ours is necessary to foster the implementation of trade union and other human rights of workers in countries like Colombia, Burma, Zimbabwe, Burma or Iran.
The leadership and the staff of the Canadian Labour Congress send condolences to his family and his friends. He was 52.
Jean Wolff
Dir. Communications
Canadian Labour Congress/
Congrès du travail du Canada
Janek was a keynote speaker at our Amnesty UK Trade Union Conference less than a week ago in Nottingham. In his contribution, (which we will post on the Amnesty UK website) he was as witty as he was wise – relishing the opportunity to set a path for mutual solidarity, but frank about his terms. It was classic, thoughtful, Janek at his best, speaking with authority and enthusiasm about union activism on human rights and the scope for collaboration. His contribution was exceptionally well received by his audience. The evening before he and I had dinner together – a convivial and warm encounter marked by Janek’s good taste and common sense. He was as usual upbeat and enthusiastic about our joint work together, chivvying us along to issue a joint statement when we got news in the past days of Mahmoud Salehi’s release from jail in Iran. Janek has been a very good friend over decades to Amnesty, and a much respected and sorely-to-be-missed friend to me.
Please convey our deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Con gran tristeza recibimos la noticia del fallecimiento del compañero JANEK, Director del Departamento de Derechos Humanos y Sindicales de la Confederación Sindical Internacional.
Su muerte enluta a toda nuestra militancia sindical agrupada en la Central Unitaria, en razón a que fue un dirigente que asumió la tragedia del sindicalismo colombiano como propia y en todos los escenarios internacionales denunció con vehemencia el asesinato de nuestros dirigentes y demandó soluciones a nuestra problemática.
En Colombia fue contundente con el Presidente de la República y con las autoridades con quienes nos reunimos en las diferentes misiones en las que participó y en donde se destacó siempre por su irrestricta defensa de los intereses de los trabajadores.
Nos acompañó en el último Congreso de la CUT y su intervención fue diáfana y orientadora, pero sobre todo, expresando el compromiso del sindicalismo internacional con nuestra causa.
En la OIT, fue un delegado más del sindicalismo colombiano, porque como portavoz de los trabajadores mundiales, enfatizó en la denuncia contra las fuerzas oscuras que en Colombia pretenden acallar la voz sindical.
Expresamos, por lo tanto, al compañero Guy Ryder, Secretario General de la CSI, nuestra solidaridad por la pérdida de uno de los dirigentes más connotados de su equipo de trabajo y a la familia le hacemos extensivo la fraternidad del sindicalismo colombiano en este momento de dolor.
On behalf of the secretariat and our members around the world, please convey our deepest condolences to all of Janek’s colleagues and to his family. We were stunned and deeply saddened by the news of his death.
Janek’s profound commitment to human rights and dedication to his work were inspiring to all of us, and he will be deeply missed.
The death of Director Janek Kuczkiewicz is really a great lost of ITUC and please accept my sincerely condolence.
San-Quei Lin
Labor Attache’
Taipei Representative Office in EU
En nombre de la Confederación General del Trabajo de la República Argentina (CGT RA) hago llegar a Ud. nuestras condolencias por la inesperada y lamentable pérdida del compañero Janek Kuczkiewicz, Director del Departamento de Derechos Humanos y Sindicales de la CSI, y luchador inclaudicable por los derechos de los trabajadores, sumándonos a los homenajes y reconocimientos a su trayectoria y calidad humana.
I’m shocked and very sad to notice the demise of Janek. I cannot believe that the heart of this strong man stopped for ever.
Janek was one of rarely persons who impressed me. In the short period of my internship as a Global Labour University student last year I had the honour to learn Janek as a hard working man for trade union rights. In his political field with all the daily violations, injustice and injury against workers and there rights he never lost his positive and optimistically attitude. His friendly character and fine humour combined with his serious efforts to make the world better for workers gave me the hope that our fight will find success.
The trade union movement lost a strong fighter. To remember him, we should continue his work in his sense.
Janek’s family and all who were close to him have my heartfelt sympathy.
L’annonce du décès de Janek m’a vraiment désolé. Il était un grand militant, un grand travailleur, un homme compétent et progressiste, totalement dévoué à sa tâche. Je garde le meilleur souvenir des contacts que j’ai eu avec lui, il ne laissait personne indifférent. C’est une grande perte pour la nouvelle organisation. Je partage votre douleur,
I was shocked to learn of Janek’s sudden passing away. In my work for the ILO on Burma, it has been a great pleasure to have regular contact with Janek for over 10 years, and to witness his dedication, energy and irrepressible wit. I have the highest personal and professional respect for him. It is a huge loss.
Richard Horsey
Janek was a friend for only a few years, but long enough to discover what a truly dedicated trade unionist is: a passionate person who fights for what they believe.
Also, it is rare to meet someone who can take constant physical pain without blaming anything or anyone. Janek set an example for all of us, about how to be strong, resist pain and suffering and enjoy life at the same time.
Janek devoted his life to struggle for trade union rights and that struggle will be continued, but we may grieve now and let our hearts mourn for our beloved Janek.
Janek gave the Thai Labour Campaign much support and good advice.
All who work with the Thai Labour Campaign THANK YOU.
Please rest in peace.
We will remember You.
I can not find any words to explain my feeling, but I would like to express my deepest condolences, heartfelt sympathy and solidarity to the family, friends and colleagues of Janek.
In Solidarity,
Mehdi Kouhestaninejad
It is with great sorrow that I send my condolences to the friends of Janek Kuczkiewicz. I met with Mr. Kuczkiewicz in March and he was a support when I researched information regarding the ITUC.
Aleksandra Michalowska
Amnesty International Belgique francophone Communiqué
Bruxelles, le 9 avril 08
Les militants d’Amnesty International ont été extrêmement attristés d’apprendre le décès de Janek Kuczkiewicz.
“Nous tenons à saluer son travail pour les Droits des syndicats et les Droits humains en général.
Janek représentait un modèle de militant qui a su allier la conviction et l’efficacité.
C’était aussi un passeur et un constructeur d’alliances.
Les épreuves que la vie a dressées contre lui semblaient constituer chez Janek autant des raisons de se battre contre l’injustice.
Nous perdons un des grands défenseurs des Droit Humains en Belgique, mais aussi un ami” a déclaré Philippe Hensmans, directeur d’Amnesty International.
Amnesty tient à manifester ses sincères condoléances à sa famille, ses proches et ses collègues du mouvement syndical.
I would just like to pass on my personal condolences on the loss of Janek Kuczkiewicz. He was a wonderful man with a great passion and commitment for human rights who was a pleasure to meet and to work with. I first met him around 18 years ago when I was working for Amnesty and I remember fondly the warmth of his welcome and his patience in responding to my uninformed questions. He was an excellent person to learn from and his good humour was infectious.
I am sure he will be much missed not only within the trade union movement but amongst the human rights defenders he was in contact with around the world.
With deepest sympathy,
Andrew
Andrew Anderson
Deputy Director
Front Line
The International Foundation for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders
81 Main Street, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland
It is really shocking news that Brother Janek has left us. I remember him as a serious, dedicated unionist who devoted his life for labour and trade union rights. It was he who visited Korea to meet and encourage railways unionists in jail and who immediately reacted as the Iranian authority put bus drivers unionists in custody. His passion with trade union activities will remain in our heart and his product of “ITUC Annual Survey on trade union rights” as a monument of the labour movement. I convey my heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family members and friends. May God lay his soul in peace.
Estimados compañeros
a nombre del CUT/STC y de nuestra Comsion de Derechos Humanos y Sindicales
queremos trasmitirle nuestro mas sentido pesame por la muerte del compa~nero
Janek Kuczkiewicz, quien venia realizando un extraordinario trabajo al frente
del Departamento de Derechos Humanos y Sindicales, desde la fundacion de
la CSI.
Rogaremos a Dios en nuestras oraciones por su descanso eterno y para que
llene de consuelo el corazon de su familia, ante tan lamentable perdida.
Su seguro servidor,
Siro del Castillo
Sec. General Adjunto STC
Comisionado para el Caribe-CLADEHLT
Demise of Mr. Janek Kuczkiewicz, Director, Human and Trade Union Rights
It is with profound shock and sadness to learn the sudden demise of our respected colleague, Janek Kuczkiewicz, Director, Human and Trade Union Rights Department, ITUC.
His unexpected death will certainly leave ITUC and all the colleagues under the ITUC umbrella a great void. We remember him vividly, always full of vitality and enthusiasm, a man who was totally committed and dedicated to the trade union movement. Brother Janek Kuczkiewicz will certainly be remembered by all of us.
May his soul rest in peace.
Most sincerely yours,
Tsuyoshi TAKAGI, President
Nobuaki KOGA, General Secretary
Shigeru NAKAJIMA
All the members in the Department of International Affairs
We have just heard that Janek Kuczkiewicz of ITUC passed away yesterday.
Most of you will know Janek well from the years of hard work he put in on Burma, attending EBN meetings for more than a decade. He will be greatly missed.
Mark Farmaner
Director
Burma Campaign UK
28 Charles Sq
London
N1 6HT
dear brother
it’s with deep sorrow and strong pain that we received the shocking and sad new of the sudden death of our dear Janek.
For us all he wasn’t only a committed fighters for human and labour rights but a beautiful and lively person rich of interests and humanity.
We’ll remember him forever.
Giacomo Barbieri and all the crew of the International department of CGIL
siempre me resulta dificil hacer mensajes en ocasiones como esta.
Pero hoy en particular se me hace mas dificil, por cuanto la noticia de la
desaparción física del amigo Janeck me tomó, como a todos, totalmente
desprevenido.
Porque hace pocas semanas conversaba con él de su futura
labor en la OIT y lo sentía como con una mezcla de satisfacción por lo que
significaba para el en lo personal en la culminación de su encomiable labor,
pero al mismo tiempo con la nostalgia de dejar una taréa que aunque lo agotaba
(por la entrega con la que la realizaba), formaba parte de la esencia de su viada:
la causa de los derechos de los trabajadores, como Derechos Humanos.
Te ruego transmitas a sus familiares y a todos los Cros. de nuestra CSI, mis
sentimientos de pesar, solidaridad y amistad.
Muy fraternalmente
We are in shock receiving the sad news about the sudden death of our friend, Janek. It is unbelievable that our dedicated and hard working comrade is not to be among us when we come to Brussels, or when we attend the annual ILO-conferences. We were just in the process of discussing a meeting in Brussels 21 April – and then suddenly he is gone. We mourn together with the whole ITUC family.
Hemos recibido esta tarde con sorpresa y dolor la noticia del fallecimiento de nuestro camarada y hermano Janek Kuczkiewicz, Director del Departamento de Derechos Humanos y Sindicales de la CSI.
Janek encarnó la solidaridad de la antigua CIOSL y de la nueva CSI con el atormentado sindicalismo colombiano. Él contribuyó con total dedicación a hacer visible lo que ocurría aquí y siempre estuvo atento a recibir y publicar no solo nuestros informes y cifras sino a escuchar nuestras sugerencias.
Le vimos siempre como un hombre comprometido con los ideales democráticos y de solidaridad que son el sentido de la vida del sindicalismo en todo el mundo. Fue para nosotros motivo de gran alegría tenerlo durante la visita de la misión de contactos directos de la OIT que visitó Colombia y nuestra ciudad en el año 1999. Y le vimos en agosto del 2006 animoso y como siempre dispuesto al debate fraterno en el decisivo V Congreso de la CUT Colombia, igualmente lo encontramos en la OIT siempre dispuesto a apoyar la labor del sindicalismo colombiano.
Janek fue para la ENS y en especial para su área de defensa de derechos humanos y laborales, un ejemplo a seguir en la lucha por ganar las legítimas aspiraciones de dignidad en el trabajo, de respeto sin resquicios por la vida humana, de amistad generosa y solidaridad sin límites.
Sentimos está perdida como propia y profunda para todas y todos los trabajadores y socios de la Escuela Nacional Sindical. Janek nos hará mucha falta, sus convicciones, su energía y su valor civil han sido muy importantes para el sindicalismo colombiano y para nosotros en la ENS en estos años aciagos.
Es indudable además que la solidaridad y la preocupación permanente y sin restricciones de Janek por las trabajadoras y trabajadores sindicalizados en Colombia, rompió muchos anacrónicos prejuicios hacia la CIOSL, y sin duda contribuyeron a allanar el camino para que la CUT fuera fundadora de la Confederación Sindical Internacional en noviembre del año pasado en Viena.
De nuevo le expresamos el inmenso pesar que nos produce la partida de Janek y le agradecemos se lo comunique a su familia y sus colegas de la dirección de la CSI.
Fraternalmente,
JOSÉ LUCIANO SANÍN VÁSQUEZ
Director General
ESCUELA NACIONAL SINDICAL
Con al pesar más profundo, en nombre mio y de cada una y cada uno de las chilenas y chilenos miembros de ODESI, expresamos a la CSI nuestra pena ante la sensible pérdida del compañero Janek Kuczkiewicz.
Como cientos de millones de trabajadoras y trabajadores que a través del mundo no tuvimos la posibilidad de conocer el rostro de Janek, sí podemos dar testimonio de saber y sentir que su brazo protector se posaba permanentemente sobre nuestros hombros.
Seguros que la gloria de Dios sonreirá eternamente a nuestro compañero, rogamos porque otorgue también la la paz y la resignación a su distinguida familia.
Casi al mismo tiempo que Juan Manuel he recibido la nota de Dan comunicando el fallecimiento de nuestro amigo y compañero de lucha en defensa de los derechos humanos, incansable y capaz de superar todas las dificultades en pro de una causa que era suya desde el nacimiento, registrado que ha sido como refugiado.
No hay palabras para esas ocasiones, sino el sentimiento de frustración y perdida, pues yo particularmente ya lo esperaba en la OIT para la proxima Conferencia y volver a trabajar juntos, lo que siempre ha sido motivo de placer y enriquecimiento personal, pues sus calidades y entusiasmo siguen contagiantes.
Toda mi solidaridad a sus familiares y a todos y todas de la CSI, junto con el dolor que llega a incomodar la garganta y la certeza de que el compañero Janek estará siempre presente en nuestros corazones y en nuestro trabajo.
Saludos conmovidos
José Olivio Miranda Oliveira
Desk Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean
Bureau for Workers’ Activities - ACTRAV
ILO Building
We note with the deepest regret the news about the death of Janek this morning. We do not think we will ever forget the invaluable assistance Janek gave us through times which we still find difficult to bear. He was quite an inspirational character to everyone who had the opportunity to meet him. He will always be on our minds and needless to say, we will pray for the Lord to grant Janek eternal rest in perfect peace. Please let us know when further arrangements are available so that we can also pay our respect.
Along with everyone else who knew him, at the ITF we are greatly shocked and saddened by the
unexpected death of Janek Kuzckiewicz.
The ITF first got know Janek well in around 1995. The ITF and the ICFTU dealt with the “Arcadia”
case – in which eleven Chinese seafarers in Italy approached the ITF for help and were detained on
their return to China. Three of these seafarers spent more than a year in custody, but their ultimate
release was thought to have been in the main due to the ILO complaint Janek helped to submit, in
the course of which he impressed us hugely with his characteristic energy and rigour.
This was just one of the many contributions Janek made to freedom and justice for trade unionists
all over the world – the cause he so passionately believed in, and to which he appeared to dedicate
virtually all his waking hours. A steadfast colleague whose willpower and determination was
equalled only by his sharp wit and quick humour, Janek was an extraordinarily vital man – which is
perhaps why it is so difficult to believe that suddenly he is no longer here.
The ITF has been working closely and fruitfully with Janek for the last couple of years on the case of
Mansour Osanloo, the imprisoned Iranian bus driver. We were with him in Guatemala in January,
and this week many of us were talking to him by email about the release of Mahmoud Salehi,
another persecuted Iranian trade unionist. Despite his untimely death, he leaves a real legacy of
work on behalf of such workers.
Janek will of course be much missed. Please pass on our condolences to all his colleagues and to his
friends and family
Yours
David Cockroft
General Secretary
ITF
Dear colleagues,
I was so shocked and sorry to hear of the sad news of Janek’s sudden passing. He was one of those rare people who make a difference to humanity at every level. I know from my time at IHLO how closely you worked with Janek and my thoughts are with you, and of course his family.
Estimados compañeros:
Siempre admire la fortaleza y determinación de nuestro colega y me
alegre muchísimo cuando me informaron, oficiosamente, que tal vez se
podría incorparar en el equipo de ACTRAV próximamente.
Janek era un agran amigo con el que colabore desde hace muchísimos.
Apreciaba su gran sentido del humor y a la vez de la amistad.
Dear colleagues,
I just wanted to drop you a line and say that we here are thinking of Janek¹s colleagues, and that we are both shocked and greatly sorry for this collective loss.
I first got know Janek in 1995, when the ITF and the ICFTU were dealing with the ³Arcadia² case in which eleven Chinese seafarers were detained on their return to China after seeking ITF help. Janek helped to submit a successful ILO complaint, in the course of which he impressed us hugely with his energy and rigour.
Personally, I last met him in Guatemala in January. I spoke to him only about ten days ago he answered his mobile somewhat abruptly, informing me that he was at the Chinese embassy but then he called me back to make sure I had the information I needed. That was just like Janek; straight-talking, dedicated and a little bit frazzled.
He will of course be much missed but he leaves a great legacy in work for repressed trade unionists worldwide. Please pass on our condolences, and our appreciation for Janek, to all his colleagues and to his friends and family.
Quelle triste nouvelle!
Je suis profondément consternée. Je te prie de recevoir toutes mes sincères sympathies et de les transmettre à la fille de Yanek.
J’ai travaillé très étroitement avec yanek et je me réjouissais de le voir prendre ma place à ACTRAV dans le souci de la défense des droits des travailleurs et travailleuses. Il était un exemple de courage et d’abnégation pour beaucoup. C’est une perte lourde pour le mouvement syndical et beaucoup de syndicalistes vont le regretter.
Je me tiens à votre disposition si vous avez besoin d’un peu d’aide de façon ad hoc.
Fraternelles et amicales salutations.
Monique Cloutier
It was shock for me to receive very sad news that our Janek have passed away. I have met him for the first time November 23. 1991. at our founding Congress where he was representing ICFTU. From that time on we have developed very close relationship and as a result of that I never hesitated to ask him for an advice and he never turned me down. It was enough to exchange one sentence with Janek and to learn more than when speaking whole day with some people. Janek was a good man, good trade unionist and a good Pole, the best expression of national dignity and pride. I am going to miss him very much. Please send my deepest condolences to his family.
It is with great sorrow and pain that we have learnt about the sudden and untimely death of our dear colleague and brother Janek Kuczkiewicz – Director of the Department of Human and Trade Union Rights – internationally known trade unionist and a person fully devoted to the Trade Union cause.
By sending to you our mournful message, we want, on behalf of the Federation of the Independent Trade Unions of Russia, also to express to all members of the family of the deceased and his close friends, our heart-felt and deep condolences.
Blessed memory about him and his great activities will forever remain in our hearts.
I just wanted to wish you strenght in the coming days following the dreadfull news about Janek. He really was a great person, and i’m sure also a great colleague. It must be such a shock. Our thoughts are with you!
it is with shock that I learn about the passing away of Bro Janek.
I have had the opportunities of working with him and always found him to be a strong, supportive person who was so very committed to the workers’ trade union and other human rights. Many in developing countries would always remember him for his advocacy and defense of trade union rights. His passing away is a loss to the labour movement.
Please convey my sincere condolences to the members of the family and friends.
Dear colleagues,
I don’t have words. Our sadness is immense, and I can’t imagine yours. We are so sad to see him leave, so soon, and yet so greatful for having the chance to know him.
I am deeply shocked on sudden demise of Comrade Janek Kuczkiewicz. His contribution to promote trade union rigts wprldwide will be memorable. I on behalf of GEFONT- General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions, its’ National executive committee and over 300,000 members pay tribute to him. Through ITUC HQ I would like to pass our sincere condolemce to the bereived faimly.
Let me permit to queue-on with all trade unions colleague to mourn on our very own Janek’s demise!
I just learnt Janeck passed away yesterday. I am shocked and very very very sad. What happened ?? Je n’arrive pas à le croire! Ma peine est immense. J’adresse toutes mes condoléances à sa famille et à tous les amis de la CSI, en mon nom personnel et au nom de la FIDH. Il est tellement présent et avec tellement de chaleur et d’engagement, que je n’arrive pas à croire cette nouvelle. Nous sommes en deuil. amitiés,
–
Antoine Bernard
Directeur exécutif
Executive director
FIDH
17 passage de la main d’or
75011 Paris
France
Estimados compañeros:
que el recuerdo de Janek nos estimule a todos a seguir su obra en favor de los trabajadores/as de todo el mundo. Mis condolencias a todos. Con un fuerte abrazo,
Francisco Arnau Consejero de Trabajo ante la OIT España.
LO-Sweden just heard the very sad news about our trade union friend Janek Kuczkiewicz. He was a very dear colleague to all of us and he was a dear, compassionate friend and man. We pay tribute to his formidable work in the ITUC and in the global trade union movement.
In my name and on behalf of the Palestinian general Federation of Trade Unions, executive Committee and all the Palestinian workers affiliated share with deepest sadness and mourn the sudden death of our colleague (Janek Knezkiewics) the Director of Human and Trade Union Rights on April 8. In his sudden passing we lost a fighter for Human Rights who devoted his life to struggle for freedom and dignity of the workers in their struggle to achieve their principle rights.
Please convey our mourn to his family and friends.
Yours sincerely,
Shaher Sae’d
General Secretary
PGFTU
What sad and unexpected news. I was only having exchanges with Janek on Friday when we were planning future work together. It would be really appreciated if at an appropriate time a message of appreciation and condolence be passed from the friends in the ILO Yangon Office to appropriate colleagues and family saying what a positive and energetic influence Janek had in Burma particularly in the fight against forced labour and the struggle for freedom of association. His contribution has already achieved positive outcomes for many and will do so for many more when the seeds he has been part of sewing eventually flower.
Steve Marshall
ILO representative in Yangon, Burma
Estimados compañeros:
profundamente conmovidos por la noticias de la súbita muerte del compañero Janek, les transmitimos nuestro más profundo pesar.
les rogamos hagas llegar nuestras condolencias a su familia.
Un fraternal abrazo.
Javier Doz. Secretario de Acción Sindical Internacional de CC.OO.
Victoria Montero. Responsable DD.HH. y Derechos Sindicales de la Secretaría de Acción Sindical Internacional de CC.OO.
The message yesterday evening about the sudden death of Janek is a real shock for all of us who have been working and spending long days with him for so many years, discussing, chatting, exchanging views, a big part of our trade union life is linked to him for many of us, like me, who have been working on human and trade union rights for long time.
I met him one week ago in Brussels, he was remembering me that I had not yet replied to his message about the preparatory meeting of the ILO Conference, as usual, I gave it for granted, and he was joking about it. The last time I saw him, smiling.
Please let us know where we can send our condolences to his family.
With our deepest sadness, also on behalf of my collegues
Dear all,
This morning when I opened my mail I could not believe it when I read about the demise of Janek. As you know I knew him well specially through our working together on the Burma issue. It always astonished me the passionate manner in which he dealt with issues particularly on matters relating to trade union and human rights.
We will all miss him and the free world is poorer by his untimely death.
May he rest in peace and my sympathies to his family and friends.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I was deeply socked by the totally unbelievable news that Brother Janek was suddenly demised yesterday.
While I was in Brussels, we had a lot of arguments on various issues. Since he has been always tough, I called him
‘Metal Janek’. He seemed to like the nick name, smiling at the end of those arguments. Through such experiences,
Metal Janek let me learn how tough it is to safeguard the human and trade union rights all over the world.
His demise is a big loss not only for the ITUC but also for those people who have been wishing to be freed from oppressions and yoke.
I pay a heartfelt tribute to my Metal Janek.
Tsutomu Arai
Board Member
The ILO Association of Japan, Inc.
Please accept my deep condolence. I was with him only last week in Nottingham at an Amnesty meeting with Shane and Owen.
If there is anything i can do further, please let me know.
may his soul rest in peace.
Estimados compañeros: Nos dirijimos a ustedes con sentido pesar por la infausta desaparición del compañero Janek Kuczkiewicz. El movimiento Sindical pero muy particularmente la CGTG, tiene muy en el corazón y en la mente la presencia y aporte del compañero Janek durante la recien Conferencia en Guatemala.
Reciba la CSI nuestras muestras de condolencias, mismas que agradecemos que la CSI extienda a la familia del compañero Janek y a la gran familia mundial de la CSI.
Fraternal y solidariamente,
Estimados compañeros:
Me acabo de enterar, por nuestro compañero Dan, del repentino fallecimiento de Janek. Fuimos compañeros de trabajo en la antigua CIOSL, siempre mantuvimos el contacto, el desde la CIOSL y luego desde la CSI y yo desde la OIT (ACTRAV), varias veces concertamos acciones conjuntas en defensa de los derechos sindicales y humanos en America latina. La ultima vez que nos vimos fue a fines de enero de este año, en Guatemala, en el marco de una accion de la CSI contra la impunidad en ese pais. Conversamos largamente de sus planes y nos alegramos de volver a trabajar juntos, ahora en la OIT. Hablamos de nuestras familias y recordamos “viejos tiempos”. Estaba alegre, lleno de energia, de bondad, de planes…asi lo recordaremos.
Nuestra solidaridad a su familia y a todos y todas las/os compañeros/as de la CSI.
Afectuosos saludos.
Juan Manuel Sepulveda M.
Especialista Principal Actividades para los Trabajadores Oficina Subregional-San José Centroamérica, Cuba, Haiti, Mexico, Panama y Rep. Dominicana
I was shocked to learn of the untimely demise of our good colleague and friend, Janek Kuczkiewicz, Head of the HTUR Department of the ITUC. In my own name and on behalf of all my colleagues in ACTRAV, I convey to you my deep sympathy for the loss of such a dedicated, competent and sincere colleague. Janek has become an authority on human and trade union rights issues and his determination to promote the respect of trade union rights in all countries and in all continents knew no limits. The ITUC Annual Survey on trade union rights which he edited has become a bible for trade unionists all over the world. His contribution to the work of the ILO Conference Committee on Application of Standards has been outstanding. The death of Janek leaves a big gap in the ITUC and in the international trade union movement.
Death has robbed him from you before I could rob him from the ITUC to work for ACTRAV. We were looking forward to welcome him in ACTRAV with enthusiasm. My heart bleeds with sorrow and sadness for this great loss. May his soul rest in peace.
Please convey our sincere condolences to his daughter, his relatives,friends and dear ones.
Dan Cunniah
Director
Bureau for Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV)
ILO
Dear all,
I can’t believe this news. Janek was always so full of life. This is a huge loss.
I worked with him for years and we became very close, a friendship that survived my move to Geneva and the less frequent encounters.
This is just not fair, for Janek, for all his family and friends and for that much bigger community of workers and their unions who need his courage and dedication. Somehow we fill gaps like the one he leaves but just now I cannot see how.
My sincere condolences to his daughter, family and to all at the ITUC. You must all be quite shattered.
Je viens d’apprendre la terrible nouvelle. Je ne réalise pas vraiment. Je viens de perdre mon pote Janek, mon ami intime et je sais combien il vous était cher aussi. Il me manque déjà. Nous nous étions parlés vendredi. Il était dans un taxi à Nottingham. Nous avons blagué. Comme d’habitude.
Comme tout le monde qui le connaissait à ACTRAV, je l’attendais afin de nous retrouver ensemble comme au bon vieux temps où tous les deux nous partagions un bureau rue Montagne aux herbes potagères.
Gardons de lui le souvenir d’un mec super, le pote qu’il était, le pote engagé, l’ami…
Je pense à sa fille Alice et à Françoise ainsi qu’à sa famille.
Je suis avec vous tous en pensées
cHERS TOUS?
Janek, votre collègue et ami, est parti militer ailleurs. De ce côté de la rive, nous penserons souvent à lui.
Il m’avait téléphoné au moment des événements de la Guinée, me demandant si je connaissais pas des personnes qui pourraient aussi donner des informations et s’il se trouvait des dirigeants politiques crédibles pour contribuer à l’apaisement. Militant, il savait que derrière les officiels, se battaient des militant-e-s épris de justice.Il restait impressionné parb l’héroïsme de femmes comme Rabiatou.
Je regrette de ne pas avoir eu l’occasion de le connaître : son combat commençait par lui-même, pour dépasser ses propres limites.
Je garde de lui, un souvenir vivant, comme un frère qui garde sa main sur mon épaule à la fois pour réfléchir, avancer encore. Il lisait aussi mes rapports sur les missions …
Très cordialement,
Jules Ernoux
Accompagneur syndical auprès de la Guinée, Côte d’Ivoire et Niger.
I know the shock and saddness that you all must be feeling at the ITUC - we also mourn him at TUAC he was a very good friend and colleague for so many years - please pass on our sympathies to all at the ITUC,
Best Regards, John Evans Trade Union Advisory Committee to the OECD
Dear colleagues,
We are so so sad to hear this. FTUWKC would like to join our condolence to Janek and his family. We really lose a wonderful trade union right defender, indeed. I am very late to reply you because we have moved our office to the new location. Now I am sending you from the new office. I can’t descript how sad we are to express our regret to lose a fantastic union defender like Janake, even I didn’t speak English toward him during my visit at ITUC office but my feeling told me that Janek is a very very good human being I ever met. I lost my brother, local union leaders and now Janek. I don’t know when is my turn. My brother was gunned down and Janek is dead alone at home…….:(((( I can’t imagine how too hard he was before he got dead.
On behalf of our 81,000 members among 180 affiliates factories, our national officials, I would like to express our condolence for his death and may his spirit to be in peace.
Dear all,
I don’t know what to say but I am so sorry and still shocked to learn of demise of Janek Kuczkiewicz. I knew that he was coming to ACTRAV and I was looking forward to meet him here. I am so sorry. The only thing I can say is my heart bleeds with sadness for his loss. May his soul rest in peace. I know he will be always in our hearts.
It is with deep sorrow that I inform you of the death of Janek Kuzcziewicz, Director of Human and Trade Union Rights of the International Trade Union Confederation, this morning at his home in Brussels. Many of you know him as a staunch defender of workers’ and trade union rights. As a colleague of more than 20 years (in the ICFTU), I had the added - and precious - privilege of enjoying his friendship. For me, he was a very special person, with an infectious joie de vivre and a wicked sense of humour and, most of all, great compassion and unbounded generosity. I remember how pleased he was when I told him, shortly before leaving Brussels two years ago, that amongst my male colleagues, he was the one I would miss most.
And now, he has left us, too early and too suddenly. Like many, many people who loved him, I am devastated and inconsolable. Janek would not want us to grieve, but he would expect us to continue fighting for human and trade union rights. That is the best way to honour his memory.
May he rest in peace,
Elsa
Elsa Ramos
Senior Specialist in Workers’ Activities ILO Sub-regional Office for East Asia Bangkok, Thailand
Kochany Janku, wprost nie moge uwierzyc, ze na s opusciles. Wielki, wsapnialy, utalentowany i zawsze tryskajucy pelnym optymizmem. Bedzie nam Ciebie brakowalo, ale wierze, ze Twoj duch bedzie wiecznie inspirowal…
Spoczywaj w spokoju
I am so sorry to hear about the death of Brother Janek. What happened?
This is so sad. Please give my condolences to his family and all of the ITUC Brothers & Sisters.
In Solidarity,
Neha Misra, J.D.
Senior Program Officer- Africa Region &
Global Coordinator - Human Trafficking & Migrant Worker Programs
Estimados compañeros:
Con al pesar más profundo, en nombre mio y de cada una y cada uno de las chilenas y chilenos miembros de ODESI, expresamos a la CSI nuestra pena ante la sensible pérdida del compañero Janek Kuczkiewicz.
Como cientos de millones de trabajadoras y trabajadores que a través del mundo no tuvimos la posibilidad de conocer el rostro de Janek, sí podemos dar testimonio de saber y sentir que su brazo protector se posaba permanentemente sobre nuestros hombros.
Seguros que la gloria de Dios sonreirá eternamente a nuestro compañero, rogamos porque otorgue también la la paz y la resignación a su distinguida familia.
Dear all,
I can hardly believe it. We worked together for many years and I will miss him. It is quite a shock, as i am sure it is for all of you at ITUC.
Workers’ Community Mourns One of the Honest Colleagues on April8, 2008
With the sorrow and sadness, be informed that Janek Kuczkiewicz, the Director of Workers and Human Rights Department at the International Trade Union Confederation, 52, passed away on April8, 2008.
Janek defended workers fundamental rights all around the world, including Iran, until the last minutes of his life: supporting workers to establish independent trade unions, trying to free Mansour Osanloo, president of the Executive Board of the Syndicate of workers of Vahed Company, sending welcome messages for Mahmoud Salehi’s release, and protesting against the summons on the members of the Syndicate’s Executive Board to the Court of Revolution. He left us while his last effort was defending workers’ rights in Iran.
The Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburban Bus Vahed Company expresses condolences to his honored family, International Trade Union Confederation, Global Unions, human rights activists and global labor movement especially workers rights activists in Iran.
His Soul Stays Happy and in Peace, and His Dream Comes True
Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburban Bus Vahed Company
April 8, 2008
Monsieur Abdelmadjid SIDI SAID Secrétaire Général de l’UGTA,
C’est avec une profonde tristesse que l’UGTA a appris le décès, du camarade Janek Kuczkiewicz, Directeur du Département des Droits Humains et Syndicaux, à son domicile à Bruxelles.
Au nom de la Direction Nationale de l’UGTA et de tous les travailleurs Algériens,
Présente en cette triste et douloureuse circonstance, à toute la famille, aux proches du défunt, à la CSI, ses sincères condoléances les plus attristées et les assure de sa profonde sympathie et de sa solidarité.
Que Dieu le Tout Puissant accorde au défunt
Sa Sainte Miséricorde et l’accueillir en Son Vaste Paradis.
Le Chargé de la Communication
du Secrétaire Général de l’UGTA
Janek made a contribution to human and trade union rights that would have been great if he had attained twice his age. In that sense, he lived a long life.
He lived his life in “the fast lane”. His intense and passionate way pushed up, at times, against the outer limits of the “rational” like so many people who have helped to move the world.
Janek was not always easy. There are few people with whom I have worked where there were so many conflicts, but after each conflict, the pleasure of a good argument seemed to deepen the friendship.
Janek had a force of character and a devotion to the values of liberty and justice that was so deeply felt and so true that it gave him “charisma”, not one made of tinsel in Hollywood, but one that was solid and real. He was effective in spite of or perhaps because he was incapable of “rising above principle”.
Janek improved all those who knew him. We will treasure many memories. But, more importantly, he touched and enriched the lives of many millions who will never know his name and who never had the chance to share with him a drink, a laugh or a struggle. His memory will live on for many generations after traces of his person fade. It will live on as long as our trade union movement cherishes and defends the values that were the fibre of his being. That is the only memorial that is worthy of him.
It is with a great deal of sadness that I learn of Janek’s passing. Not only was he a friend and a tireless defender of human and labor rights, Janek had the ability to reach across the aisle to find common ground and solutions. I will miss him especially this June at the ILO Conference.
Ed Potter
Director, Global Workplace Rights
The Coca-Cola Company
Estoy en Ginebra, ayer en el Foro de Igualdad de remuneracion. Aqui nos llego la noticia , triste de la muerte de nuestro compañero Janek. Yo trabaje mucho con el en mis tiempos de la ORIT. No se como expresar la profunda pena que me produce la noticia.
Mis condolencias a Alicia la hija de Janek y a todos y todas los/as compañeros/as.
Un abrazo
It is with deep sorrow that I inform you of the death of Janek Kuzcziewicz, Director of Human and Trade Union Rights of the International Trade Union Confederation, this morning at his home in Brussels. Many of you know him as a staunch defender of workers’ and trade union rights. As a colleague of more than 20 years (in the ICFTU), I had the added and precious privilege of enjoying his friendship. For me, he was a very special person, with an infectious joie de vivre and a wicked sense of humour and,
most of all, great compassion and unbounded generosity. I remember how pleased he was when I told him, shortly before leaving Brussels two years ago, that amongst my male colleagues, he was the one I would miss most.
And now, he has left us, too early and too suddenly. Like many, many people who loved him, I am devastated and inconsolable. Janek would not want us to grieve, but he would expect us to continue fighting for human and trade union rights. That is the best way to honour his memory.
May he rest in peace,
Elsa
Elsa Ramos
Senior Specialist in Workers’ Activities
ILO Sub regional Office for East Asia
Bangkok, Thailand
It is a terrible and sad news! I did not know Janek very well as a person, but I know through his work that he was an excellent trade unionist. If he was a special person for you, then he must also have been an exceptional human being.
A big hug
Barbro Budin
The unexpected news gave us a great shock. Though I did not have much chance to work with him so closely as you did, I remember very clearly of his passion for human and trade union rights. In Brussels, in Geneva, in Japan, and wherever we worked together, we have a very clear, impressive memory of his work. I also remember all of his colleagues in ICFTU always kept him in their mind whenever they work. For example, when we are observing proposed sites for ICFTU World Congress in Japan, we always thought how Janek could cope with the conference room, etc.
It is indeed a great sorrow and great loss for all of us. He has certainly left us too early. But as you said, he must be expecting us to continue fighting for human and trade union rights. We shall try our best to continue to keep up his work in human and trade union rights, and this is the best way to honour his memory.
May his soul rest in peace.
Hinako Watanabe(Ms.)
Director
Field Projects Social Development Group
Japan International Labour Foundation (JILAF)
I am really so sorry. I had no idea that he was that ill. Such a shame. Bless his family and friends, bless you. Mayaki also passed away and they are having a memorial for him in the ILO tomorrow. We are losing those amongst us.
With love,
Beth Goodson
C’est avec beaucoup de tristesse que j’ai appris le décès soudain de Janek que j’avais rencontré à Genève lors des travaux de la conférence internationale.
C’était un homme de conviction, militant, courageux et apprécié de tous.
A sa famille et à ses collègues, je veux présenter mes sincères condoléances.
Que de temps passé depuis les années de solidarité avec la Pologne, ses combats pour les justes causes, les soirées où nous refaisions le monde dans tous les sens entre bons amis. Je suis profondément triste de son départ et pense à Alice et à ses proches.
Nous avons été profondément peinés d’apprendre le décès de Janek.
Son souvenir restera certainement gravé dans nos mémoires.
Il restera toujours associé à un engagement syndical sans faille au profit de ceux qui ont le plus besoin. Il savait communiquer son enthousiasme et renforcer les liens d’amitié en faveur de la solidarité.
Avoir eu la chance de le voir encore à l’oeuvre lors des actions du 6 mars dernier à Bruxelles, reste une petite consolation. Janek était un grand syndicaliste.
Bernard NOËL
Secrétaire national de la CGSLB/ACLVB
Toi qui a tant fait pour la Birmanie, qui à été à la base de notre réseau européen EBN à Bruxelles, qui à lutté durant des années contre l’oppression militaire et le travail forcé au Myanmar, tu n’es plus parmi nous ! Sache cependant que tu restes une référence pour tous ceux qui se battent pour plus de justice et de dignité humaine dans ce monde .
Au revoir Janek.
Un de tes nombreux amis.
André Van der Schueren / Association Suisse-Birmanie
Genève
Janek a accompagné la Campagne Vêtements Propres depuis son commencement en Belgique. Notre action pour le retrait de Triumph de Birmanie en 2000-2001 rejoignait la démarche qu’il avait construite pas à pas pour obtenir la condamnation de la Birmanie par l’OIT, une première historique. En partance pour la conférence de l’OIT à Genève, Janek avait pourtant accepter d’être des nôtres pour témoigner avec fougue et avec ses tripes de l’impact de nos actions lors des 10 ans de la Campagne Vêtements Propres, à Bruxelles, en 2007.
Metaljanek était de ceux qui fixent l’objectif, droit devant.
Il nous manquera.
La Campagne Vêtements Propres tient à présenter ses plus sincères condoléances à ses proches, ses collègues, ses amis.
Con sorpresa y tristeza recibimos ayer la comunicación del fallecimiento de compañero Janek Kuczkiewicz, un amigo para nosotros, profundamente comprometido en la defensa y en las violaciones de las soluciones de los Derechos Humanos y Sindicales. Compromiso constatado en su larga trayectoria sindical en la CIOSL y en su responsabilidad actual como Director del Departamento de Derechos Humanos y Sindicales de la Confederación Sindical Internacional. Quienes hemos tenido la oportunidad de compartir con Janek, esfuerzos y trabajos en el Comité de Derechos Humanos, en las Misiones Internacionales de Solidaridad, sabemos de su energía y valentía para con esta causa, vital para el sindicalismo mundial. Queremos expresar, en nombre de la UGT, nuestra solidaridad por la perdida de Janek y hacer extensiva nuestra fraternidad a su familia y a sus compañeros de trabajo.
Un saludo fraternal
Manuel Bonmatí
Secretario Ejecutivo
Responsable de Política Internacional
UGT España
Over the last two and a half years, I have been working intensively with Janek and Mehdi Kouhestaninejad of the CLC on our campaign to promote workers’ rights in Iran. We exchanged hundreds of emails and held conference calls. And one must be reminded that this was not the only case that Janek was working on. Burma, China, Colombia, Guatemala….he had many.
It was Janek who spent hours of his Christmas holidays in 2005 responding to the mass arrests that the Iranian authorities conducted against the leadership of the Tehran Bus Workers’ Union when the ITF was less familiar with the case. Without his efforts, the plight of the union may not have been visible to us. It was, after all, the festive season in the Western world and he rightly said that the Iranian authorities do calculate their timing for such clamp downs.
He was uncompromising but never unreasonable. He always took his cases seriously and put a lot of effort into them, but he had a great sense of humour at the same time. I was with him in Nottingham last week at an Amnesty gathering where he said “my department has 4.5 staff”. Although his freedom of mobility was reduced, we have heard stories and seen photos of his actions in a wheelchair (dances and demonstrations!).
When Mehdi and I visited him last June with Mansour Osanloo during the ITUC General Council meeting, he took us out for dinner and said jokingly, “All these people who get out of jail and come and visit me, I don’t really have time for all that. My priority is the ones who are still in prison”. But of course he welcomed Mansour who had spent months in jail. As they first met in the corridors of the ITUC office, I saw Janek greeting Mansour with a large hug.
He was a determined and hard-working advocator of human and trade union rights. It will be quite hard to replace someone like him immediately, but our fight goes on. I will certainly be part of it, in whatever capacity I may have. In fact, you don’t need a position in order to take part in the cause although the knowledge and experience that one accumulates can be indispensable, and that is where the big loss lies with this sudden and untimely departure of our dear friend.
I have some photos of Janek which I wish to share with those who knew him.
Together with the souvenir of your determination to tackle any injustice, in this case within the board of MSF, that special smile and twinkle in your eye will always remain a dear remembrance.
With respect and sincere wishes for Janek’s family,
Veerle Steppe
Very shocked and sorry to hear this sad news. This is a great loss to the movement. Please pass on our codolences and best wishes to his family and friends, as well as his colleagues at the ITUC.
Janek personified the tremendous power that can be unleashed by bringing together the two movements close to my heart - human rights & trade-unionism. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered
We are very sad to hear of the death of comrade Janek. He was a great campaigner and we worker regulalryl with him on Zimbabwe. He spoke eloquently and succinctly at a conference we held in parliament last year. Please pass our condolences to all those close to him.
Nous venons d’apprendre dans la consternation la disparition subite de notre Camarade Janek KUCZKIEWICZ précédemment Directeur des Droits Humains et Syndicaux de la CSI.
Nous voudrions par ce message transmettre à vous même et à toute l’équipe de la CSI nos vives condoléances suite à cet évènement très douloureux.
Nous gardons du disparu le souvenir de militant engagé et très dévoué à faire avancer les valeurs que nous avons toujours défendues notamment celles relatives aux droits de l’homme. Janek nous manquera beaucoup dans quelques semaines à l’occasion de la 96eme session de la Conférence Internationale du Travail.
Vous voudriez également transmettre à la famille du défunt toutes les condoléances de l’équipe de l’ONG AFRISOP.
La nouvelle de la mort de Janek Kuczkiewicz nous a beaucoup frappés.
Au nom de Raffaele Bonanni, et en particulier des collègues Giuseppe et Cecilia, qui ont toujours travaillé avec lui je m’associe aux condoléances à la famille.
Malheureusement nous avons touts perdu un grand et passionné défenseur des droits syndicaux et humains partout dans le monde.
Que son âme repose en paix, en restant vivant dans les cœurs de nous touts.
Dear friends,
my union KSBSI with deepest sadness also express our condolence to our good colleague mr. Janek. His contribution to union has made labor rights strugles all over the world get strongger.
Lamento de veras tan inesperada noticia, de parte del Comité Ejecutivo de la Confederación de Trabajadores de Venezuela, de Manuel Cova y el mio propio le pedimos haga llegar a esa digna institución (CSI) de la que formamos parte nuestro sincero manifiesto de dolor ante la desaparición física de ese entrañable amigo. Así mismo a los familiares del compañero Janek Kuczkiewicz que solidariamente estamos con ellos.
Por otro lado, a pesar de tal acontecimiento para la CSI, les ratifico como Directora del Dpto de Mujer y Familia de la CTV, mi solidaridad y apoyo a todo el accionar que tengan a bien desarrollar y me pongo a su disposición al lado del equipo de mujeres dirigentas sindicales que me acompañan en la responsabilidad de gerenciar el Dpto de Mujer y Familia de la CTV.
Prof. Carmen Omaira Arismendi
Directora del Dpto de la Mujer y Familia
de la CTV, Caracas-Venezuela
Je viens d’une réunion syndicale sur l’emploi des jeunes.
On m’apprend que Janek est décédé. Boulversée par la nouvelle, je ne sais par où commencer car je l’attendais à Kinshasa pour effectuer une mission à Goma sur les violences sexuelles faites à la femme.
Maintenant je ne sais quoi dire aux 2 affiliés de la CSC qui devaient voyager avec nous.
A toutes fins utiles, je présente mes condoléances les plus attristés au Camarade Secrétaire Général de la CSI, aux Camarades membres du Département des droits syndicaux et aux membres du Département de l’Egalité ainsi qu’à la famille du disparu.
Que son âme repose en paix.
I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear the terrible news of this untimely death. The loss is grievous. In Janeck we have lost an able, dedicated and tireless defender of freedom and trade union rights. To his valuable work, he brought his rare qualities: passion, intellect, sensitivity and fine wit.
We met last month at the PERC meeting in Brussels and I was looking forward to see him again coming June in Geneva. I can’t believe he’s gone - the application of standards committee will not be the same this year.
Please extend to his loved ones on behalf of the GSEE our condolences together with my personal heartfelt condolences.
Zoe Lanara
International Relations Secretary
Greek General Confederation of Labour - GSEE
C’est avec beaucoup d’émotion et une profonde tristesse que la FGTB a appris le décès de Janek.
Son combat acharné pour le respect des droits syndicaux, son indignation constante face aux violations des droits de l’Homme en général et de ceux des travailleurs et travailleuses du monde entier en particulier ainsi que son humour resteront dans nos mémoires !
Toutes nos pensées vont à sa famille, ses proches et ses collègues.
Au revoir Camarade, tu nous manqueras.
Rudy De Leeuw - Président
Anne Demelenne - Secrétaire Générale
Thibaut Michot - Département International
C’est avec beaucoup d’émotions que j’apprends le décès de Janek.
Je transmets mes condoléances et mon entière sympathie à sa famille et à ses ami(es)
J’aurai aimé parler à nouveau avec lui au soleil, cet été dans le jardin…
Je viens d’apprendre le triste nouvelle de la mort de Janek . Mes condoleances a sa famille , a la grande famille de la CSI ,
Il etait incontournable pour le defense les droits humain et syndicaux .
Là où tu t’es arrêté, ton rêve ne s’arrête pas.
Ta présence est indestructible.
Aujourd’hui, ce sont 30 ans de merveilleuse fraternité qui ce sont soudain transformés en fraternité éternelle.
D’ailleur, tu ne t’es pas arrêté, tu as simplement fait un petit stop, pour demander ton chemin peut-être…
Ne t’inquiète pas, tu as toujours été sur le bon chemin, et nombreux sont ceux qui ont pu compter sur toi pour reconnaître le leur , et continuer à avancer.
Merci d’encore exister Janek
A maintenant, pour toujours, on ne peut plus se quitter, seulement continuer à marcher.
Tu verras, on ne va pas s’ennuyer!
ça va être formidable!
La vie continue, plus forte que jamais.
Ton rêve est indestructible, vois tu?
Pourquoi te dirais je “au revoir” puisque tu demeures au coeur du meilleur de chacun d’entre nous?
Merci Janek
Rien ne s’arrête, tout continue… Laisse nous juste reprendre notre souffle : on est pas tous aussi forts que toi!
Ton vieux frère Harold
The sudden loss of Janek must leave a sense of shock and saddness to all at the ITUC, his friends and family - we also mourn him at TUAC he was a very good friend and colleague for so many years - he will be missed but not forgotten.
Quelle triste nouvelle!
Je suis profondément consternée. Je transmets toutes mes sincères sympathies à la fille de Yanek.
J’ai travaillé très étroitement avec yanek et je me réjouissais de le voir prendre ma place à ACTRAV dans le souci de la défense des droits des travailleurs et travailleuses. Il était un exemple de courage et d’abnégation pour beaucoup. C’est une perte lourde pour le mouvement syndical et beaucoup de syndicalistes vont le regretter.
Merci pour tout Yanek.
Puisses-tu reposer en paix!
The Solidarity Center mourns the death of Janek Kuczkiewicz. Janek was our friend and ally in the struggle for global worker rights. Whether in Burma, China, Colombia, Iran, Thailand, or any of the other countries in which he documented worker rights violations, Janek’s energy and passion were a powerful force. We will miss him terribly.
Quel choc !! Je n’arrive toujours pas à y croire! Toi qui débordais tellement d’énergie….
Nous nous sommes rencontrés sur le toit du monde, tu venais pour la mini-AG dans la mission MSF où je travaillais…tu es arrivé à un moment clé et je n’oublierai jamais ces moments forts passés ensemble et ton support moral qui m’a aidé à supporter un peu plus facilement le poids des récits de tortures subies par mon interprète et sa mère.
Depuis nous nous croisions parfois aux AG ou dans les couloirs de MSF, toujours avec plaisir et chaleur. Tu m’avais dit un jour que ces moments au Tibet t’avaient marqués toi aussi.
La dernière fois que je t’ai vu, c’était dans des circonstances plus festives, à un concert de chorale, tu partais en Guinée le lendemain, si je me souviens bien…toujours aussi motivé.
Merci pour ton exemple, ton infatiguable enthousiasme.
Merci d’avoir pu continuer à croire qu’on peut changer le monde même après tant d’années de lutte.
Merci pour tout ce qui rayonnait de toi quand on te croisait.
Bon vent là-haut pour un repos bien mérité (ne mets pas trop la révolution!!!)
Je souhaite énormément de courage à Alice et à ta famille pour apprivoiser ton absence physique et apprendre à se contenter de la présence du coeur.
This is such awful news. Janek was at the centre of the struggle and a great fighter for trade union rights. Colleagues associated with ICTUR around the world would like to express our sadness at his loss.
Ton départ définitif, si subit, anesthésie encore l’impact du choc de la nouvelle si difficile à croire réelle. Ton nom a été, est et sera toujours associé à un homme intelligent, généreux, loyal et plein d’humour, un ami avec il fait bon être.
Je te remercie d’avoir pu te rencontrer et je souhaite à Alice, et tous tes proches de trouver le courage de se nourrir encore de tout ce que tu as pu leur apporter.
Bon voyage.
On s’était dit que plutôt vieillir chacun de son côté dans un home quelconque, la “tribu” comme tu l’appelais devrait s’acheter une maison où on pourrait, entre autre, taper le carton à loisir.
Bien sûr, nous choisirions nous-mêmes le personnel soignant : les infirmières seraient belles (coquin, va) et pour nous les infirmiers seraient beaux !!! Comme d’habitude tu es trop pressé et forcément avec ta voiturette tu vas beacoup plus vite que nous…
Alors, s’il te plaît, là où tu es, ne nous oublie pas ! Avec ton sens inné de la diplomatie, ta gentillesse profonde pour même les plus petites gens, ton rire communicatif et ton humour décapant qui t’ont permis de traverser tant d’épreuves si difficiles, je suis sûre que quand ce sera à chacun notre tour de te rejoindre, tu auras mis tout le personnel soignant dans ta poche. N’en profites pas pour tricher ! D’ailleurs ta grand-mère Babcia t’en empêchera !
Demande au personnel soignant de garder un oeil bienveillant et clément sur nous tous, car nous comptons bien faire quelques parties d’enfer !
Bon, avec tous tes voyages et les nôtres aussi, si les infirmières et les infirmiers ont des ailes, ça ne nous dérange pas du tout ! Nous savons qu’il existe des anges étranges partout….
Janek, ne nous oublie pas, car nous non plus nous ne pourrons pas t’oublier.
Au revoir Yanek! J’ai toujours admiré ton courage, ton énergie, tes projets sans limites, tes rêves.. surtout les plus fous! Sois en paix et à nous tous de continuer la lutte aux quatre coins du monde pour que quelques uns de nos rêves deviennent réalités.
Courage Alice et Francoise.
Je ne crois pas que je pourrai arriver en Belgique samedi, mais salut à tous.
Salut mon grand!
Je t’attendais à Genève. Tu ne viendras et c’est la première fois que tu me fais faux bond. Depuis ce jour de 1982 où nos routes se sont croisées à la CISL, ma vie n’a plus été la même. Elle ne sera plus la même sans toi.
Merci de m’avoir fait connaître tant de choses. Merci de m’avoir donné le privilège de travailler avec toi, d’être dans le secret de tes campagnes, de partager tes engagements. Merci des fous rires que tu ne manquais pas de déclencher en moi lorsque l’on refaisait le monde après le boulot. Merci, il y a 23 ans, ce mois d’avoir rendu visite à ma femme qui venait d’accoucher de Sarah.
Charlotte, Eric et Sarah se joignent à moi pour te dire merci et Cześć!
Ton pote Luc
Janek’s passing is a loss to the global movement for human rights and social justice.
Our hearts go out to his loved ones and close colleagues - may they draw strength from the respect and affection that people all around the world have for Janek. We stand with them in this time of grief.
May we all continue to be inspired by Janek’s warmth and commitment, and keep up our efforts for the causes he was dedicated to.
Tristesse aussi pour nous , journalistes, pour lesquels Janek était toujours disponible, aimable, précis, prêts à nous donner les meilleures informations.
Mais au delà de ces relations professionnelles, quel bonhomme…
Comment ne pas comprendre ce chagrin qui vient de partout ? il a tant donné à tellement de gens, à ceux qui étaient les plus opprimés et qui en avaient bien besoin…
Nous ne l’oublierons évidemment pas, lui, son combat, son énergie, ses idées, ses coups de coeur.
When we are all ‘freed’ from our earthly bodies, I am certain that Janek will welcome us in heaven. And then immediately sign us up to fight on for all others. My condolences to his family and colleagues.
David Welker
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
A mon tout premier ami de Belgique, je rends hommage et souhaite bon voyage…
Les mots n’y pourront rien. Les larmes soulagent un temps. Reste ce qu’il a passé laissé en nous, pour nous…
Mes pensées accompagnent les proches de cet homme, Alice et Michèle, sa famille et ses nombreux ami(e)s.
Au revoir mon ami… merci pour tout…
El Comite Ejecutivo de la Confederacion de Trabajadores de Venezuela, los trabajadores y trabajadoras de Venezuela nos unimos al profundo dolor que embarga a todos los compañeros de la CSI, a los familiares y amigos. por la desaparicion fisica del compañero Janek, las organizaciones sindicales democraticas del mundo pierden un firme y brillante aliado en su constancia en la denuncias de las violaciones de los derechos humanos y sindicales en cualquier lugar que se produjesen.
Dear Janek, I did not know you well but your expansive personality filled the times we were together with joy and passion. I miss that and you. Your deep and strong sense of justice was inspirational and remains with me as a reminder of you. Your work on Iran has enriched my own and I will never forget that. My sympathies and condolences to your friends and family. Au revoir, cher Janek.
Shock news and so SAD! Even though I had never met with him personally, but I did learned and knew him very well from ILO meeting documents, ICFTU and various trade union websites. His tirelessly effort to protect and to fight for worker rights are can be seen at everywhere. As a Burmese trade unionist, I respected him so much. I thank with my life and wish- may he rest in peace!
Like Mac and Shane, I was with Janek in Nottingham for the Amnesty Trade Union Conference on Friday, and he seemed to be on his best form, plotting what we would do next for our Iranian colleagues.
Jim Baker and Arai-san are right about the arguments, and I want to record how many times Janek lashed me with his tongue, his sarcasm and his good humour. He was cantankerous, obstreperous and irrepressible, and the worst thing is that he might well, as some have said, be resting peace - which is so unlike him.
Even when he was having fun he couldn’t be held down - like last December when he was dancing at one of the evenings after the ITUC General Council in Washington. After one particularly energetic dance with an international secretary her modesty forbids me to name, he went over to Guy and said “you know this is bad news, boss - I’ve broken my wheelchair again and you’ll need to buy me a new one!”
All of his friends will miss him, of course, but he leaves a giant-sized hole in our work. We’re going to be criticised less without Janek to do it, and we’ll all be the poorer for it.
I learnt only an hour ago that we lost dearest Janek. I am in a deep schock and sadness, I can’t believe. I met him in last May in the ILO Conference, he was full of energy to help an unexperienced friend(me). Because he understood soon that working people in Turkey needed the knowledge, energy and experices he had.
Dear Janek, there were too many things to learn from you, but again I feel very lucky for I had a chance to meet with you.
gaye yilmaz
DISK-United Metalworkers’ Union /TURKEY
…
Le bruit énorme des paroles
Il est exact au rendez-vous
Il est même en avance sur les autres
Pourtant il dit … que tout est simple
Et que la mort surtout est une chose simple
Puisque toute liberté se survit.
you are a real Hero of the trade union ,and human rightts struggle. With your dedication and commitment you have inspired and enriched so many, lives e under which mine. it was due to your work and enthausiasm that I ended up working on trade union rights. It was always such a great pleasure to talk to laugh and work with you. I have splendid memories of spending time with you, wherever in the world, in Brussel, Colombia or Hong Kong. I hope to see you back in heaven.
Salut Janek, tu n’as pas arrêté de surprendre tout qui tu rencontrais, ta force, ton humour, ton engagement, tes délires, tes attentions délicates, ton soutien, tu pouvais facilement faire 200 km souvent en pleine nuit pour rejoindre tes potes. Ah non Janek là tu nous a joué un drôle de tour et voila, ce coup là il est difficile à passer.
merci pour tout Janek.
Une attention affectueuse pour Michèle et Alice.
What a great loss for the union movement, but obviously for all his friends worldwide. I think we all got touched by Janek in some way. He was a unique human being no doubt.
In the three years I worked in Brussels with J-man, what I enjoyed the most was going to the BBC studio with him, joking around with the London producers and doing such amazing interviews… Listening to him was always so inspiring. His voice, passion and accuracy always left the press wanting more too… Good times.
Thanks for your friendship, you intelligence and the numerous glasses of red we shared over the years.
Il n’y rien a ajouter à ces messages tristes. Janek, je me souviendrai de ta gentillesse, ton humour, ton engagement, ton intelligence.
Condoleances à tous.
Philippe
Mourning a Workers’ Friend
The labour movement around the world and the Canadian Labour Congress mourn the untimely passing of Janek Kuczkiewicz. An outstanding international workers’ rights advocate, Janek Kuczkiewicz was the Director of the Human and Trade Union Rights Department of the Brussels-based International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).
If workers, the world over had a friend, Janek was that friend, says Canadian Labour Congress President Ken Georgetti. His entire life was dedicated to the sole task of making workers’ rights real. It is impossible to count the number of workers who came out of prison, who overcame persecution to achieve a first collective agreement or who managed to find asylum in exile in order to live to fight another battle, because of the tireless and sustained efforts of Brother Janek Kuczkiewicz. His passing leaves a void in our hearts and in our movement.
Janek was, among many other things and for many years, the driving force behind the authoritative ICFTU (now ITUC) Annual Survey of Violations of Trade Union Rights. Last November, he was in Toronto to promote the idea that respect for workers’ rights in countries like ours is necessary to foster the implementation of trade union and other human rights of workers in countries like Colombia, Burma, Zimbabwe or Iran. Many of us at the CLC had the pleasure of knowing Janek through our work with the ITUC and the ILO, and to appreciate his indomitable drive, his warmth, and his sense of humour.
The leadership and the staff of the Canadian Labour Congress send condolences to his family and his friends. He was 52.
Nous pleurons un ami
Le mouvement syndical du monde entier et le Congrès du travail du Canada pleurent le décès prématuré de Janek Kuczkiewicz. Militant remarquable des droits des travailleurs et des travailleuses à l’échelle internationale, Janek Kuczkiewicz était directeur du Comité des droits humains et syndicaux de la Confédération syndicale internationale (CSI), qui a son siège à Bruxelles.
Si les travailleurs et les travailleuses du monde entier avaient un ami, c’était bien Janek, affirme Ken Georgetti, président du Congrès du travail du Canada. Il a consacré toute sa vie à la réalisation des droits des travailleurs et des travailleuses. Il est impossible de compter ceux et celles qui sont sortis de prison, qui ont surmonté la persécution pour obtenir une première convention collective ou qui ont trouvé un asile en exil pour continuer de mener le combat, grâce aux efforts acharnés du confrère Janek Kuczkiewicz. Son décès laisse un vide dans nos coeurs et dans notre mouvement.
Janek a été, entre autres choses et pendant des années, la force motrice du Rapport annuel des violations des droits syndicaux de la CISL, aujourd’hui la CSI. En novembre dernier, il s’est rendu à Toronto pour promouvoir l’idée que le respect des droits des travailleurs et des travailleuses dans les pays comme le nôtre est nécessaire pour faciliter l’application des droits syndicaux et d’autres droits humains dans les pays tels que la Colombie, la Birmanie, le Zimbabwe et l’Iran. Plusieurs d’entre nous au CTC ont eu le plaisir de connaître Janek, dans le cadre de notre travail avec la CSI et l’OIT, et d’apprécier son énergie, sa chaleur humaine et son sens de l’humour.
La direction et le personnel du Congrès du travail du Canada expriment leurs condoléances à sa famille et à ses amis. Janek avait 52 ans.
My condolences to the entire ITUC family. I recall how hard Janek worked during the founding congress of the ITUC in Vienna and he had nothing but my respect and admiration. We have lost a valuable brother.
In Solidarity
Hanad Mohamud
Solidarity Center
AFL-CIO
En nombre del Equipo Jurídico de las centrales sindicales colombianas CUT-CTC, deseamos expresarles nuestras condolencias por la muerte del querido compañero Janek, las cuales hacemos extensivas a sus familiares.
Quienes conocimos y trabajamos con Janek, tuvimos la fortuna de compartir y de ser testigos de las actividades de un ser humano excepcional, comprometido con la causa de los derechos humanos y especialmente con las luchas de las y los trabajadores, que desplegaba una enorme solidaridad, de la cual nos beneficiamos especialmente en el movimiento sindical colombiano.
Janek deja un gran vacío, pero sus enseñanzas profesionales y su ejemplo servirán para ayudarnos en el duro camino de lucha que tiene por delante el movimiento sindical colombiano para enfrentar la violencia antisindical y la falta de derechos y libertades sindicales a que está siendo sometido.
Proponemos que durante la próxima Conferencia Internacional del Trabajo le rindamos un homenaje por parte de los y las trabajadoras del mundo, aprovechando nuestro encuentro en ese escenario que fue un lugar donde Janek participó en muchas batallas en favor de los derechos sindicales.
Fraternalmente,
JORGE HUMBERTO VALERO RODRÍGUEZ
ALEJANDRA MARÍA TRUJILLO URIBE
MARCEL SILVA ROMERO
PABLO ELIAS GONZALEZ MONGUI
JORGE ROMERO PEREZ
CARLOS RODRIGUEZ MEJIA
ZITA FROILA TINOCO AROCHA
ALBERTO LEÓN GÓMEZ ZULUAGA
ALEJANDRO RAMON GARCIA SALZEDO
IVAN DAVID ORTIZ PALACIOS
MAURICIO VELASQUEZ OSPINA
It was a great shock to learn of Janek’s sudden death. As the President of the New Zealand Council of Unions for 8 years I had the privilege to work closely with Janek on a number of isssues and campaigns. He was absolutely committed to his human rights work with a passion, energy, and determination which inspired us all.
Janek, ton départ nous a laissé sans voix. Toutes nos pensées vont vers les tiens et Maïté se joint à nous dans une pensée toute particulière pour Alice.
At Actions Birmanie (Belgium), we have been blessed to count Janek as -probably- our fiercest supporter. In moments of discouragement, Janek would fire us up by renewing our energies to fight for democracy in Burma. He would never back down.
We are so grateful for having known such a decent man, who spent his life practicing his values. The dignity of man, equality, brotherhood were not words, Janek gave them flesh, with intelligence and always a laugh.
We pledge to firmly uphold what has now become –heartbreakingly- Janek’s legacy.
Je viens d’apprendre à l’instant le décès inopiné de Janek, cet admirable ami, généreux, drôle et tellement énergique!
Je n’arrive pas à le croire, je l’ai encore vu récemment lors d’une agréable soirée au cours de laquelle il m’annonça sa mutation proche pour Genève. Toujours prêt pour de nouveaux défis! J’entends encore son rire, je vois encore son visage pétillant.
Janek, la mort, cette inertie, ne te va pas…
Janek, tu es tellement vivant dans mon esprit et tu le resteras. Et tant pis pour les lois de la nature, tu es bien au-dessus de cela. Quels bons souvenirs tu laisses! Et quelle présence!
Françoise, je suis heureuse de t’avoir rencontrée grâce à Janek et te reverrai avec plaisir. Je suis de tout coeur avec toi. Courage et continue de nous informer par tes excellents reportages.
Mes pensées et ce poème de Jean-Marie Raths à vous, Françoise, Alice, Michelle et toute la famille de Janek.
“Il ne s’agit pas d’ouvrir à la mort
La porte la plus ample de notre jardin
Comme à une fiancée venue de très loin
Non: la mort est l’esprit vivant en nous
Nous l’avons reconnue selon la lampe
Qu’elle portait
Lorsque la nuit tomba sur nos paupières
De toute victoire elle est certes digne
Et sa victoire est cette trombe de lumière
Qui nous traverse come une torche vivante
Il s’agit de reconnaître et à jamais
Que la mort est bien à nous
Cet écoulement de notes que nous buvons
Seconde après seconde aux heures de la vie
Et qui sait merveilleusement nous enivrer
La mort, l’esprit vivant
nous désaltère
aujourd’hui
Janek is one of those persons whom you do not meet or work with everyday. He is one of those rare memorable persons who touch your lives in a very special humane, serious and dedicated way. He lived and breathed trade union rights, social justice, freedom and worker rights. He argued with you, and he pushed you via debate to the limits and required of you to not accept complacency and only excellence. He was my hero for Egypt - without Janek we would not have the current correct attitude vis a vis the Egyptian official labor movement and his solid support of Egyptian workers through independent labor support organizations like the CTUWS. Thank you Janek, merci and shukran for all your efforts till the very last breath you took. His last e-mail to me was about Noon DC time and 6 or 7 pm in Brussels where he had to make me laugh by teasing me! and making sure that I double and triple check stories & incidents being reported in the recent demonstrations in Egypt. And telling me that “slapping someone to death” just did not cut it. Sorry, I did not have a chance to edit the English sent to me from Cairo.
May you rest in peace dear Janek and please know that you will never never be forgotten and your work will continue. You will continue to live through all of us whom you inspired with your dedication, hard work, empathy and care. Till we meet, I hope in Heaven — (don’t know if I will make it to Heaven!! though) yet I know that you are there now with God looking down on all of us with a beer and a smile on your face.
Cher Guy, chers collègues de la CSI , chers syndicalistes,
Nous sommes atterrés par la nouvelle du décès de Janek…Au fil des années et des coopérations à la Commission des Normes de l’OIT, nous étions devenus des amis. J’appréciais sa compétence, sa connaissance des dossiers, mais aussi sa sensibilité, son engagement sans limite, son sens de l’humour.
Il va laisser un grand vide derrière lui, qu’il sera difficile de combler. Le groupe Travailleurs de la Commission des Normes ne sera plus jamais au complet…
A sa fille, ses proches, ses collègues, j’adresse mes sincères condoléances, et leur souhaite de pouvoir continuer, malgré tout… En mémoire de Janek, nous devons reprendre le flambeau qu’il nous laisse, pour la défense et la promotion des droits syndicaux partout dans le monde.
Dear Guy, colleagues of ITUC, trade union members,
We were deeply shocked by the news of Janek’s death…Through the years and collaborations in the ILO Standard Committee, we were made friends. I appreciated his competence, his knowledge of the issues, but also his sensitiveness, his endless commitment, his sense of humor…
He will be missed, and it will not be easy to replace him. The Workers’ Group of the Standard Committee will never be complete again…
Our most sincere condolences to his daughter, to his colleagues, to those close to him.
In Janek’s memory, we must continue his work, for the defence and promotion of trade unions rights all over the world.
Luc Cortebeeck
President ACV-CSC Belgium
Porte-parole du groupe Travailleurs à la Commission des Normes OIT.- Spokesperson of the Workers’ Group in the ILO Standard Committee.
Tu nous laisses ton sourire malicieux, la puissance de ton regard, et surtout ta formidable détermination.
Nous héritons tous de ces cadeaux .. et à nous à présent à reprendre un petit morceau du flambeau, chacun à sa mesure.. et un peu au-delà.
Françoise, je te serre dans mes bras,
Myriam Gérard
Action Birmanie
Message to all trade-unions members of the ITUC,
Message pour les organisations membres de la CSI
Could one of your wish be exhauced: that the ITUC be financed correctly by her members. You had to work too hard because of that.
ITUC deserve more respect of the fantastic work which is done there. If we want to face and humanise globalisation… we need that so badly.
Myriam Gérard,
Regional secretary of the CSC Brussels
Dear Janek,
to read the messages that have been posted so far it means to revisit the 1,000 battles we have fought together: Colombia, Burma, Zimbabwe, Iran, Belarus, etc etc….I am not sure where the demarcation line ended between the Geneva office and the TUR department: we would complain that each would make the other work too much…and then we would need to keep going…
You built up most of our prominent work at the ILO and every time we were able to “smuggle” you to Geneva it was a joy to be able to work (and have fun) with you…we were looking with anticipation at the years we would have had together ahead with new projects, new challenges, but with the same spirit, the same fire inside…
Yesterday we had the ceremony at the ILO remembering Ibrahim Mayaki, only two years older than you, cruelly taken from life too soon….Kari reminded me of the time that the two of you went together to Djibouti: he was thrown in jail and you were banned from the country!
If you were here with me we would laugh…this is the treatment for those bringing the truth…
Nicolo’ and Gabriel cried when we heard the terrible news, it is a consolation to know that not only the boys will be able to be inspired by your strenght and your achievements, but that Gabriel will always remember when you were taking him for a ride in the wheelchair…he was so thrilled!
And then the jokes, the friendship, the support in hard times, almost every single day of the past 10 years I have had either an e-mail of a phone call from you….I cannot believe that tomorrow we’ll come to the St Joseph church …please keep looking upon us, make us strong.
Ti voglio bene, Janek! anna
Au nom du bureau exécutif et des militants de l’Union Générale Tunisienne du Travail, je tiens à exprimer nos sincères condoléances pour le décès de Janek.
Con gran tristeza recibimos la noticia del fallecimiento del compañero JANEK, Director del Departamento de Derechos Humanos y Sindicales de la Confederación Sindical Internacional.
Su muerte enluta a toda nuestra militancia sindical agrupada en la Central Unitaria, en razón a que fue un dirigente que asumió la tragedia del sindicalismo colombiano como propia y en todos los escenarios internacionales denunció con vehemencia el asesinato de nuestros dirigentes y demandó soluciones a nuestra problemática.
En Colombia fue contundente con el Presidente de la República y con las autoridades con quienes nos reunimos en las diferentes misiones en las que participó y en donde se destacó siempre por su irrestricta defensa de los intereses de los trabajadores.
Nos acompañó en el último Congreso de la CUT y su intervención fue diáfana y orientadora, pero sobre todo, expresando el compromiso del sindicalismo internacional con nuestra causa.
En la OIT, fue un delegado más del sindicalismo colombiano, porque como portavoz de los trabajadores mundiales, enfatizó en la denuncia contra las fuerzas oscuras que en Colombia pretenden acallar la voz sindical.
Expresamos, por lo tanto nuestra solidaridad por la pérdida de uno de los dirigentes más connotados del equipo de trabajo de la CSI y a la familia le hacemos extensivo la fraternidad del sindicalismo colombiano en este momento de dolor.
with shock and deep sadness I heard about the sudden death of our brother Janek.I remeber his extra-ordinary engagement in fighting injustice against our brothers and sisters in Columbia, Myamar, Belarus, China-to name just a few of our recent common work during the International Labor Conference. He was a person with utmost natural respectability and credibility. He will leave a big whole in our international trade union work, which will be difficult to fill.
My deep feelings of mourning and condolence to his family
It is with deep sorrow TCO has received the news telling us about the passing of Janek Kuczkiewicz. We remember Janek as a very warm and committed person and we remember him for his sincere and hard work for trade union rights all over the world. One, for us important part of that is his big contributions to the Labour Law Program. His death is a great loss for the ITUC.
We want to offer our most sincere sympathy and condolences to Janeks´ family and ask them to remember that our thoughts are with them in this difficult time of loss. We also offer our condolences and sympathy to Janeks´ colleagues at the ITUC in Brussels.
We were deeply saddened by the news of the loss of our dear colleague Janek Kuczkiewicz. Janek was known to us and to many workers and activists in Iran through his tireless campaigning in defence of trade union and human rights. We shall miss him dearly. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Shahla Daneshfar, Bahram Soroush
International Labour Solidarity Committee of the Worker-communist Party of Iran
L’UGT tient à exprimer à la CSI son profond émoi en s’associant á ça tristesse que le décès prématuré de Janek Kuczkiewicz a causé à tous ceux qui ont eu la chance de le connaître et de travailler avec lui. En effet, outre la qualité humaine de Janek Kuczkiewicz nous ne pouvons pas oublier l’excellence du travail développé en tant que Directeur du Département des Droits Humains et Syndicaux.
Nous te serions gré de bien vouloir transmettre nos condoléances à la famille en deuil.
Nous partageons votre douleur et nous nous joignons à nos Collègues pour voue exprimer nos sincères Condoléances . Pour nous qui l’avons aussi Connu ;nous gardons de lui un bon souvenir.
We want to express our sadness to learn our comrade Yanek’s passing away.
It is a big loss for his friends and also for working class movement. Because he was a big fighter of workers rights and was using all energy to change the world. He worked hard for international labour movement as the director of Human and Trade union Rights Department of International Trade Union Confederation.(ITUC)
We will never forget his struggle and his dedication to working class movement.
His memory will live in our struggle.
And we want to convey our condolence to ITUC family and all colleagues in the world.
United Metalworkers’ Union/Turkey
Adnan Serdaroglu Selcuk Goktas
President General Secretary
It is with deepest sorrow and a profound sense of loss that my wife and I join fellow mourners to pay special tribute to our dearest veteran and most distinguished trade union colleague, Brother Janek KUCZKIEWICZ, who died suddenly on Tuesday, 8th April 2008.
The late Brother Janek was a close friend to our family. He was popular in any sphere of human interaction he entered. Everyone followed him gladly, for we felt that he was out to serve and to share his vast knowledge and wealth of experience on human and fundamental workers’ rights and trade unionism in general. He made an important contribution to the furtherance of social justice and the improvement of the social and economic conditions of working people the world over. He would be most remembered for leaving behind his indelible footmarks on the sands of time – imprints, not only to be seen but to be emulated by us and unborn generations.
With the departure of Brother Janek KUCZKIEWICZ, the ITUC and the working people have lost a dedicated Shepherd, fighter and trade union leader who gave his whole life to the service of working people. His passing away is a big blow to the working people and leaves a vacuum among our ranks, which will be difficult to fill. His shining qualities will, however, continue to inspire his colleagues and the younger generation with the added determination to complete his life’s work and vision.
We share the grief of the ITUC, family, relatives and friends of the late Brother Janek KUCZKIEWICZ during this difficult moment. It is regrettable that we have lost a principled, dedicated and veteran trade union colleague at a time when his service and kind disposition were most required.
However, we take courage in the worthy life he lived and his much valued accomplishments, especially as Head of the Human and Trade Union Rights Department of the ITUC. We will remember his courageous and consistent contributions to the cause of workers and the international trade union movement, particularly during the annual meetings of the International Labour Conference, where he was instrumental in defending workers whose rights were violated and abused.
Kindly convey our heartfelt condolences to the KUCZKIEWICZ family, the entire membership of the ITUC, more especially the members of the trade union movement of Poland who would no doubt miss the late Brother Janek.
We pray to God to grant Brother Janek eternal rest and to give the bereaved family the courage to endure the loss.
Please accept our condolences and the renewed assurances of our highest esteem.
I am much saddened and shocked by the news of Janek’s demise. For years, he has been a support to me and my organization, both on practical and spiritual terms. It is because he is so intelligent, effective and experienced. It is also because he is truly committed to the cause of democracy, trade unions rights and human rights. His demise will be a loss to my organization, the HKCTU, in particularly in our struggle to realize labour rights and trade unions rights in China. At the time of writing, I have not thought of anyone to fill the vacuum left by him…..
He will be remembered by me and many members of my organizations for a long long time.
Elizabeth Tang, Chief Executive, Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions
I will always remember Janek through our shared passion for books, sailing and cards games. Some of the titles of his favorite author represent what we all feel for him: we were all “janek’s people” and “absolute friends” of this wonderful “naive and sentimental lover”. Even though we all live our lives “single & single” over time “our game” to battle unjustness brought us all together. Janek, your “mission song” is now finished but we are sure that you will continue to be our “night manager” to remind us what we stand for.
Together with so many other people around the world, we were shocked to learn about the untimely death of Janek earlier this week.
Many of the colleagues here at the ICEM have known Janek for years, some from occasional meetings, others through years of personal friendship. Whether they had met him once or twice, or dozens or hundreds of times, all speak, without exception, of a man with a remarkable energy, an infectious enthusiasm and an enormous integrity. Both as an individual and as a trade unionist, he made an extraordinary impression on virtually everyone he met. And he managed to continue to be inspiring to those that have had the pleasure to work with him throughout his carrier.
Given the passion with which he did his job - and lived his live - and looking at the many years – and the many hours per day - that he has been active in the trade union world, he will be dearly missed by countless friends, in all corners, and practically all countries of the world.
We will remember Janek, among many other things, for his excellent work on Burma, for the tremendous work he did towards the ILO, for the hundreds of presentations he did, in almost as many countries, to defend human and workers’ rights, for the demonstrations he took part in, for the demonstrations he organised, … this list does not really end.
Let’s continue to be inspired by his eagerness, his friendliness and his belief that something could really be done to make this world a better place. He certainly made ours a little better.
Please also convey our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
I sent the following message to Guy Ryder on April 9th.
Your message yesterday evening about the sudden death of Janek is a real shock for all of us who have been working and spending long days with him for so many years, discussing, chatting, exchanging views, a big part of our trade union life is kinked to him for many of us, like me, who have been working on human and trqde union rights fo long time.ùI met him one week a go in Brussels, he was remembering me that I had not yet replied to his message about the preparatory meeting of the ILO Conference, as usual, I gave it for granted and he was joking about it. The last time I saw him, smiling. With our deepest sadness, also on behalf of my collegues.
Cinzia Del Rio - UIL Italy
I am very shocked and sad about the loss of our colleague and
friend Janek, who was such a splendid person and trade unionist. His
passing away is such a big loss to the international trade union
movement!
He left us too early and too suddenly. It will be quite hard to replace somewone like him.
Siempre nos rebelamos en contra lo que nos parece una injusticia!
La pérdida, tan inesperada, de Janek me resulta una terrible injusticia y sobran las palabras a la hora de expresar los sentimientos que le invaden a uno.
Por haber conocido. apreciado y finalmente querido a Janek siento su pérdida profundamente. Igual que la padecen todos los amigos y amigas que se estan expresando en los correos que te llegan. LLegan del mundo entero, de representantes de los que más sufren y necesitan del amparo de la CSI y de hombres como Janek.
He apreciado, como todos su amigos, su fé en la justicia social y en la libertad, su entrega absoluta a las causas más dfíciles, su abnegación irreductible en la defensa de los perseguidos por querer ejercer el derecho inalienable de la libertad a organizarse, a expresarse, a veces solo a existir!!!
Todos los testimonios recibidos indican cuan grande e importante ha sido su labor. Lo hizo siempre con absoluta lealtad a nuestra Internacional y sus más preciados postulados. Como debe ser!
Te ruego, querido amigo Guy, hagas patícipe de mis sentimientos y solidaridad, a todos los colegas que te rodean en el seno de la CSI y en particular a la familia de Janek.
Para tí el abrazo de siempre , solo que hoy …muy entristecido pero confiado en que sabremos superarnos y-consecuentes- con la obra llevada a cabo por Janek actuaremos bien y siempre,
La mejor manera de honrar a nuestros es no olvidarles. Recordarles siempre!
C’est avec une profonde tristesse que nous venons d’apprendre le décès soudain de Janek.
Janek était un fervent défenseur des droits humains et syndicaux, très largement reconnu dans le mouvement syndical international. Au cours des dernières années, sa silhouette était indissociablement liée à la Commission des normes de l’Organisation internationale du travail.
Sa disparition constitue une lourde perte pour la CSI et pour tous les défenseurs des droits humains et syndicaux.
La CGT présente ses condoléances attristées à la direction de la CSI et à toutes et tous ses collègues. Elle prie celle-ci de les transmettre également à sa famille.
Guy JUQUEL
Responsable de l’Espace Europe/International
Tu n’étais pas dans ton bureau ce 8 avril au matin. On devait se voir avec Djibril pour parler du Tchad. La veille, je t’avais demandé quelques minutes supplémentaires avant ou après la réunion pour me briefer un peu plus. Quelques minutes de ton si précieux temps! C’est qu’on pouvait se sentir tout petit devant toi. Tu étais prévenant, marrant, mais il y avait le flot du monde qui t’arrivait dans les oreilles et 36000 actions en cours ou à démarrer sans plus attendre. C’est fini, plus de conseils, plus de petits verres non plus. Je suis très triste, Cécilia aussi (qui me demande d’ajouter que non, elle, ne t’a jamais trouvé chiant, quoi qu’elle ait dit l’autre soir chez Natacha et Benoît) et beaucoup d’autres aux quatre coins du monde. C’est le résultat de toutes les semences de liberté que tu as semées et de ta générosité sans limites. Un feu d’artifice comme celui de tes 50 ans. Salut champion!
Jacky
Nous somme attristé et vraiment touché par la disparution de notre camarade JANEK qui fut un des appuis essentiels dans notre lutte pour les droits économiques et sociaux. Nous nous joignons à la tristesse des tous ses proches et leurs adressons nos sinceres condoleances que nous les reexpedierons du maniere officielle.
salutations fraternelles.
HASSAN CHER HARED
secrétaire aux relations internationales de l’UDT
Italia
It is with deep regret and sorrow that we have learnt of the sudden and untimely death of Janek Kuczkievicz, Director of the ITUC Department of Human and Trade Union Rights.
He was a very special and distinguished person deserving great respect both as a man and as a professional defender of trade union rights.He has done a lot for our organization - Belarusian congress of democratic trade unions (BKDP). Although being under pressure and persecutions the members of BKDP perfectly know that there a lot of people in the world who support them. There is a big world trade union family that will never leave us alone and always will help us. And Janek was always among the first who were giving us a helping hand either during the ILO Conferences and in the the ILO Workers’ Group or in everyday life.
Our deep gratitude will always go together with our memory of Janek Kuczkievicz.
Rest in peace our Friend.
On behalf of all members of BKDP and of the personal behalf of Alexander Yaroshuk- President of BKDP; Oleg Podolinski- BKDP International Secretary; Nikolai Kanakh - BKDP Bice-President
I just got the information that Janek passed away. Please receive my
sincere condolences. Whenever I had to deal with him I felt his deep and
sincere commitment. He was not easy going but he was a great character.
It will not be easy to replace him. I will not forget him,
We want to express our sadness to learn our comrade Yanek’s passing away.
It is a big loss for his friends and also for working class movement. Because he was a big fighter of workers rights and was using all energy to change the world. He worked hard for international labour movement as the director of Human and Trade union Rights Department of International Trade Union Confederation.(ITUC)
We will never forget his struggle and his dedication to working class movement.
His memory will live in our struggle.
And we want to convey our condolence to ITUC family and all colleagues in the world.
We learnt with great shock and deep pain about the sudden and untimely passing away of Brother Janek Kuczkiewicz, ITUC Director of Human and Trade Union Rights. Death of a close one is often difficult to bear and this is even more the case when this happens suddenly.
We extend our deepest condolences to Janek’s family and our colleagues at ITUC-Brussels who worked closely with him.
Brother Janek will be sorely missed for his consistent and vigorous defence of the rights of working women and men around the globe. We shall feel the loss of his invaluable support for the work of the Workers Groups at the Committee on Application of Standards of the International Labour Conference.
Janek will surely be remembered for his immense contribution to the cause of the world’s working people.
Together with so many other people around the world, we were shocked to learn about the untimely death of Janek earlier this week.
Many of the colleagues here at the ICEM have known Janek for years, some from occasional meetings, others through years of personal friendship. Whether they had met him once or twice, or dozens or hundreds of times, all speak, without exception, of a man with a remarkable energy, an infectious enthusiasm and an enormous integrity. Both as an individual and as a trade unionist, he made an extraordinary impression on virtually everyone he met. And he managed to continue to be inspiring to those that have had the pleasure to work with him throughout his carrier.
Given the passion with which he did his job - and lived his live - and looking at the many years – and the many hours per day - that he has been active in the trade union world, he will be dearly missed by countless friends, in all corners, and practically all countries of the world.
We will remember Janek, among many other things, for his excellent work on Burma, for the tremendous work he did towards the ILO, for the hundreds of presentations he did, in almost as many countries, to defend human and workers’ rights, for the demonstrations he took part in, for the demonstrations he organised, … this list does not really end.
Let’s continue to be inspired by his eagerness, his friendliness and his belief that something could really be done to make this world a better place. He certainly made ours a little better.
Please also convey our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Today we say goodbye to a union man who is loved and respected throughout the world. A warrior for human rights, Janek inspired us all to act against injustice wherever we find it.
The flagship publication of the ITUC, The Annual Survey of Violations of Trade Union Rights, is the world’s most credible reminder of the work that must be done to overcome oppression for working people. This will live on as a reminder of the hopes and aspirations of oppressed working people to the democratic freedoms we all work towards. Janek’s efforts on this and in so many many other ways was formidable.
Janek’s contribution to a better world was felt and is recognised by trade unionists and human rights activists on every continent.
For those of us mourning his passing we have lost a friend, a friend taken before his time and it saddens us deeply. The loss of his smile, his compassion, his wise advice, always available, will leave a large hole in our hearts and in our movement.
From Australia, I share your grief and send my deepest condolences to Janek’s daughter Alice, partner Françoise, his brothers and sister and many friends and union colleagues around the world.
With love and respect,
Sharan Burrow
President
Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU)
International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).
I would like to say how much I am sudden about Janek’s death. I have had very good cooperation to him, I have learned a lot from him, and I will miss him. He also supported me in some regional activities on TUR, where I have had an opportunity to learn more about his life.
Nous partageons votre douleur et nous nous joignons à nos Collègues pour voue exprimer nos sincères Condoléances . Pour nous qui l’avons aussi Connu ;nous gardons de lui un bon souvenir.
C’est avec une grande tristesse que je viens d’apprendre le décès de notre camarade et ami Janek KUCZKIEWICZ, Directeur du département des Droits Humains et Syndicaux de la C.I.S. .
J’ai souvent pensé à lui ces dernières années quand je me rendais à Bruxelles et même si je n’ai pu trouver le temps de passer ma tête dans son bureau de la maison syndicale internationale à Bruxelles, j’ai songé à son activité débordante et pleine d’énergie.
Je m’honore de l’avoir connu et qu’il m’ait appelé de temps à autre son frère en jouant sans doute sur mon nom et l’amitié que nous avions l’un pour l’autre même si mes nouvelles fonctions syndicales dans ma fédération professionnelle aux chemins de fer français nous avait bien éloigné.
J’ai connu Janek en 1994. Fin 1993, je venais d’être appelé à travailler auprès de Jacques PE, secrétaire confédéral de la Confédération FO en charge du secteur Europe International et dès 1994, je participais à une réunion de coordination à Singapour des organisations syndicales donatrices pour les projets d’entraide pour la région Asie pacifique de la C.I.S.L. . J’avais été frappé par son engagement indéfectible quels que pouvaient être les obstacles pour la défense et la promotion des droits syndicaux et humains.
A chacun de mes séjours en Asie (Hong Kong, Thailande, Cambodge, Corée, Japon, Chine Populaire, Philippines, Inde, Sri Lanka, Russie, ….) en Europe de l’Est (Belarus, Bulgarie, hongrie, etc…) ainsi que pour des missions de représentations pour mon secrétaire confédéral et général (M.BLONDEL), je ne manquais pas de lui faire part de mes impressions de ces tournées syndicales.
Il m’avait encouragé et félicité pour mon rapport sur la crise asiatique de 1997 vu du côté syndical et j’étais fier de sa sincérité qu’il n’hésitait jamais à compléter par des critiques toujours constructives et fraternelles.
Je lui avais fait part de ma colère et de mon enthousiasme pour nos camarades cambodgiens avec lesquels j’avais réalisé une séance inédite de “formation syndicale à la négociation”. Certains d’entre eux ont été emprisonnés ou assasinés quelques années plus tard.
Je lui parlais toujours avec indignation et enthousiasme de ce que j’avais vu clandestinement en Chine Populaire dans la Z.E.E. de Zhuhai et Shenzen et combien j’étais effaré par la visite de la frontière entre les deux corées…Sans omettre le Belarus…et ma visite comme délégué français lors de l’Assemblée Générale de l’ONU en 1997 ainsi qu’à l’O.I.T. .
Si nous avons rapidement sympathisé, c’est sans doute parce que nous partagions un grand réservoir d’indignation qui nous poussait à réagir en militants déterminés pour défendre l’essentiel et ce qu’il y a de plus noble dans l’Homme: l’amour de la justice sociale et de la liberté comme du progrès.
Anecdote dont je suis le plus fier: j’avais souhaité travailler pour le département des droits humains et syndicaux de la C.I.S.L. à ses côtés et ensemble tout avait été parfaitement préparé. Qu’il m’ait soutenu et fait confiance fut pour moi une grande joie autant qu’une grande responsabilité: celle de ne pas le décevoir.
Si cela ne s’est pas réalisé, c’est à cause d’un différent dans la négociation avec mon employeur (la SNCF). Janek avait obtenu l’accord du Secrétaire Général de la CISL complété par la soutien de mon secrétaire général confédéral.
Aujourd’hui, il n’aurait sans doute pas voulu que je pleure.
Il m’aurait peut-être dit qu’il y a encore beaucoup de combats à mener, des syndicalistes , des travailleurs à sortir de prison, à défendre leurs droits sociaux. Il m’aurait peut-être dit que la vie est un passage et qu’il faut le vivre le mieux possible , se battre pour des idées telles que l’universalisme des droits humains, qu’il faut se mettre à la place de celles et ceux qui souffrent et porter leurs voix quand ils ne peuvent le faire eux-mêmes…
Le plus bel hommage que l’on puisse lui rendre c’est de poursuivre le combat syndical, le combat pour les droits humains avec la même détermination qu’il a eu toute sa vie.
Nul doute que je ne t’oublierais jamais et que de temps à autre je me dirais ou demanderais “comment janek aurait-t-il réagi?”…
Merci mon Frère d’avoir ainsi marquer mon engagement militant syndical et pour les droits humains.
A toi, et à ta famille et tous tes amis qui aujourd’hui pleurent avec moi…
Rémi AUFRERE
Secrétaire Fédéral FO cheminots (France)
Europe-International- Poltique des transports
(ancien assistant confédéral FO secteur Europe International en charge Asie et notamment PECO normes OIT…).
J’ai connu Janek lors de la conférence de l’OIT de l’année dernière, où j’accompagnais pour la première fois le Président Luc Cortebeeck à la Commission des Normes. Janek a su me conseiller, me guider, m’épauler mais aussi m’écouter, me considérer, me respecter. Nous avions parfois des discussions animées et des positions différentes sur la manière d’aborder un cas, ou sur la stratégie à adopter envers les autres groupes. Mais toujours nous sommes arrivés à mettre au premier plan l’intérêt des travailleurs ! Je me réjouissais de revivre cette expérience cette année encore aux côtés de Janek… Il nous manquera à tous et toutes, il nous laisse un héritage à porter. Nous essayerons de relever le défi.
Mes pensées vont à ses proches, à ses collègues, à sa fille…
It is with great sadness that I have just learned of the death of our colleague and friend Janek KUCZKIEWICZ, Director, Department of Human Rights and the Union of CIS .
I thought of him in recent years when I was in Brussels, and although I was unable to find the time to move my head in his office of the international trade union house in Brussels, I thought about his activity overflowing and full of energy.
I am honoured to have known and he called me from time to time his brother playing perhaps on my behalf and friendship that we had for one another even though my new union in my professional federation railways french we had removed.
I knew Janek in 1994. In late 1993, I had just been asked to work with Jacques PE, confederal secretary of the Confederation FO Europe and International dept since 1994, I took part in a coordination meeting in Singapore trade union organisations donor for projects’ Mutual for the Asia-Pacific region of the ICFTU . I was struck by his unwavering commitment regardless of the obstacles could be for the defence and promotion of human and trade union rights.
At each of my visits to Asia (Hong Kong, Thailand, Cambodia, Korea, Japan, China People, the Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, Russia,….) Eastern Europe (Belarus, Bulgaria, hungary…) as well as missions for my performances and Confederal Secretary General (Mr. BLONDEL), I do not have missed him with my impressions of these tours union.
He encouraged and congratulated me for my report on the Asian crisis of 1997 seen on the union and I was proud of his sincerity he would never hesitate to be completed by critics always constructive and fraternal.
I had expressed my anger and my enthusiasm for cambodian our comrades with whom I conducted an unprecedented meeting of trade union training in the negotiation. ” Some of them were imprisoned or assasinés few years later.
I always talked with indignation and enthusiasm that I had seen in China illegally in the EEZ Zhuhai and Shenzhen and how I was amazed by the visit of the border between the two koreas… and Belarus… my visit and french as a delegate at the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1997 and the ILO .
If we quickly made friends, it’s probably because we share a great reservoir of indignation, pushing us to respond by militants determined to defend the essential and what is most noble in man: ” love of social justice and freedom as progress.
What I am most proud: I wanted to work for the department of human and trade union rights of the ICFTU
Alongside him and set everything was perfectly prepared. Whether supported me and trusted was a great pleasure for me as much as a great responsibility: to not disappoint him.
If this has not been achieved, it was because of a difference in negotiating with my employer (SNCF). Janek had obtained the agreement of the Secretary General of the ICFTU complemented by the support of my confederal secretary general.
Today, he probably would not have wanted me to cry.
He perhaps said it is still a lot of fighting to be taken, trade unionists, workers out of prison, to defend their social and human rights. He perhaps said life is a passage and he should live the best possible way to fight for ideas such as the universality of human rights, that must be put in the place of those and those who suffer and bear their voices when they may do so themselves…
The best tribute that we can pay him is to continue the struggle to organize, the fight for human rights with the same determination that he had all his life.
There is no doubt that I will ever t’oublierais and that from time to time I would say or ask “how janek would he react?”…
Thanks to my brother and to express my commitment to a trade union and human rights.
To you, and your family and all your friends who now grieve with me…
Rémi AUFRERE
Federal Secretary FO rail workers (France)
- International-Europe transports Policy
(Former assistant Confederal sector FO International and Europe and Asia including charge PECO… ILO standards). “
En nombre de la Comisión Ejecutiva de la Federación Estatal de Transportes, Comunicaciones y Mar-UGT (TCM-UGT) quiero hecerle llegar nuestras condolencias por la inesperada y lamentable pérdida del compañero Janek Kuczkiewicz, Director del Departamento de Derechos Humanos y Sindicales de la CSI, y luchador inclaudicable por los derechos de los trabajadores, sumándonos a los homenajes y reconocimientos a su trayectoria y calidad humana. Quisiera le transmitiera nuestro pesar a su familia, sus amigos/as y compañeros/as de la CSI.
Saludos fraternales
Amparo Sánchez
Secretaria de Relaciones Internacionales TCM-UGT
On avait travaillé ensemble à la conférence de Vienne en 1993… parlé de tout ou presque… pas toujours d’accord mais c’était sans importance sur le fond pendant une conférence où se jouait la notion d’universalité des droits de l’homme à laquelle tu croyais pleinement.
Nous n’avons pas eu la chance de nous croiser à nouveau, et pourtant je me souviens de pratiquement tous nos échanges tant ton courage et ta force de conviction marquent…même après des années.
Je ne te pleurerai pas, t’aurais pas aimé, alors salut j’essayerai d’être digne de ta mémoire dans les combats à venir… ça t’aurais préféré.
It was with deep sadness we heard that Janek Kuczkiewicz passed away. In Janek we lost a great personality. We appreciate his commitment and work for Trade Unions Rights all over the world.
With all our respect,
Marjaana Valkonen
Director
SAK Finland
Katja Lehto-Komulainen
European Secretary
SAK Finland
Une formidable énergie pour une prodigieuse capacité de comprendre et d’aimer :
quel bonheur d’avoir rencontré cet homme et quel devoir de transmettre une parcelle de ce qu’il a donné.
De quoi sécher les larmes.
Jean-Louis David
We have been very sad to learn of Mr. Janek Kuczkiewicz’s passing, and in this respect, on behalf of the NTUC „Cartel ALFA” members, we wish to express our deep heartfelt condolences for his tragic and unexpected departure. But we are sure that he will be remembered with affection and admiration by all who were privileged to have known and worked with him.
We consider Mr. Janek Kuczkiewicz passing away as very sad news and a great loss for the colleagues from ITUC and also for the entire Trade Union movement, and in this respect we would like to ask you to convey our regards, deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues who will always remember him.
His loss is a loss to us all.
Yours faithfully,
Bogdan Iuliu Hossu
President of NTUC “Cartel ALFA”
202A Splaiul Independentei, sector 6
I would just like to pass on my personal condolences on the loss of Janek Kuczkiewicz. He was a wonderful man with great dedication for workers and Trade Union rights. His character, knowledge and experience gave me strength and hope that together we can make a better future.
With deepest sympathy to Janek’s colleagues, friends and family.
We, membres and staff of MSF are deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing away of Janek.
Janek has been involved with MSF as a member of the Board of MSF-Belgium for many years. He has contributed tremendously to our associative debates, always with impressive commitment, passion and humanity.
He has been someone very important for MSF and will be profoundly missed.
On behalf of MSF, please convey our deepest condolences to Janek’s family, friends and colleagues.
The Direction team and the Board of Directors of Médecins Sans Frontières - Belgium
We, membres and staff of MSF are deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing away of Janek.
Janek has been involved with MSF as a member of the Board of MSF-Belgium for many years. He has contributed tremendously to our associative debates, always with impressive commitment, passion and humanity.
He has been someone very important for MSF and will be profoundly missed.
On behalf of MSF, please convey our deepest condolences to Janek’s family, friends and colleagues.
The Direction team and the Board of Directors of Médecins Sans Frontières - Belgium
A nos équipée en bateau dans les îles britaniques,aux fêtes endiablées au TITSOPAO, a ton courage et tes rires nombreux et communicatifs,a “on peux jouer hein,c’est les vacances !!! A ton amitié et ta gentillesse,
moi et mon clan (tous les DE RYCK& CO)on sera heureux de te retrouver là -bas,dans l’autre monde,quand l’heure aura sonné…… amour pour toujours ….. GAE
C’est grâce au Tibet et aux Tibétains que nous sommes rencontrés. Ta sagesse, ton humour et ta volonté auraient pu faire de toi un des leurs. Cette belle humanité qui émanait de toi et qui nous touchait tous, faisait de toi un véritable citoyen du monde, tu étais chez toi partout. Puisse t’il en être ainsi là où tu poursuis ton chemin.
Merci t’avoir rendu ce monde meilleur et plus humain.
Toutes mes pensées à Alice, ta famille et tes proches.
salut Janek,
quand je t’ai rencontré la première fois, chez MSF en 89, j’ai été frappée de ton regard si particulier.. ce regard qui perce l’âme, qui sonde les coeurs, qui transmet son energie.. et puis, ces petites rides aux coins des yeux .. et on perçoit toute ton humanité, ta générosité, ta tendresse des autres aussi !
Janek,
nos chemins se sont plusieurs fois croisés dans les couloirs MSFiens, et toujours cet engagement, cette volonté de faire bouger le monde, de tendre la main à ceux qui qui n’ont même plus d’espoir !
Janek,
merci pour ce que tu es, insuffle-nous de là-haut tout ton Amour et du courage: on va continuer, chacun à notre façon, ton combat pour la Vie
Janek,
j’envoie une pensée émue à ta famille et tes proches amis, je t’embrasse très très fort
Very sad and shocking news.
Janek was so much devoted to the defence of the workers’ rights.
It’s a very big loss to the workers’ movement and to all of us who knew him personally. He was always so friendly and good humoured.
I will remember him.
All my deepest condolences to Janek’s family and colleagues.
Alexander Iafaev,
ILO Geneva
I would like to express my very deep regret and sadness with the tragic news of the sudden death of Janek. I would like to express my condolences to his family and close friends but I would also like to express my very great gratitude and admiration for the committment of Janek towards ensuring the respect for fundamental social rights in the world. I had the opportunity to work with Janek as representative of the European Commission in the ILO and before a a trade union colleague.
Dear Janek, I will always remember you for your very outstanding committment.
UNI Global Union is deeply saddened by sudden death of our friend Janek Kuczkiewicz.
Janek was a champion in the fight to win respect for union rights across the world.
He was a man of breathtaking determination and uncompromising in the struggle to expose repression, intimidation and victimisation of the workers everywhere.
His sharp mind and strong voice enabled him to lend the fight against those that abused their power and authority at the expense of workers.
In the arena of the trade union rights Janek was the man you wanted fighting for your side.
UNI Global Union has worked with Janek on many occasions and he was never found wanting.
On behalf of UNI Global Union and all our affiliates, we send our sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. His work was appreciated by millions of workers and he will not be forgotten.
Philip J. Jennings
General Secretary
UNI GLOBAL UNION
Cher Janek,
Je t’ai connu en Indonésie, à Yogjakarta, lors d’une mini AG MSF, en 1998. Nous avons visité Borobodur ensemble. Par la suite, tu as toujours été présent lors des visites en Belgique des anciens de la mission Indonésie, tu nous as ouvert les portes de ton appartement, invités à manger, on a partagé des fous rires ensemble. Et au fil des années, on se croisait aux AG, on s’emailait. Tu parlais avec fierté de ta fille Alice qui voulait apprendre le chinois. Tu nous manqueras à tous.
La mort, ce n’est pas grand chose.
Je me suis juste esquivé dans la pièce d’à côté. Je suis moi, et tu es toi. Ce que nous étions l’une pour l’autre, nous le sommes toujours.
Appelle-moi par mon nom familier, parle-moi de la façon dont tu m’as toujours parlé. Ne mets pas de différence dans le ton de ta voix, Ne sois pas chagrinée. Ris en pensant aux petites histoires qui nous ont toujours fait sourire.
Laisse mon nom être à jamais le nom familier qu’il a toujours été, prononce-le sans effort, sans la moindre tristesse.
La vie représente ce qu’elle a toujours représenté. Rien n’a changé, c’est une continuité sans fin.
Pourquoi devrais-je être loin de ton esprit si je suis loin de tes yeux ? Je t’attends, pour un moment, quelque part, pas très loin, juste derrière le coin.
Brak mi slow…
Niezwykly czlowiek, niezwykla dzialalnosc. Czlowiek czlowiekowi czlowiekiem.
Najglebsze wyrazy wspolczucia rodzinie, przyjaciolom i wspolpracownikom, wszystkim tym, ktorzy go znali, szanowali i cenili za odwage i poswiecenie.
Elzbieta.
Amnesty International is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Janek Kuczkiewicz who passed away at his home in Brussels on 7 April. Amnesty activists and especially those working on the human rights of trade unionists join us in mourning this loss.
Janek was Director for Human and Trade Union Rights of the International Trade Union Confederation, and for decades a close colleague and friend to Amnesty International and scores of activists. He was a passionate human rights defender, endowed with an optimism deeply rooted in a sharp sense of justice. Janek’s thirst for life meant he took brave decisions and also gave him a hearty laugh if his efforts came undone. Amnesty will sorely miss his friendship and solidarity but his life’s work is a celebration of human and trade union rights.
Janek lead the ITUC’s contribution to two global days of trade union and human rights action, in 2007 and 2008, aimed at securing freedom for two Iranian TU activists, Mansour Ossanlu (or, Osanloo) and Mahmoud Salehi. Both actions served to underscore the link between Trade Unions and Amnesty and build international solidarity.
Less than a week ago Janek was a keynote speaker at Amnesty UK’s Trade Union Conference in Nottingham. In his contribution, he was as witty as he was wise – relishing the opportunity to build mutual solidarity and frank in his terms. It was classic, thoughtful, Janek at his best, speaking with authority and enthusiasm about union activism on human rights and the scope for collaboration and, as usual, he won over his crowd. A debonair activist with serious intent.
The funeral will be held at the church of Saint Joseph in Wezembeek-Oppem, Brussels on 12 April at 11am. Amnesty International will be represented by Shane Enright, of Amnesty’s UK section.
Irene Khan, Secretary General, Amnesty International
Dear Janek,
I saw you on Monday when I was in Brussels and we talked about you coming to Geneva and how much we were looking forward to it…I came to say goodbye to you at the end of the day, before leaving to the airport, not knowing it would be the last time I would see you.. I still cannot believe it.
You were such a committed fighter for trade union rights, but also a great person and a friend, by whom I was and will remain inspired. I am sad but also grateful for all those moments we have shared: the WTO ministerial and the demonstrations in the streets of Hong Kong, meetings in Brussels and many moments in Geneva, which I will always remember.
My sincere condolences and deepest sympathy for your daughter Alice, your partner and your family and friends.
Will miss you!
Esther
Les mots sont si peu de choses pour te dire ce que j’ai sur le cœur. Tu manques. Simplement. Et déjà tellement.
Je mesure ma chance, nous mesurons tous notre chance à Actions Birmanie, d’avoir pu te rencontrer, d’avoir pu nous battre ensemble depuis presque10 ans.
Et oui les souvenirs défilent. La fondation des élus pour la Birmanie le 9/9/99 au parlement européen. Ta présence régulière, le sourire dans la voix et dans les yeux, à nos réunions d’AB. Ton enthousiasme irrésistiblement contagieux lors de notre rédaction avec Véronique de la plainte contre Total. Ta présence, magique, systématique, encourageante, à chacune des audiences publiques de cette longue procédure. Nos « Face à l’Info » en studio, où tu me donnais du « Maître Chapelle » avec comme but de donner du poids à nos mots respectifs, mais que tu prononçais avec ce sourire en coin, cette autodérision joyeuse que nous te connaissons tous. Ce souper à nous deux, où tu m’as fait l’honneur de me donner ton opinion, claire et incisive, à la veille d’une décision fondamentale. Ton coup de téléphone chaleureux pour me dire que si je continuais comme cela, tu finirais par être contraint, à ton grand désespoir, de voter pour un socialiste :-). Ta présence, normale, évidente, mais c’est la dernière fois que nous nous sommes vus, à la manifestation de soutien au Tibet.
Janek, à y regarder de plus près, chacun de ces souvenirs est une leçon de vie, de bonne humeur, de bonheur. Et je crois que c’est ce qui fait que tu nous a tant marqués, nous tous qui éprouvons le besoin de te dire notre affection ici. Bien sûr, il y avait ta science, ta maîtrise des dossiers et du côté clair de la force. Mais le plus important : avec toi, la lutte pour un monde plus juste était une fête permanente.
Janek ? Même ton départ est une fête. La gorge nouée de ton absence, nous sommes, je crois, beaucoup à sourire de ton dernier témoignage. Il est là, devant nous : cette fraternité venue d’Europe, d’Amérique du Nord ou d’Amérique Latine, d’Afrique, du Moyen Orient et évidemment d’Asie. Un autre monde est possible ? Non, il est là. Il existe aujourd’hui à travers nous tous qui avons en commun le souvenir de ton visage.
La Confederación de Trabajadores de Colombia –CTC-, informa que el Compañero JANEK KUCZKIEWICZ – Director del Departamento de Derechos Humanos y Sindicales de la Confederación Sindical Internacional –CSI- falleció el día de hoy 08 de Abril de 2.008, en su domicilio en Bruselas.
El Compañero JANEK, fue un destacado Dirigente Sindical y defensor de los Derechos Humanos. Estuvo varias veces en el Pais apoyando al Sindicalismo Colombiano y en la denuncia internacional por la violacion a los Derechos Humanos, los asesinatos a sindicalistas y la impunidad como manifestación de solidaridad con ese estado de persecución que soportamos.
Expresamos nuestro sentido pésame a la Confederación Sindical Internacional –CSI-, a todo el Movimiento Sindical Internacional, a su distinguida familia y a todos (as) compañeros (as) de trabajo.
La desaparición del Compañero JANEK, deja un vacío difícil de llenar y es una gran pérdida para el Movimiento Sindical Internacional.
Paz en su tumba.
APECIDES ALVIZ FERNANDEZ LUIS MIGUEL MORANTES
Presidente Secretario General
Je t’ai connu en 1994. Je ne te connaissais pas bien à cette époque, mais au fil du temps, on est devenu des amis. Tu m’as beaucoup aidé, on se taquinait beaucoup, je ne t’oublierai jamais.
Tu étais un ami, un confident, un formidable défenseur des droits humains, l’âme de la CSI… et tant de belles autres choses encore. Des très grandes causes aux plus petites tristesses individuelles, tu avais l’énergie et prenais le temps d’aider ou de conseiller chacun. Quel courage tu avais, malgré ce fichu handicap, malgré ta douleur ! Tu ne parlais pas pour refaire le monde, tu le refaisais vraiment, par tes actes, par les dizaines de milliers d’heures que tu as consacrées aux autres. Tu resteras à jamais un exemple.
Je me souviens de la fois où tu étais parti « en vacances » en Thaïlande. Pour toi, aller en vacances là-bas, c’était bien entendu passer aussi du temps sur la frontière birmane pour rencontrer des déplacés birmans… Tu y avais rencontré un homme à qui il manquait une ou deux jambes, mais qui n’avait pas de fauteuil roulant. De retour en Belgique, tu lui as acheté ce que tu appelais « la Formule 1 des fauteuils roulants », et tu m’as demandé « Sam, quand repars-tu à Bangkok ? Tu dois amener ça dans tes bagages ». Je n’allais malheureusement pas en Thaïlande dans les semaines suivantes, mais une de mes amies y allait, et elle a accepté de prendre en charge la chaise roulante. Tu es même allé chez elle le jour de son départ et tu l’as conduite à l’aéroport, pour être certain que la chaise roulante de ce monsieur lui parviendrait.
Des anecdotes comme celles-là, nous sommes nombreux à nous en rappeler, elles sont autant de témoignages de ta bonté, de ta force morale et de tant d’autres qualités. Tu vas nous manquer énormément, Janek. Te connaissant, tu te dis peut-être de « là-haut » : « Mais ils n’ont pas fini de se lamenter ? Il y a tant de cas de violations des droits humains auxquelles s’attaquer, il n’y a pas de temps à perdre ! ». C’est sûr, on va devoir se décarcasser pour défendre ces droits, on te doit bien ça. Merci pour tout.
La Confederación de Trabajadores de Colombia –CTC-, informa que el Compañero JANEK KUCZKIEWICZ – Director del Departamento de Derechos Humanos y Sindicales de la Confederación Sindical Internacional –CSI- falleció el día de hoy 08 de Abril de 2.008, en su domicilio en Bruselas.
El Compañero JANEK, fue un destacado Dirigente Sindical y defensor de los Derechos Humanos. Estuvo varias veces en el Pais apoyando al Sindicalismo Colombiano y en la denuncia internacional por la violacion a los Derechos Humanos, los asesinatos a sindicalistas y la impunidad como manifestación de solidaridad con ese estado de persecución que soportamos.
Expresamos nuestro sentido pésame a la Confederación Sindical Internacional –CSI-, a todo el Movimiento Sindical Internacional, a su distinguida familia y a todos (as) compañeros (as) de trabajo.
La desaparición del Compañero JANEK, deja un vacío difícil de llenar y es una gran pérdida para el Movimiento Sindical Internacional.
Paz en su tumba.
APECIDES ALVIZ FERNANDEZ LUIS MIGUEL MORANTES
Presidente Secretario General
j’ai connu Janek à travers sa ‘tribu d’amis’. On se voyait rarement,mais sa disponibilité,sa chaleur humaine,son ‘Chakra’ de la compassion tout ouvert,faisaient qu’on se sentait si bien à son coté!C’était un être rare, citoyen du monde,les pieds sur la terre mais le coeur dans l’univers. Son départ est douloureux pour nous tous . Je me sens proche de sa famille, les amis, les collègue en ces moments si tristes. Il va continuer a vivre en nous.
CARLA
La Confederación de Trabajadores de Colombia –CTC-, informa que el Compañero JANEK KUCZKIEWICZ – Director del Departamento de Derechos Humanos y Sindicales de la Confederación Sindical Internacional –CSI- falleció el día de hoy 08 de Abril de 2.008, en su domicilio en Bruselas.
El Compañero JANEK, fue un destacado Dirigente Sindical y defensor de los Derechos Humanos. Estuvo varias veces en el Pais apoyando al Sindicalismo Colombiano y en la denuncia internacional por la violacion a los Derechos Humanos, los asesinatos a sindicalistas y la impunidad como manifestación de solidaridad con ese estado de persecución que soportamos.
Expresamos nuestro sentido pésame a la Confederación Sindical Internacional –CSI-, a todo el Movimiento Sindical Internacional, a su distinguida familia y a todos (as) compañeros (as) de trabajo.
La desaparición del Compañero JANEK, deja un vacío difícil de llenar y es una gran pérdida para el Movimiento Sindical Internacional.
Paz en su tumba.
APECIDES ALVIZ FERNANDEZ - Presidente
LUIS MIGUEL MORANTES - Secretario General
please acepet our deep heartest condolence on passaway late janek-kuczkiewicz
it is indeed a great sorrow on great loss all of us he left us certainly too early.we will continuee to keep up his work in human right and trade union right all over the world
may god kee his soul rest in peace
MUHAMMAD AZAM
SECRETARY GENERAL AIRCRAFT TECHNOLOGESTS ASSOCIATION OF
PAKISTAN
Janek,
on avait tellement besoin de toi ici, de ton énergie heureuse de construire un monde juste, de ton charisme et ton charme, de tes talents à bâtir cette solidarité mondiale entre les humains — au travail…
Tu ne nous laisses pas le choix : on essaiera de nous montrer à la hauteur de ce que tu nous as appris.
Isabelle
In memory of Janek, a courageous advocate of Free Trade Unionism who did so much
to promote a universal vision of Workers Human Rights so much needed in a majority of
nations.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
I am a moderator for Democracy_for Burma@yahoogroups.com.au and I
am confident the Burmese people feel the same as me.
His contribution to the Burmese democracy cause, including the forced labour issue is widely acknowledged worldwide.
Yours sincerely,
Neill Staurland,
Norway.
A moderator for D4B
Member of The Burma Campaign UK
Member of Amnesty International
Member of LO and Fellesforbundet - union in Norway
Ta générosité, ton sens du partage des bons comme des mauvais moments, ton écoute, ta tendresse, ton humour, ta fougueuse et contagieuse énergie, ton courage et ta chevaleresque loyauté… tant de qualités pour un seul homme, « SuperJanek » comme te dessinait Nikita.
Toutes ces belles soirées où les verres se remplissaient au fur et à mesure qu’il fallait remplacer les bougies. A compter les étoiles au jardin l’été, et continuer à les faire briller même quand le ciel d’hiver est tout plombé.
Y croire fort, culbuter les obstacles un à un, se relever malgré les bosses, ne jamais lâcher, ne jamais renoncer même aux causes les plus difficiles, aux étoiles les plus inaccessibles. Cette flamme que toutes les polices les plus zélées de tous les régimes liberticides que tu combattais de toutes tes forces n’arriveront jamais à éteindre, on la garde bien au chaud dans nos cœurs. Là où résonne ta belle voix de basse qui accompagnait Louis et Benoit à la guitare.
Tu avais toujours un mouchoir bien repassé pour les filles qui aux enterrements « pleurent beaucoup et oublient toujours leur mouchoir ». Je pleure, tu n’es plus là, pour le mouchoir, et pour me serrer la main très fort comme tu l’avais fait quand Barbara nous avait quittés.
Ce soir, Benoit a cuisiné des saltimbocca. Tu ne passeras pas à la maison finir les plats avec un verre de rouge après avoir bouclé tardivement un dossier urgent au bureau. Demain matin, quand j’arriverai au bureau, Libé sans personne pour me le disputer sera bien amer. Qu’est-ce que tu nous manques déjà !
Sous le choc de ton départ, Benoit et moi on a laissé en plan le travail de montage de la vidéo sur la Birmanie dont tu attendais de voir le résultat. Mais ne t’inquiète pas, comme tu l’aurais fait, on va très vite s’y remettre.
Merci pour toute cette exceptionnelle humanité rassembleuse que tu irradiais, que tu irradies toujours, et qui va continuer à nous nourrir, nous inspirer, nous aider à nous battre pour décrocher les étoiles. Merci.
Plein des plus douces et chaleureuses pensées pour Alice, ton astre à toi, dont tu suivais et encourageait la trajectoire avec tant de tendresse et de fierté. Pour Françoise, ta belle étoile qui t’insufflait un vent chaud au cœur. Pour toute ta famille et tes proches dans la peine.
Natacha, Benoit, Mona, Nikita, Nina. Tous tellement marqués du privilège d’avoir partagé un bout de ta route.
Adieu ami, frère d’armes, complice… Je remercie le ciel d’avoir permis que nos chemins se croisent, et je garde précieusement, comme un trésor, le souvenir des moments où tu nous as montrés ce que le combat pour les droits de l’homme pouvait signifier de plus beau. Nous continuerons le combat, Janek, en ton nom.
Je t’ai connu avant l’accident, à 20 ans, lorsque le monde s’ouvre à nous, plus large, dans l’insouciance, les fêtes, mais aussi la réflexion profonde sur ce monde, à la lumière de ce que tu avais vécu.
Et puis, l’accident.
Mais “l’insecte”, vivant à 100 à l’heure, poursuit son chemin, progresse, se bat pour les autres et est toujours de le fête, occasion de se revoir.
Car, seule une rencontre suffisait à marquer pour toujours celui qui était l’autre.
Même épisodiques, en 32 ans, lors de ces rencontres, c’était l’émerveillement devant ce charisme exceptionnel.
Mais aujourd’hui, cet insecte est comme le scarabée, d’or, celui qui montre la transformation, le passage entre la vie et la mort, un des pionniers.
Je suis profondément triste mais c’est surtout vers ta famille, Alice, en particulier que s’envolent mes pensées, mon soutien, mon amitié et ce qui est au-delà des mots: que cette proximité, ce lien de sang que vous avez avec lui vous aide à vivre cette souffrance.
Les mots manquent pour exprimer la tristesse et le choc que j’ai ressenti et que je continue d’éprouver en apprenant cette terrible nouvelle. Ton combat, ta détermination, ton intelligence, ta vision, ta culture ont été autant de sources d’inspiration pour tout qui a travaillé à tes côtés ou quiconque t’a connu. Le monde syndical a perdu un incroyable défenseur des droits de l’homme, une personne que l’adversité n’a jamais réussi à faire plier pendant toutes ces années. En tant qu’assistant, c’est bien plus qu’un chef et un collègue que j’ai eu: Un ami, un professeur, un guide, un mentor que je n’ai malheureusement pas assez écouté. Comme tu vas me manquer, comme tu vas nous manquer. Merci d’avoir été et de nous avoir laissé autant de choses. Ce que je suis au niveau professionnel, je te le dois et je t’en serai éternellement reconnaissant.
Mes plus sincères condoléances et mes meilleures pensées pour ta famille, Alice à laquelle je pense en particulier et pour qui cette nouvelle étape difficile sera sans doute la plus rude.
Laurent, tellement fier et reconnaissant d’avoir pu croiser ton chemin.
The loss of Brother Janek to our trade union family and indeed the wider global movement that fights for human rights, democracy and equality will be a less vibrant one without him. Janek’s vigour, relentless energy and immense human sprit in seeing always the way forward for good to win over evil in the fight for workers especially those who are the poorest of the poor cannot now be measured by the foundation blocks he has laid down in bringing the trade union rights fight to the for but by his unique character and humor that brought people together in good times and bad ones in our common goal of trade union rights protection.
Moreover when I was working at the ICFTU as the youth co-ordinator Janek even though with his quick wit and even quicker unique sarcasm he was one of those rare persons who saw the great value in bringing together generations and passing on the ‘torch’ to the younger generation in the fight for trade unionism.
Janek always had controversial methods of dealing with things but one thing was always clear that everyone was warmly welcomed in his office and there was always the availability of a drink, a laugh and a political discussion.
My heartfelt condolences go to his family and to the ITUC Family. We can be proud to have known and worked with Janek and I firmly believe that his legacy will live on for many generations to come. And we must ensure that we keep Janek’s unshakeable belief in our movement alive-Janek was a great storyteller and we must go forth now and talk about Janeks story as a trade union fighter.
Janek I will miss you but I know that you will not be too far away as long as there are sisters and brothers who need our solidarity.
Yvonne O’ Callaghan
Secretary General
International Union of Socialist Youth
Janek,
Je ne t’ai connu que par ce que m’a raconté de toi ma compagne qui est une de tes amies très chère.
Je partage aujourd’hui sa tristesse.
Tant d’amour autour de toi me fait regretter d’être arrivé trop tard.
Un jour, plus tard, nous ferons certainement connaissance.
Toutes mes pensées vont à toi et ceux que tu laisses.
Je ne suis pas depuis très longtemps au fait de votre combat mais j’admire tout ce que vous êtes capable de faire. Je ne connaissais hélas pas Janek mais, après avoir lu les messages laissés par ses amis, je ne pourrais que le regretter profondément et avec admiration.
My condolences to us all — Janek’s family, colleagues, friends and all those in Burma and elsewhere who benefited from his work, even though they never met him.
Janek was a warm personal friend and an effective and committed worker for human rights in Burma. He was one of the key people in the Burma support community, and his work to oppose forced labour in Burma is a major part of his legacy. The high level of attention the ILO has brought to Burma owes much to Janek’s unrelenting efforts over the years from his base at the ICFTU/ITUC. He was especially effective in ensuring that the ILO had access to reports from a broad range of sources. I will miss him personally and politically and will continue to draw inspiration and renewed commitment from his work.
On behalf of the South Korean Workers and KCTU members, we would like to extend deepest condonlence to all of Janek’s colleagues and to his families. We were very shocked to hear the news of his sudden death. He was very passionate and devoted to defend fundamental workers’ rights and human rights around the world. Especially, Korean workers owed him the progress of labour standards and industrial relations in my country. He will be remembered in the heart of Korean workers and KCTU members
Once again I would like to express our condolences to the family of Brother Janek.
In Solidarity,
Lee Suk-haeng
President
KCTU(Korean Confederation of Trade Unions)
Par où commencer ? Par ta toute grande capacité d’aimer : les autres, la vie, la lutte. Quelle immense chance nous avons tous eue d’être et d’agir auprès de toi.
Te rencontrer Janek, c’était toujours une turbulence chaude et vitalisante, la rencontre d’un héros, un héros si proche.
Je me souviens de ta présence permanente, indéfectible, dans notre combat judiciaire avec Greg et Alexis pour que les Birmans obtiennent réparation des pires crimes subis. On était en colère ensemble contre ce système où le droit se retourne radicalement contre la justice. Tu nous donnais à chaque fois ce qu’il faut pour qu’on continue.
Je me souviens de la manifestation devant l’ambassade de Chine. Tu nous avais présenté Alice, ta fierté. Nous pensons avec une profonde émotion à Alice, à Françoise, à la maman d’Alice.
Dans une heure, je pars rejoindre les tiens pour te dire au revoir, mais je dois t’avouer que je n’ai pas la force d’imaginer le monde sans toi.
I remember Janek outside Club Med offices on Avenue Louise on a bitter December day in his wheelchair wearing a red band round his forehead in solidarity with Burmese democracy activists protesting their plans to set up a holiday paradise in amid the misery of modern Burma under the military junta. He must have been frozen. But for him person comfort never came before solidarity with the suffering. He was an inspiration. God bless him.
Tu as un soutien à part entier pour les travailleurs et syndicalistes Djiboutiens que tu as toujours traité leurs problemes comme un travail qui imcombait qu’à toi.
Je ne oublierai pas l’accueil que tu nous reservais pendant nos passages au siège du syndicat (CISL) et (CSI).
Ton image ne se gommera pas facilement des nos pensées.
Nous partageons les moments de tristesse à ta famille.
Spotkać Janka na swojej drodze oznaczało Tyle, co uwierzyć, że można żyć wiecznie. Niewiarygodne - jak łatwo patrząc na tego Człowieka, którego chyba największą namiętnością było życie właśnie, można było wyczuć w sobie nieuzasadniony spokój i niezwykłą pewność, że intensywne i pełne pasji życie jest oderwane od wszelkiego kresu
a przywiązanie do życia samego w sobie, z krwi i kości, pełnego siły, energii, bólu, szczęścia, strat i sukcesów - może stać się z czasem więzią nierozerwalną.
Janku, poznać Ciebie to wiedzieć dziś, że „żyć” znaczy narażać więź, ryzykować wiele a czasem chodzić po linie miedzy życiem a jego kresem jak Ty. Przeszedłeś te drogę tyle razy że, dziś mógłbyś chyba już przewodzić tym wszystkim zagubionym w trakcie.
Wiesz, odkąd się dowiedziałam o „Wybryku Twojego Serca” szukam dobrego uzasadnienia na tę nieludzką przewrotność. Ludzie potrzebują uzasadnień jak dobrych wymówek, żeby zrozumieć, by odzyskać spokój i móc wyjaśnić wątpliwości, żeby wreszcie wierzyć dalej w to w co ja uwierzyłam poznając Ciebie.
Nie mogę tego niczym wyjaśnić. Jakkolwiek racjonalizuje Twoje Odejście moje tłumaczenia okazują się irracjonalne. Wszystkie można obalić. Wychodzi Janku na to, że powinieneś żyć i nic Cię nie usprawiedliwia.
Powiedz czy dlatego ludzie wierzą w coś jeszcze…?Bo sami sobie nie wystarczają gdy przychodzi do tłumaczenia losu?
Wiesz jedyne co przychodzi mi na myśl a nie jest kiepską próbą ucieczki od przewrotności losu to myśl, że wykorzystałeś swoją szansę. Najpełniej, jak mogę to sobie wyobrazić, wypełniłeś miejsce, które tu na Ciebie czekało. Narażałeś swoje życie, żeby dopełnić tego niepisanego obowiązku, który odkrywają w sobie nieliczni. I wiesz znajduje sens, mimo, że jak każdy „mały człowiek” buntuje się przed zrozumieniem decyzji Twojego serca.
Nie mniej Janku, bunt to dobry początek do szukania sensu i dziś Dziękuję Ci - za tę niezgodę na „bierność”, którą w sobie miałeś i która potrafi w ludziach żyć, kiedy Twoje Serce staje.
Cher Janek,
Tu étais extraordinaire de bonté, de générosité, d’intelligence mise au service de ton idéal, … un magnifique exemple car en plus tu étais gai, bon vivant et si attentif à chacun.. Nous ne nous croisions pas souvent mais c’était à chaque fois un réel bonheur d’échanger avec toi…
Je ne réalisais pas à quel point j’avais la chance de connaitre un si Grand Homme et je regrette de t’avoir si peu connu. Je suis vraiment triste en pensant à toi..
Toutes mes pensées à Alice, à Françoise, à la maman de Alice et à toute ta famille et tes proches
Janek, my dear dear friend,
We met for the first time 18 years ago at the Hungarian-Romanian border where you were holding up traffic arguing with the border police - of course you won the argument and eventually we were allowed to cross. Since then I have been proud and priviledged to be one of your many friends. Your commitment to human rights world wide, your energy and your persistence have always been an inspiration. You’ve always been a hard act to follow. But most of all your humanity, your humor, your brutal honesty and your friendship are what will stay with me forever. You were quite simply one of a kind.
My heartfelt condolences go to your daughter, your partner, your family and your colleagues from the ITUC.
Encore merci à toi pour aujourd’hui!… et pour toutes les fois où l’on s’est croisés avant aujourd’hui.
Quelle belle journée finalement, où l’on a pu t’écouter et te rencontrer encore une fois à travers tous tes amis, tous tes compagnons de vie et de combat qui ont chacun pu si bien te résumer, ta rappeler. On se rend compte de notre chance d’avoir été à Bruxelles, avec toi et les “bruxellois”, aujourd’hui.
Nous avons été très touchés par cette messe, si chaleureuse et si naturelle, qui déjà nous relance, à travers toi, dans nos idéaux et notre joie de vivre.
Cher Janek, on espère, et on y croit fermement, que ce ne sera pas le dernier jour où tu nous inspireras, nous relanceras pour reprendre l’un de ces combats !
On souhaite aussi sincèrement que tu accompagneras aussi, plus encore, d’une manière ou d’une autre tous tes très très proches (car, à côté, tu as beaucoup de très proches… on l’a encore vu) qui ont perdu trop tôt quelqu’un de si précieux.
Pour les autres, ceux que tu défendais un peu partout dans le monde, on promet de reprendre une petite part de ton boulot, autant que possible, en s’inspirant de ton énergie !
On t’embrasse très fort !… et ainsi, aussi, Alice et toute ta famille.
I heard about the untimely passing of Janek Kuczkiewicz, the director of the Human and Trade Union Rights Department of ITUC .Despite his tireless and sustained struggle against our administration over the alleged Iranian workers ‘ rights ,I had constantly found in him a man of high spiritual and humanitarian values , a merciless defender of human rights and a genuine friend.
I wish to express my most heartfelt condolences on the occasion of his least expected demise to his bereaved family and his fellow co-workers in ITUC. Refraining to accept the bitter story of his innocent death, my tearful eyes would surly keep looking around for him in R3 to discuss his never ending concerns for workers rights.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Amir Shahmir
Counselor
Mission of I.R.Iran to the UN
La triste nouvelle de ton départ soudain et prématuré m’a bouleversée. Tu étais un ami cher, un collègue dévoué et un guide. Ta joie de vivre et ton énergie débordante étaient si contagieuses.
Ce fut un honneur d’avoir partagé avec toi depuis 1995 la lutte contre le travail forcé en Birmanie et un énorme privilège d’avoir connu un défenseur des droits humains aussi passionné et acharné. Grâce à tes encouragements, je me trouve encore, 13 ans plus tard, à la frontière birmane. Ta disparition est une perte immense pour le peuple birman tout entier.
C’est en ta mémoire que nous récoltons les témoignages de Rohingyas, victimes du travail forcé, en préparation pour la prochaine session Birmanie à la Commission des Normes. Et il y a une semaine à peine tu m’envoyais un mail que tu te réjouissais de me revoir en mai à Bruxelles et à Genève. Je ne peux imaginer ni les bureaux de la CSI ni la Conférence du Travail sans ta présence.
Ton dévouement et ton engagement sont une source d’inspiration pour nous tous qui luttons pour un monde meilleur et plus juste. C’est à nous maintenant de poursuivre sans relâche ton combat.
Toute l’équipe du Arakan Project au Bangladesh ainsi que ma mère à Bruxelles se joignent à moi pour transmettre nos plus sincères condoléances à ta famille, à tes proches et à tes collègues de la CSI.
Ten years ago Janek accepted to give the guest lectures on human rights in our postgraduate courses at the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp. His students remember him, because he asked the right questions.
Janek, we’ll miss you.
JANEK,
Tu etait la quand je suis ne,
Tu etait la quand j’avais mon turban mauve sur la tete a 6 mois,
Et tu m’a appris a marcher.
Tu me disais: elles sont petites, elles ne fontionnent encore pas tres bien,
Mais tu en a deux!
Et quand on fesai les courses accroches a ta chaise, Alice, Sarah et moi,
On descendai les rues du Portugal a fond la caisse…
Je te pleure, aujourd’hui,
Ansi que te pleure ma mere, Agnes,
mon Pere, Paulo, ton ami de toujours, de grands combats et folies Humaines,
ma soeur Sarah.
Je te pleure
et je pleure l’idee extraordinaire que tu as accompli.
Je dirai que tu a portez plus loin l’HUMAIN, dans l’espoir et la concretisation d’un Monde Meilleur, et de par le Monde, sans tes jambes,
que beacoup d’etres ne l’ont fait avec leurs deux jambes et deux bras.
Merci pour ton inspiration,
On continuera ton oeuvre,
ELEVER l’ESPRIT HUMAIN a son PLUS HAUT DEGREE,
Avec AMOUR de fils,
Tarik Ellouz Pires
We salute our great hero of global Trade Unions’ rights, especially those of Trade Unions under the boots of the Burmese military dictators, including FTUB. Dear Janek, although you left us suddenly unintentionally you will be in our memory forever. We are profoundly grateful to you for your great valuable efforts in struggling democracy, social justice and human rights, especially trade unions’ rights in Burma.
May Buddha bless you, and rest in peace forever.
Tu vas nous manquer.Même si on ne se voyait pas souvent, tu resteras parmi les personnes qui marquent dans la vie par leur engagement, leur volonté de faire bouger les choses et d’y arriver malgré tout.
Toute ma sympathie à Alice, à ta famille et à tous tes amis proches en ces moments difficiles.
Apreciada familia de Janek,compañeros de la Confederacion Sindical Internacional y el movimiento sindical internacional y del movimiento de derechos humanos; queremos expresarles nuestras condolencias personales e institucionales por la partida de Janek,siempre admiramos su vigor y compromiso,tuvimos la ocasion de recibir su solidaridad activa en los momentos mas duros de la violencia politica en Peru;siempre lo recordaremos con afecto y aprecio
Descansa en Paz Janek
Francisdco Soberon
Director APRODEH (Asociacion Pro Derechos Humanos)
Lima-Peru
Yanek mon ami de toujours
2 mots pour dire que je suis pronfedement triste e choquée par ton départ eclair, mais heureuse de savoir que tu es parti sans souffrir et de pouvoir partage un peu de ton temps ces dernieres semaines.
Je voudrais laissee un message a Michele e Alicie et leur dire que je l’ai serres fort sur mon coeur et comme disent lesMoçambicains “Estamos juntas”. Leur dire aussi qu’ils ont eu beaucoup de chance de pouvoir cheminées au côté d’un homme comme toi.
Um abraço profonde e ate sempre
Agnes
Tuve la suerte de conocer a Janek y compartir momentos muy gratos hace años. Fui testigo de su compromiso y su labor en defensa de los derechos humanos y también pude apreciar su calidad de persona simpática y agradable, buen conversador y de fácil amistad. Su estadía en el Perú y su participación y aporte en la reunión del equipo de Huridocs fue para nosotros muy importante, en momentos muy duros, de violencia e intolerancia en nuestro país. Tuvimos ocasión de hablar sobre el tema. Lamento mucho esta pérdida.
A sus familiares y al movimiento internacional de derechos humanos, mi más sentido pésame.
Carlos Saldarriaga
ex encargado de infformática de APRODEH
Lima - PERÚ
Dear all Janek’s friends from all over the world! I wish to say how deeply Janek’s family and friends are moved by all your messages, not to mention the trip some of you undertook to attend his funeral. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts!
Jurek, Janek’s youngest brother
After a long interval, I saw Janek in the European Parliament on 2 April 2008 at a hearing on Burma. As usual, he was in good spirits and looked really healthy. We were to meet again on 10 April. So it was a great shock to learn a few days later that he was gone. I could not at first believe it.
I met Janek maybe 10 years ago working on the case of democracy and human rights in Burma, especially about forced labour at the ILO. When it came to Burma, he was someone we could always depend on. He was always there when we needed him.
I have always admired his courage and determination, and his sense of humour. People like him not only made the world a better place to live in. He made it brighter too. We will miss you Janek. Rest in peace.
To Janek’s daughter, relatives and friends my deeply felt condolences.
Janek, you are so hugely missed by all!
Your sharp vision, strength, unfailing determination and solidarity have been crucial in the work to restore human rights in Burma. Your untimely death leaves us in shock and facing a tremendous vacuum.
And yet I know it was truly a privilege to count you as a friend, with now the memory of your warm smile to remind me not to fail in the continuous struggle for human dignity.
Thank you, and that your spirit rest strong in our minds.
Nós soubemos do falecimento do Janek durante a reunião da Direção Nacional da CUT/Brasil. A noticia foi dada e recebida com imensa tristeza. Sentimos muito sua perda. Apesar da saudade, Janek estará sempre presente pelo exemplo de vida que nos deixou. Rezamos por sua família e amigos.
Ericson Crivelli e Fernanda Giorgi - Crivelli Advogados Associados.
Bardzo dziekuje za to co dla Birmy zrobilesz . Bardzo mi przykro i smutny ze odszedles od nas wszystkich tak wczestniej. May you rest in peace. Than Htike, Poland
Your sudden departure is sad for us.
I remember meeting you in Bangkok and HK, joining local activities, singing solidarity songs together.
There are a lot of unfinished business for all of us - campaiging for union rights. You can be assured that many followers will trot the path until we win!
Apo Leong
Je ne l’ai rencontré qu’à quelques reprises mais c’est un homme qu’on oublie pas.
Je reste très touchée d’avoir croisé Janek qui a rendu le monde un peu meilleurs grâce à ses qualités, son intelligence, son engagement.
Rest in peace.
C’est avec beaucoup de tristesse que nous avons appris la mort de Janek KUCZKIEWICZ et nous tenons à adresser nos sincères condoléances à toute sa famille. Sa mort constituera une grande perte pour le monde du travail.
Recevez, Chers camarades, l’assurance de nos meilleurs sentiments syndicalistes.
The death of Janek Kuczkiewicz has deprived the international trade union movement as a whole of an illustrious son of the trade union fraternity.
We see his demise as a great loss to the international labour movement.
FNV Mondiaal recognizes his great commitment and devotion on Trade Union Rights. We have not only lost a good and hardworking fellow but a colleague and a brother. We extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your colleagues at the ITUC and especially to Janek’s family and all friends.
Once again have our condolences.
c’est avec beaucoup de chagrin et de tristesse que je viens d’apprendre
la disparition subite de l’un des meilleures defenseur des droits humains
mon ami intime janek.j’adresse toutes mes condoléances les plus attristés à sa famille d’abord et à tous ses collègues et amis. certainement sa mort
sera une perte colossale pour les travailleurs du monde.
je vous prie de recevoir mes salutations fraternelle.
djibril ismael egueh
secrétaire général sp-mts, et membre du comité exécutif de l’UDT
pontivy/france
Maman et moi avons été stupéfaites en lisant que tu n’est plus. Toute ta vie a été propulsée par ton combat cotre l’injustice dans le monde, ton humour décapant et ton courage journalier. Tu as été l’inspiration pour tant de monde mais je sais que de là où tu te trouves à présent tu nous donnera encore de bons conseils. Merci!
Au revois Janek, czesc et bon vent!
Chers Mik, Hanka et Jurek,
Janek (le notre) se joint à nous du fin fond de l’Afganistan pour vous southaiter ainsi qu’à toute votre famille beacoup de courage dans cet épreuve douloureuse.
Brother Janek was a genuine comrade and a sincere human being. His physical presence will be missed. Sincere condolences to his biological, emotional, trade union and human rights families.
Tribute to Janek Kuczkiewicz
From all his friends and colleagues in Hong Kong and beyond
We cannot attend the funeral of Janek being held in Brussels but wish to send our sincere and heartfelt condolences to all his family and friends as well as some personal thoughts.
Janek was an inspiration to each and every one of us – in so many ways. His strength, warmth, humour and intelligence touched us deeply and we will miss him tremendously.
____________________
Lee Cheuk Yan, Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions
When I first met with Janek years ago, I saw a true trade unionist with a strong passion for the fight for justice. I am especially encouraged and warmed by his devotion and hard work on defending trade unions rights for Chinese workers. In times of depressing situation, his humour also helped in supporting me personally. Now that he is gone, I believe he want us to continue his lifetime fight and this we should all promise.
Adieu,Janek.
Ayan
_____________
Elizabeth Tang, Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions
I am much saddened and shocked by the news of Janek’s demise. For years, he has been a support to me and my organization, both on practical and spiritual terms. It is because he is so intelligent, effective and experienced. It is also because he is truly committed to the cause of democracy, trade unions rights and human rights. His demise will be a loss to my organization, the HKCTU, in particularly in our struggle to realize labour rights and trade unions rights in China. At the time of writing, I have not thought of anyone to fill the vacuum left by him…..
He will be remembered by me and many members of my organizations for a long long time.
Elizabeth
_______________
Staphany Wong, IHLO
Janek has long been my favourite and most-respected supervisor in Brussels. He always showed patience, encouragement and support to his staff members and we are going to miss him a lot. I am especially touched by the devotion on voicing out for the imprisoned labour activists and at the same time, tried to secure their families’ safety. He worked so hard, took care of so many areas and always returned to our requests and questions with some much knowledge and insight. It is difficult to imagine in the future, we are going to work without him. May he rest in peace and the loving memories of him will inspire us in our future work!
Staphany
______________________
Dominique Muller, IHLO
I already miss Janek – sitting in my office here in Kowloon without Janek being at the other end of a phone or an email feels like I have lost my right hand or right brain. He was always ready and willing to help and give advice – never hesitating to give unwelcome advice when I needed to hear it! His support – and encouragement – to us in our work meant that we had the courage to do things even in the face of difficulties and political pressures. He always worked with a ready and often wicked wit and even when he was grumpy managed to convey warmth and inspire respect. A wonderful warm and wise soul who has been taken away too soon. His death has renewed my passion for this work but also for life itself - and I think Janek would approve. I only wish I had met his daughter and partner of whom he talked so much. My love to you all.
Dominique
_______________________
“Imagination is stronger than knowledge — myth is more potent than history — dreams are more powerful than facts — hope always triumphs over experience — laughter is the cure for grief — love is stronger than death” (Robert Fulghum)
Kisses and love to all of Janek’s friends and family from all of us here
It is with deep regret and sorrow that we have learnt of the sudden and untimely death of Janek Kuczkievicz, Director of the ITUC Department of Human and Trade Union Rights.
He was a very special and distinguished person deserving great respect both as a man and as a professional defender of trade union rights.He has done a lot for our organization - Belarusian congress of democratic trade unions (BKDP). Although being under pressure and persecutions the members of BKDP perfectly know that there a lot of people in the world who support them. There is a big world trade union family that will never leave us alone and always will help us. And Janek was always among the first who were giving us a helping hand either during the ILO Conferences and in the the ILO Workers’ Group or in everyday life.
Our deep gratitude will always go together with our memory of Janek Kuczkievicz.
Rest in peace our Friend.
On behalf of all members of BKDP and of the personal behalf of Alexander Yaroshuk- President of BKDP; Oleg Podolinski- BKDP International Secretary; Nikolai Kanakh - BKDP Bice-President
I know we will all miss Janek, as kindred spirits working tirelessly together for so many years in ICFTU. I appreciated being able to drop by Janek’s office after our Women’s Committee meetings.
I’m sure all who knew Janek will honour his memory with strengthened resolve to continue the fight for human and trade union rights around the world.
Cest avec une grande tristesse que je viens dapprendre le dcs de notre camarade et ami Janek KUCZKIEWICZ, Directeur du dpartement des Droits Humains et Syndicaux de la C.I.S. .
Jai souvent pens lui ces dernires annes quand je me rendais Bruxelles et mme si je nai pu trouver le temps de passer ma tte dans son bureau de la maison syndicale internationale Bruxelles, jai song son activit dbordante et pleine dnergie.
Je mhonore de lavoir connu et quil mait appel de temps autre son frre en jouant sans doute sur mon nom et lamiti que nous avions lun pour lautre mme si mes nouvelles fonctions syndicales dans ma fdration professionnelle aux chemins de fer franais nous avait bien loign.
Jai connu Janek en 1994. Fin 1993, je venais dtre appel travailler auprs de Jacques PE, secrtaire confdral de la Confdration FO en charge du secteur Europe International et ds 1994, je participais une runion de coordination Singapour des organisations syndicales donatrices pour les projets dentraide pour la rgion Asie pacifique de la C.I.S.L. . Javais t frapp par son engagement indfectible quels que pouvaient tre les obstacles pour la dfense et la promotion des droits syndicaux et humains.
A chacun de mes sjours en Asie (Hong Kong, Thailande, Cambodge, Core, Japon, Chine Populaire, Philippines, Inde, Sri Lanka, Russie, .) en Europe de lEst (Belarus, Bulgarie, hongrie, etc) ainsi que pour des missions de reprsentations pour mon secrtaire confdral et gnral (M.BLONDEL), je ne manquais pas de lui faire part de mes impressions de ces tournes syndicales.
Il mavait encourag et flicit pour mon rapport sur la crise asiatique de 1997 vu du ct syndical et jtais fier de sa sincrit quil nhsitait jamais complter par des critiques toujours constructives et fraternelles.
Je lui avais fait part de ma colre et de mon enthousiasme pour nos camarades cambodgiens avec lesquels javais ralis une sance indite de formation syndicale la ngociation. Certains dentre eux ont t emprisonns ou assasins quelques annes plus tard.
Je lui parlais toujours avec indignation et enthousiasme de ce que javais vu clandestinement en Chine Populaire dans la Z.E.E. de Zhuhai et Shenzen et combien jtais effar par la visite de la frontire entre les deux coresSans omettre le Belaruset ma visite comme dlgu franais lors de lAssemble Gnrale de lONU en 1997 ainsi qu lO.I.T. .
Si nous avons rapidement sympathis, cest sans doute parce que nous partagions un grand rservoir dindignation qui nous poussait ragir en militants dtermins pour dfendre lessentiel et ce quil y a de plus noble dans lHomme: lamour de la justice sociale et de la libert comme du progrs.
Anecdote dont je suis le plus fier: javais souhait travailler pour le dpartement des droits humains et syndicaux de la C.I.S.L. ses cts et ensemble tout avait t parfaitement prpar. Quil mait soutenu et fait confiance fut pour moi une grande joie autant quune grande responsabilit: celle de ne pas le dcevoir.
Si cela ne sest pas ralis, cest cause dun diffrent dans la ngociation avec mon employeur (la SNCF). Janek avait obtenu laccord du Secrtaire Gnral de la CISL complt par la soutien de mon secrtaire gnral confdral.
Aujourdhui, il naurait sans doute pas voulu que je pleure.
Il maurait peut-tre dit quil y a encore beaucoup de combats mener, des syndicalistes , des travailleurs sortir de prison, dfendre leurs droits sociaux. Il maurait peut-tre dit que la vie est un passage et quil faut le vivre le mieux possible , se battre pour des ides telles que luniversalisme des droits humains, quil faut se mettre la place de celles et ceux qui souffrent et porter leurs voix quand ils ne peuvent le faire eux-mmes
Le plus bel hommage que lon puisse lui rendre cest de poursuivre le combat syndical, le combat pour les droits humains avec la mme dtermination quil a eu toute sa vie.
Nul doute que je ne toublierais jamais et que de temps autre je me dirais ou demanderais comment janek aurait-t-il ragi?
Merci mon Frre davoir ainsi marquer mon engagement militant syndical et pour les droits humains.
A toi, et ta famille et tous tes amis qui aujourdhui pleurent avec moi
Rmi AUFRERE
Secrtaire Fdral FO cheminots (France)
Europe-International- Poltique des transports
(ancien assistant confdral FO secteur Europe International en charge Asie et notamment PECO normes OIT).”
il y a quelques mois lors de notre mission en GUINEE que nous nous sommes mieux connus partageant ta determination a oeuvrer pour une liberte d.expression dans ce pays.ton investigation nous a permis de voir en toi un farouche combattant pour la liberte et le respect des droits humains pour lesquels tu as consacre ta vie si courte sur cette terre.nous les africains qui avons besoin de cet espace auronsgarde un souvenir de toi pendant ce laps de temps.que ta famille et tous les amis de la csi trouvent ici notre compassion nos condoleances les plus attristees
repose en paix
Com profunda dor e tristeza, que recebemos no Brasil a noticia do falecimento do nosso querido companheiro Janek Kuczkievicz, Diretor Internacional dos Direitos Humanos e Sindicais da CSI – Central Sindical Internacional, ocorrido no dia 7 de abril de 2008 em seu domicilio em Bruxelas.
A UGT – através do departamento dos Direitos Humanos solicitou a todos os sindicatos filiados, para reforçarmos, em memória de nosso amigo, a sua luta em defesa dos Direitos Humanos e sindicais.
Janek era um companheiro que não media esforços para defender os Direitos Humanos em todos os continentes, ações estas que sempre foram do interesse do movimento sindical mundial e do sindicalismo brasileiro.
Despeço-me consternado e com o compromisso de levar adiante seu exemplo de luta para tornar o mundo melhor.
Atenciosamente.
MAURO SILVA
Secret.Adj.Direitos Humanos
UGT brasil
L’UGT tient à exprimer à la CSI son profond émoi en s’associant á ça tristesse que le décès prématuré de Janek Kuczkiewicz a causé à tous ceux qui ont eu la chance de le connaître et de travailler avec lui. En effet, outre la qualité humaine de Janek Kuczkiewicz nous ne pouvons pas oublier l’excellence du travail développé en tant que Directeur du Département des Droits Humains et Syndicaux.
Nous voulons transmettre nos condoléances à la famille en deuil.
Realmente esa noticia causa un dolor muy grande a quienes conocimos a este gran dirigente, cuyas cualidades humanistas fueron claramente demostradas y de su enorme espíritu de lucha de trabajo nos vimos privilegiados con su su apoyo pemanente.
El día de hoy nuestro Consejo Nacional integrado por el Ejecutivo de CTRN y los Secretarios Generales de las organizaciones afiliadas guardamos un minuto de silencio en honor a este gran compañero que ho nos deja
Atentamente
Rodrigo Aguilar,
On se voyait plus qu’une fois l’an, lors des semaines des medcos, à Bruxelles.
Mais c’était toujours avec plaisir de se souvenir des années quand j’étais au siège, et que tu passais chaque mois au 7ième ciel
pour assister avec toute ton énergie et ta foi MSFienne aux débats houleux du CA!
Ton départ nous laissera un vide!
Je chercherai ta chaise roulante lors de la fête de l’AG!
Merde…
Sache en tous cas que ta flamme continuera à brûler dans l’organisation et que les anciens continueront à enseigner toute la subtilité de ce qu’est MSF non seulement dans les actes, mais aussi dans les coeurs!
With all of his extraordinary talents, with all of his overwhelming energy, and with all of his varied fields of interest, Janek chose to devote practically the whole of his professional life to the international trade union movement.
I don’t think, and Janek never thought, that there was anything inevitable about that. In fact, at the beginning at least, this was something of a chance encounter, brought about by what was happening in his beloved Poland in the 1980’s, and his desire to play his part in it.
But it was a relationship which lasted over a quarter of a century. Janek found in trade union internationalism a vehicle for his deep commitment to his fellow human beings, their freedom and their rights, and to social justice.
And we got a colleague who gave more than anybody could be reasonably expected to give, who did more than we could find it in our own capacities to do ourselves, and yet at the same time helped us all to contribute a little more and a little better.
Janek changed the way we felt, the way we behaved, the way we were. Nobody who worked with Janek could fail to be affected by the experience. Indeed I can’t believe that anybody who spent time with him was not changed and improved. That was quite simply impossible.
But what is truly extraordinary is the fact that millions of people – and it is no exaggeration – from all parts of the world who never knew Janek had their lives touched by what he did. They don’t know that he has gone, because they never knew that he was there. But like us they have cause to share in our gratitude and to join with us in celebrating his life.
Janek’s force came from his refusal to accept what he found unacceptable. He would not tolerate what he thought was intolerable. He would not compromise on what he saw as a matter of principle. He would not answer “yes” when he knew that the only right answer was “no”.
He was emotional and he was practical. He was irreverent yet respectful. He
was demanding of his colleagues as he was of himself, yet always supportive and generous. And he was courageous beyond measure, even in the face of adversity that would lead many among us to give up.
And he was obstinate and unreasonable. I feel sure that there is not a single one of his colleagues who did not have an argument with him at some time. I have to say that it was not always with undivided pleasure that I would see Janek appear at the door, and roll into my office, more often than not at the end of a long day when it was time to go home. Because I had a good idea of what our “exchange” would have in store over the next half hour, or hour, or two.
Janek also had frustrations in life and he spoke often about them. They were that there was never enough time to do everything that needed to be done. There were not enough colleagues to complete all of the work that had to be completed. And there were too few resources to undertake every activity which he assured us was absolutely vital to undertake.
In the end, for him, twenty-four hours in a day were not enough. Seven days in a week were not enough. And as we all know today, and despite the intensity with which he lived them, fifty-one years were far too few.
And yet when we closed the door of the office on Monday evening, for the very last time as it turned out, and went to have a drink together, it was not about work that we talked. Rather, and amid much laughter, it was about his plans for the future. His many projects. The places he was going to visit and the things he was going to do. He was going to learn to ski – that was the latest. He talked about the joys that life was bringing him. When we parted, he was in good spirits. He was looking forwards with optimism. “See you tomorrow”. But we didn’t.
All of this was a reminder of how much Janek loved life. And as together we now celebrate his life, a reminder too that his life was a celebration of life itself, and an expression of the solidarity for which he always worked.
Thanks Janek. Goodbye.
Guy Ryder
ITUC General Secretary
————
Fort de tous ses talents exceptionnels, de son énergie débordante, et de ses domaines d’intérêt divers, Janek a choisi de consacrer pratiquement l’ensemble de sa vie professionnelle au mouvement syndical international.
Je ne pense pas, et Janek ne l’a jamais pensé, que cela ait été inévitable. En réalité, du moins au début, c’était en quelque sorte le fruit du hasard, compte tenu de la situation qui régnait dans sa Pologne bien-aimée dans les années 1980, et de son désir d’y jouer un rôle.
Cette relation a toutefois duré plus d’un quart de siècle. Janek a trouvé dans l’internationalisme syndical un véhicule de son profond engagement en faveur de ses camarades, de leur liberté et de leurs droits, ainsi que de la justice sociale.
En tant que collègue, il a donné plus que quiconque aurait pu donner d’une manière raisonnable, a agi plus que nous aurions pu en puisant dans nos propres capacités, et, dans le même temps, nous a tous aidés à contribuer davantage et mieux.
Janek a changé la manière dont nous nous sentions, dont nous nous comportions et dont nous étions. Quiconque a travaillé avec Janek n’a pu manquer d’être touché par cette expérience. En effet, je ne peux pas croire que quiconque ait passé du temps avec lui n’ait pas changé et n’ait pas progressé. Cela était sans aucun doute impossible.
Ce qui est réellement extraordinaire est le fait que des millions de personnes – sans exagération – des quatre coins du monde qui n’ont jamais connu Janek ont vu leur vie touchée par ses actions. Ils ne savent pas qu’il nous a quittés, car ils n’ont jamais su qu’il était là. Toutefois, comme nous, ils ont une raison de prendre part à notre reconnaissance et de se joindre à nous pour rendre hommage à sa vie.
Janek puisait sa force dans son refus d’accepter ce qu’il jugeait inacceptable. Il ne tolérait pas ce qui lui semblait intolérable. Il ne compromettait pas ce qu’il considérait comme une question de principe. Il ne répondait pas « oui » lorsqu’il savait que la seule réponse correcte était « non ».
Il était sensible et pragmatique. Bien qu’irrévérencieux, il était respectueux. Il était exigeant envers ses collègues tout comme il l’était envers lui–même, et était néanmoins toujours d’un grand soutien et généreux. Il était de surcroît courageux outre mesure, même face à l’adversité, laquelle découragerait un grand nombre d’entre nous.
Aussi était-il obstiné et déraisonnable. Je suis certain que tous ses collègues sans exception se sont disputés avec lui à un moment ou à un autre. Je dois reconnaître que je n’éprouvais pas toujours un plaisir sans réserve lorsque j’apercevais Janek sur le seuil de la porte pour se diriger dans mon bureau, la plupart du temps à la fin d’une longue journée lorsque l’heure était venue de rentrer chez soi. J’étais positif quant à ce que notre « échange » pouvait nous réserver pendant la demi-heure, l’heure, voire les deux heures suivantes.
Janek était également confronté à des frustrations dans la vie dont il parlait souvent, notamment le manque de temps pour réaliser toutes les tâches nécessaires. Le nombre de collègues était également insuffisant pour mener à bien l’ensemble du travail. De plus, les ressources étaient trop limitées pour mener toutes les activités qui, d’après lui, étaient absolument fondamentales.
En fin de compte, il considérait que vingt-quatre heures dans une journée n’étaient pas suffisantes. Sept jours dans une semaine ne l’étaient pas non plus. Et comme nous le savons tous à l’heure actuelle, et malgré l’intensité avec laquelle il les vivait, cinquante-et-un ans étaient bien trop peu nombreux.
Cependant, lorsque nous avons fermé la porte du bureau lundi matin, qui s’est avéré être la dernière fois, et avons été boire un verre ensemble, nous n’avons pas parlé de travail mais bien, au milieu de rires, de ses plans pour l’avenir, de ses nombreux projets, des endroits qu’il comptait visiter et de toutes les actions qu’il voulait entreprendre. Il voulait apprendre à skier – telle était la dernière. Il a parlé des joies que la vie lui offrait. Lorsque nous nous sommes quittés, il était de bonne humeur. Il envisageait l’avenir avec optimisme. « A demain ». Mais nous nous sommes plus revus.
Tout ceci rappelle combien Janek aimait la vie. Tout comme nous rendons à présent hommage à sa vie, nous rappelons également que sa vie était une célébration de la vie elle-même et témoignait de la solidarité pour laquelle il a toujours œuvré.
We extend condolences to the international union movement for the loss of Janek Kuczkiewicz, the longtime director of human and trade union rights at the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). This from the AFL-CIO Solidarity Center:
Kuczkiewicz died suddenly at his home in Brussels on April 8, 2008. A staunch defender of the International Labor Organization’s core labor standards, especially freedom of association, he worked closely with the Solidarity Center on worker rights issues and was an expert consultant on several Solidarity Center country worker rights reports. Under his direction, the ITUC published its annual survey of trade union rights violations.
Says Solidarity Center Executive Director Ellie Larson:
Every year, thousands of men and women all over the world are jailed, beaten, and killed for their union activities, tens of thousands lose their jobs for trying to organize a union, and millions are forced to work against their will. Brother Kuczkiewicz fought for all workers whose rights are under attack. We will miss him.
Nous sommes consternées et profondément tristes d’apprendre, via votre site web le décès de Janek.
Nous voulons transmettre un message de soutien de notre part à ses proches et collègues.
Marie Caraj et Pascale Boosten
Protection International
c’est une bien triste nouvelle, je n’avais rencontré Janek qu’une seule fois, lors d’un forum des droits de l’homme à Paris et nous avions tout de suite sympathisé, j’ai aussitôt beaucoup admiré son engagement , sa générosité et son courage. Avec son humour, il savait mettre les autres à l’aise, établir immédiatement le contact, et partager un idéal d’abnégation et de dignité dont il était l’exemple même, Bien amicalement,
Emmanuel Decaux
I just want to send you my deepest sympathy on hearing the sad, sad news this week about Janek. I’ve learned a bit more about him over the past few days and he truly was one of our heroes. This must be so hard for those of you who worked closely with him.
Deborah Greenfield
Associate General Counsel
AFL-CIO
La nouvelle n’est pas réjouissante, mais bouleversante. J’ai du mal à y croire. Hélas, je suis bien obligé de l’accepter. Je me rappelle encore de la dernière fois que j’ai eu à travailler avec lui. C’est en juillet 2007. Il tenait à m’entendre, en tant que responsable congolais venant fraîchement de Kinshasa, sur la réalité des droits syndicaux en RDC. Quelle perspicacité? quelle intelligence? quel engagement pour les droits syndicaux? Je pense qu’il nous faudrait pérenniser sa mémoire. En donnant son nom à une activité, un programme, je ne sais quoi encore, en rapport avec les droits syndicaux.
Toutes mes condoléances à vous tous du secrétariat de la CSI, à sa famille et surtout à sa fille.
Modeste Amédée Ndongala N’sibu
Secrétaire Exécutif aux Relations Extérieures
Union Nationale des Travailleurs du Congo
Please accept my sincere condolences.
I am a moderator for Democracy_for Burma@yahoogroups.com.au and I
am confident the Burmese people feel the same as me.
His contribution to the Burmese democracy cause, including the forced labour issue is widely acknowledged worldwide.
Yours sincerely,
Neill Staurland,
Norway.
A moderator for D4B
Member of The Burma Campaign UK
Member of Amnesty International
Member of LO and Fellesforbundet - union in Norway
C’est avec une profonde tristesse que j’ai appris ainsi que les membres de l’Association Mohamed Ali - ACMACO et les syndicalistes tunisiens, le décès soudain et prématuré, le 8 avril, de notre cher grand ami le camarade regretté Janek Kuczkiewicz, Directeur du Département des Droits Humains et Syndicaux, à son domicile à Bruxelles.
Les syndicalistes Tunisiens ainsi que les membres de l’ACMACO, gardent de Janek Kuczkiewicz, l’image d’un militant syndicaliste exemplaire, fortement engagé pour les causes nobles du syndicalisme international notamment la défense des droits syndicaux et humains.
Je présente à vous , ainsi qu’à sa famille et à tous ses proches, l’expression de mes condoléances profondément attristées .
Habib GUIZA,
Syndicaliste Tunisien
et président de l’Association Mohamed Ali de la Culture Ouvrière
siento no haber visto a Janek los ultimos anos a pesar de haber coincidido con el en varios lugares. Es una de las personas con las que mantuve el contacto, la amistad y un buen recuerdo del tiempo que trabajamos juntos.
Muchos recuerdos en estos momentos tan tristes.
Condolence letter on the passing away of our beloved
and respected Brother.
The Federation of Trade Unions – Burma (FTUB) sends our most heartfelt condolences to the family of Janek Kuczkiewicz who throughout our long struggle was a close friend and stalwart ally of the cause of the Burmese working people. We cannot even know where to begin to express our profound sorrow at his untimely passing, except to remember him as he would surely like to be remembered – as a labour rights activist first and foremost whose work and life has huge impacts in helping thousands of workers across the world, from Burma to Colombia to the Philippines and wherever else the lives of unionists were threatened and their organizations attacked.
Whether Janek was at international meetings aimed at building international solidarity campaigns; or at the ICTU responding to urgent calls for assistance from besieged trade unionists; or among the delegates at the ILO; or with the FTUB conducting trade union rights trainings for our underground unionists who had slipped out of Burma to the Thai border – we always knew Janek was with us with his entire heart, body, and soul.
The many instances that Janek assisted the FTUB and the working people of Burma are simply too numerous to recount, but let me just mention a few because they marked historical points of advance in our fight for labour rights and restoration of democracy in Burma. For example, Janek played a critical role in planning and providing continuous support for the international trade union movement strategy to bring the Burmese military regime to account before the ILO for its blatant and systematic use of forced labour, and for its denial of freedom of association. The support of Janek and the ITUC has allowed representatives of the FTUB to directly confront the regime’s representatives in the halls of the ILO, before the assembled international community. Janek’s support for the first international trade union conference on Burma, held in Kathmandu, Nepal, and the successive conferences helped solidify trade union support behind the FTUB and the cause of the workers of Burma, effectively
ending efforts by the regime and its minions to split the international trade union movement in its policy towards Burma.
And Janek came to Thailand train our members from inside Burma, to work shoulder to shoulder with us as we developed new FTUB leaders inside the country who organize the workers continuing resistance against the Burmese military junta. From the ITUC Trade Union Rights Department, Janek continued the long fight for the release of all our FTUB leaders and members in prison in Burma, including FTUB Central Executive Committee member Myo Aung Thant.
These are a few of the big tasks that Janek helped us shoulder and move forward on over the years of our solidarity, but there are so many other instances of support, both large and small, that we cannot recount them all. Suffice to say that he was a true friend, always prepared to listen and counsel us, to support us, and build increased solidarity for the struggle of Burmese workers. His work ethic is something that all FTUB members will remmember and live by.
Janke’s understanding of the Burma democracy movement is unbelievely extensive.
He is an irreplaceable friend who we will miss dearly!
At the advent of Thingyan, the Buddhist New Year celebrated in mid-April every year in Burma, the respected leaders of our communities are honored with ceremonies the involve the pouring of lustral water on the shoulder as a sign of respect and love. This year, the FTUB will organize a special Thingyan ceremony for our dear brother, Janek Kuczkiewicz. It is a fitting tribute to him, we think – but it will never be enough to express our thoughts for Janek, who we always expected would be with us in the future in the streets of Rangoon, when we finally celebrate our victory over Burmese military tyranny and injustice. We salute you now, dear Janek, and we will remember you now, and on and on into the future.
From Maung Maung, all members of FTUB and the Burma democracy movement.
Chers camarades de la Confédération Syndicale
Internationale - CSI
C’est avec une profonde tristesse que les militants et militantes de la Confédération Générale Tunisienne du Travail - CGTT, ont appris le décès soudain et prématuré, le 8 avril, de notre cher grand ami le camarade regretté Janek Kuczkiewicz, Directeur du Département des Droits Humains et Syndicaux, à son domicile à Bruxelles.
Les syndicalistes Tunisiens ainsi que les militants et militantes de la CGTT, gardent de Janek Kuczkiewicz, l’image d’un militant syndicaliste exemplaire, fortement engagé pour les causes nobles du syndicalisme international notamment la défense des droits syndicaux et humains.
Je présente à vous , ainsi qu’à sa famille et à tous ses proches, l’expression de mes condoléances profondément attristées .
Sad to hear that news. May he rest in peace.
On that same date, 08 April, Bro. Ramon Jabar also passed away. He is 78.
For you info, also.
Sincerely,
Necie Lucero
With the sorrow and sadness, be informed that Janek Kuczkiewicz, the Director of Workers and Human Rights Department at the International Trade Union Confederation, 52, passed away on April8, 2008.
Janek defended workers fundamental rights all around the world, including Iran, until the last minutes of his life: supporting workers to establish independent trade unions, trying to free Mansour Osanloo, president of the Executive Board of the Syndicate of workers of Vahed Company, sending welcome messages for Mahmoud Salehi’s release, and protesting against the summons on the members of the Syndicate’s Executive Board to the Court of Revolution. He left us while his last effort was defending workers’ rights in Iran.
The Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburban Bus Vahed Company expresses condolences to his honored family, International Trade Union Confederation, Global Unions, human rights activists and global labor movement especially workers rights activists in Iran.
His Soul Stays Happy and in Peace, and His Dream Comes True
Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburban Bus Vahed Company
Janek Kuczkiewicz, ITUC Director of Human and Trade Union Rights, died suddenly on 8th April at his home in Brussels.
At the ITF we were greatly shocked and saddened by his death. The ITF first got know Janek well in around 1995. The ITF and the ICFTU dealt with the “Arcadia” case – in which eleven Chinese seafarers in Italy approached the ITF for help and were detained on their return to China. Three of these seafarers spent more than a year in custody, but their ultimate release was thought to have been in the main due to the ILO complaint Janek helped to submit, in the course of which he impressed us hugely with his characteristic energy and rigour.
This was just one of the many contributions Janek made to freedom and justice for trade unionists all over the world – the cause he so passionately believed in, and to which he appeared to dedicate virtually all his waking hours. A steadfast colleague whose willpower and determination was equalled only by his sharp wit and quick humour, Janek was an extraordinarily vital man.
The ITF had been working closely and fruitfully with Janek for the last couple of years on the case of Mansour Osanloo, the imprisoned Iranian bus driver. We were with him in Guatemala in January, and this week many of us were talking to him by email about the release of Mahmoud Salehi, another persecuted Iranian trade unionist. Despite his untimely death, he leaves a real legacy of work on behalf of such workers.
Amnesty International is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Janek Kuczkiewicz who passed away at his home in Brussels on 7 April. Amnesty activists and especially those working on the human rights of trade unionists join us in mourning this loss. Just last week he attended the Amnesty UK Trade Union Conference in Nottingham to encourage us to improve the Amnesty-Union collaboration for human rights.
“Janek was a great friend to the Trade Union Network in the UK and he saw our work as a model for global collaboration between unions and Amnesty - an aim that he was unremittingly commited to in his quest for maximum impact for human rights activism. Our best tribute to him would be to pay attention to the wisdom and ambition of his vision for partnership. In his life, Janek made a difference for human rights. His commitment and enthusiasm and drive have inspired many across the four corners of the world. We will miss him sorely.”
Tom Hedley,
Chair of Amnesty International UK’s Trade Union Network
Noemi Menéndez Ruiz- Secretaria de Igualdad de Oportunidades y Género CGTRA Says:
April 14th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
con profundo dolor recibí esta noticia .Su aporte constante en defensa de los Derechos Humanos dejará en todas/todos nosotros una enseñanza de vida . Saludo con profundo dolor a nuestro Secretario General Guy Ryder y todas/todos el equipo de la CSI.
fraternalmente,
Noemi Menéndez Ruiz-
Secretaria de Igualdad de Oportunidades y Género CGTRA
C’est au nom de l’Association Suisse-Birmanie que, par ces quelques mots, nous aimerions vous présenter nos sincères condoléances pour le départ, trop tôt, de Janek.
Nous avons eu le bonheur de rencontrer Janek lors des réunions EBN. Son charisme et son professionnalisme nous ont toujours impressionné et nous garderons un souvenir radieux de Janek.
Profondément attristés, nous vous réitérons nos meilleurs messages de soutien dans ces moments si difficilement supportables.
I was shocked to hear about the sudden death of our brother Janek. It is indeed a great loss for the Burmese democracy movement. We will never forget about his tireless efforts to obtain effective action against the practice of force labor in Burma and restoration of democracy in our country.
Although he is no longer with us, he will continue to be our role model in our fight for human rights and labor rights.
Thaung Htun
The National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (Burmese Government in Exile)
It was with such sadness that I learned of your passing, Janek, from our good friend Elsa Ramos in Bangkok. I know from the many years of work with you and our friends in the FTUB on Burma how much you passionately cared for all those workers struggling against injustice and I know how important it was to all of us working in Thailand to know that we always had a stalwart ally back in Brussels, ready to help strategize and campaign for the next phase of the struggle — whether it be against forced labor in Burma, for the rights to freedom of association in Burma and Cambodia, against the SELRA which had stripped the Thai state enterprise workers of their rights to unions, the list goes on and on. The camaraderie and compassion was always present, even being so far away as Brussels and Bangkok — and even with the time differences, odds were that we could likely find you in your office — which was hugely helpful in times of crisis, of which there were many during the Thai crackdowns on Burmese democrats between 2001-2003. It was a great pleasure working for you on the Asia-Pacific sections of the ITUC Annual Survey in 2006 and 2007, when I got an even further idea of the long hours that you put in — first hand! But it was always worth trying to produce the best report possible because you both expected it and deserved it. Farewell my friend — “Next Year in Rangoon” — Phil Robertson
C’est avec une profonde tristesse que je t’envoie ce message de condoléances que je te prie de bien vouloir transmettre également à la famille et aux amis de notre regretté Janek.
Avis de condoléances,
Depuis quelques semaines j’étais en contact régulier avec le camarade Janek qui suivait avec beaucoup d’attention et de vigilance les nombreuses violations de la liberté syndicale et des droits syndicaux dont est coupable le gouvernement du Tchad. Après les événements survenus début février au Tchad et les menaces qui pèsent sur leaders politiques, les défenseurs des droits de l’homme et les syndicalistes dont moi-même, nous avions convenus de nous retrouver au siège de la CSI à Bruxelles afin d’examiner cette grave situation et d’arrêter les mesures à proposer aux instances compétentes de la CSI et de l’OIT. C’est ainsi que je fus invité à Bruxelles où nous devions avoir une séance de travail, Janek, Isabelle Hoferlin et moi-même le mardi 08 avril 2008.
A mon arrivée au siège de la CSI ce matin du 08 avril, j’ai la désagréable surprise d’apprendre que le camarade Janek non seulement n’était pas arrivé au bureau mais qu’on pouvait pas le joindre malgré tous les efforts déployés dans ce sens. Après une brève concertation que nous avions eue avec Isabelle et Mamounata Cissé, il avait été décidé de dépêcher une équipe à son domicile afin de vérifier ce qu’il en est car Janek était un homme méthodique et bien organisé par conséquent, il nous paraissait très surprenant qu’il ne puisse pas venir au bureau et qu’il n’en informe pas ses collègues. C’est ainsi nous devons apprendre par la camarade Mamounata, la terrible nouvelle du décès du camarade Janek. Ce rappel, c’est juste pour démontrer combien j’ai été particulièrement affecté par ce qui vient d’arriver à notre camarade et ami Janek que j’ai connu depuis de nombreuses années.
J’appréciais particulièrement sa disponibilité, son engagement ainsi que son dévouement à la défense de la cause syndicale. En effet, il s’est totalement investi à l’action syndicale. Il n’avait ménagé ni son temps ni son énergie pour cette noble cause. Je lui resterait indéfiniment reconnaissant. En outre, en tant que croyant, je pense que le Bon Dieu l’accueillera sans hésiter en son Paradis. En tout cas, je prie ardemment pour cela.
Quant à sa famille, ses amis et à tous les camarades syndicalistes de la CSI et du reste du monde qui l’ont connu et ont apprécié comme moi son action, je leur adresse, au nom de l’Union des Syndicats du Tchad et à mon nom personnel, mes sincères condoléances.
Cher Ami Janek, que ton âme repose en paix.
The Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions expresses our deep sorrow at the sudden death of our good friend and great supporter, defender and promoter of human rights and trade union rights within the global trade union movement. Janek was a fighter all his life - fighting for the rights of the workers in this world, fighting against injustice and unfair treatment, fighting for the right to organize and always express the free opinion of workers wherever they are in this world.
Personally I worked closely with Janek at the ICFTU, the ITUC and at the yearly ILO conferences in the Committee of Application. We did not always agree on different matters, but we were always good friends and had good and fruitful discussions. My regards to Janeks family. We shal always remember this strong man, who always stood up for the rights of the world’s working people
Anche se da un piccolo punto di vista, mi sento molto parte di questa nostra organizzazione internazionale, in questo mondo fatto di tutta gente che si batte per gli altri. Come mi sento molto triste per la perdita di Janek.
Grand merci pour les courriels nous faisant part du décès de notre cher collègue Janek.
Janek a été en effet un ami. J’ai eu l’opportunité de le cotoyer depuis les années 90 au cours des différentes rencontres organisées par la CISL ou la CSI de nos jours : a Bruxelles, dans les Ardennes, à Nairobi, à Conakry, etc…
Durant toutes ces années de part ses actions (écrits et comportements), il m’a impressionné par son engagement constant, sa détermination et sa volonté inébranlable face à toutes les situations pour défendre et faire respecter, somme toute, Les Droits Humains en Général et ceux des travailleuses, des travailleurs et des plus démunis en particulier Janek aura été un bel exemple. JANEK DORS EN PAIX
QUE LE TOUT PUISSANT AI PITIE DE SON ÂME
QUE LA TERRE LUI SOIT LEGERE
QU’IL SOIT PARMI LES ELUS DU PARADIS
Coordialement
Oumar DICKO
Ancien Représentant de la CISL en Afrique
estoy muy sorprendida y apenada con la noticia que he leido en la plataforma solicomm, ya que estoy siguiendo un curso a distancia sobre seguridad social y en la portada han colocado un link sobre la noticia.
Mis sinceras condolencias y pesar por lo ocurrido, el compañero Janek demostró en el corto tiempo que compartimos ser una persona excelente con valores y convicciones muy firmes. Lamento profundamente lo sucedido. Deja un gran vacío efectivamente pero también un camino trazado que estoy muy segura que seguiremos todos los que lo conocimos.
La vida suele darnos este tipo de sorpresas que no nos gusta recibir ni aceptar, pero solo te puedo decir que Dios se lleva una gran persona, solo queda continuar con su trabajo, eso me parece es el mejor homenaje que le podemos brindar.
What a very sad news ! But what a very impressive resumé and list of friends you leave behind. We will continue the battle for human rights and try to do it with as much energy than you had !
I have many memories of Janek. He was a rare human being, one I am proud to have called my colleague and good friend. Over many years we shared ideas, stories, documents, workloads, phone calls, meals, tears and laughter. In fact long before we ever met, we worked together from opposite sides of the world. I remember taking turns at pushing Janek up the hill in Hong Kong in a WTO rally; searching for dinner late at night in Geneva; setting up and cleaning up at parties; sending or receiving text or Skype messages about emergency cases at any time of day or night – no matter what time zone he was in, and even from his camp site during his summer holidays; drafting documents and reports together; participating in meetings in four or more languages where Janek could translate for everyone there.
His untimely death is a source of great sadness to me. His life, a source of inspiration.
He brought authority, dedication and passion to his work. His commitment and compassion touched many people’s lives. Many others, human rights activists and defenders, will have never met him nor know of the efforts he took to protect or promote their rights.
Janek was a champion of human rights in every sense of the word. Not only did he devote his working life to the rights of workers all over the world, he was inclusive, encouraging and respectful of the contribution of others in their work.
The world is a better place for having had the contribution of Janek Kuczkiewicz.
I am proud to have known Janek and will always hold a special place for him in my heart.
I mourn for the loss his beloved Alice, Francoise and other family members will be feeling. But for all those who knew him, colleagues and friends, we will also feel his absence deeply. He was such an outstanding demonstration of living life fully and passionately.
Only briefly met Janek at AIUK AGM a few days before his untimely death and was most impressed with his contribution and especially his ability to be constructively critical about the home truths we all need to address. His inspiration will, I’m sure, be long lasting.
Quelle tristesse d’avoir perdu,quel bonheur d’avoir rencontré une personnalité d’une telle dimension!
Le vide sera grand lors des futures réunions chez Natacha et Benoit.
Une petite flamme de cet”homme de feu” sera à nos cotés,dans nos coeurs,surtout dans celui de Nikita, et continuera à donner un sens à l’action de Natacha, de ses collaborateurs dans leurs luttes à venir.
Peut-etre sera-t-elle ravivée par la présence de Françoise,sa compagne?
Le vide serait moins grand et sans doute plus doux à vivre.
Que cette flamme puisse aussi réconforter sa fille Alice et tous les membres de sa famille.
Assane Diop, Directeur exécutif Secteur de la Protection sociale, Bureau international du Travail Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Ce fut avec tristesse que j’ai appris le décès inopiné de Janek, un collègue et camarade et cher à nous tous. C’est une grande perte pour le mouvement syndical où il imposait le respect et l’admiration de tous ses camarades par son engagement et sa lutte infatigable en faveur des travailleurs.
Mes condoléances à sa famille et aux camarades.
Assane Diop
Directeur exécutif
Secteur de la Protection sociale
Bureau international du Travail
To Janek’s family and loved ones, his children and stepchildren, my deepest condolences. Thank you for sharing Janek with us for these past years: the international trade union family is diminished by this great loss and we are grieving with you.
I write now, my dear brother Janek, after your funeral at which, through our tears, we celebrated and gave thanks for your life with us and sought to say our farewells. What more can I add to the tributes others have paid to your professional integrity, your courage and tenacity, your dedication to free trade unionism and your love of universal human rights? You were a colleague and a mentor, a leader and a servant. You were a pluralist who detested those who used force to impose their will – yet you could be forcefully convincing yourself; you were dedicated to reason - yet on occasion you could be pretty unreasonable.
You shaped us, Janek. Next week we meet to prepare the ILO Conference Standards Committee. You won’t be there physically, but you will be deep in our hearts. The professional loss for us all is immeasurable - in the ITUC, the ILO, for workers everywhere and especially those touched most profoundly by the fire in your soul – not least in Belarus, China, Colombia, Iran, Zimbabwe, and in your beloved Poland and Burma. “From every mountainside, let freedom ring!”
Like so many others who knew and loved you, I shed even more tears because I had the privilege of your friendship. That friendship – and your wicked humour and joie de vivre - made your impatience and tendency to blunt criticism both valuable and bearable. In recent years our careers developed parallel paths - you were six months younger than me and we confided our plans for the future. I will cherish memories of working with you in Geneva, Brussels, Colombia and, most recently, in Guatemala where we ate dinner together before you left to visit Tikal – though I warned you that, unlike Machu Picchu or the tracks of Petra, you wouldn’t be able to climb the wooden ladders up the Mayan pyramids “on your arse”. We shared interests in ancient civilisations and in music, but I fail to understand that we never discovered our shared love of sailing – how great it would have been to have sailed on Lake Geneva under Captain Janek! You were a Mensch who knew that life should be lived to the full!
But my enduring images of you, apart from that beautiful portrait we all now have of you afloat, wearing a film-star smile and your (Russian) master’s cap, will be twofold, bathed in warm sunshine and overlooked by the Jura and the Alps. First, you hauling yourself out of the pool in Ferney before coming for dinner à deux and another discussion, late into the night, about how to defend un sindicalismo civilista y democrático – though we never drank enough vodka together because one of us always had to drive. And second, on the terrace of the R3 coffee bar at the ILO – you rolling out for a smoke, the tubes of your wheelchair conveniently uncapped for use as a mobile ashtray and hearing your stentorian tones issue that affectionate and familiar greeting “Cześć gruby!”
Do widzenia, dear brother Janek; shalom; bon vent! You can never know how much we miss you, but I hope you knew how much we loved you.
Simon Steyne
TUC Senior International Officer; Worker member, ILO Governing Body
Et par le pouvoir d’un mot
Je recommence ma vie
Je suis né pour te connaître
Pour te nommer
ce matin, 15 avril 2008 j’écoute radio première de la rtbf. Un billet de Béatrice Delvaux. Elle parle de Janek Kuczkiewicz. Il a été enterré samedi. IL est mort… Cette nouvelle me glace. Me terrasse.
Printemps 1967. Quatrième primaire. On nous présente un jeune Polonais. Jean-Jacques. Les deux jambes soutenues d’attelles de cuir.
Tout de suite ça biche entre nous.
Il m’invite chez lui, 89 avenue Aimé Smekens. Je vais devenir, avec d’autres potes, membre du club qu’il a fondé. Son sens de l’organisation est déjà marquant: nous devons tous passer un rite initiatique. Nous recevons une carte de membre. Avec le cachet de cire sur notre photo.
Surtout, pour moi, Janek est synonyme de musique: la première fois que je suis entré chez les “Kouch’”, comme nous appelions la famille (anne,casoar, jurek qui deviendrait le journaliste que l’on sait…), j’ai vécu la plus grande révélation de ma vie: un disque diffusait une musique de rêve. Le lendemain j’achetais les 6 brandebourgeois de js. J’avais 12 ans. Cette expérience a fait basculer ma vie. Bach m’accompagnera jusqu’au bout. Ce n’est que tout récemment que j’ai pu mettre un titre sur le morceau que j’entendis alors…(Concerto pour clavecin)
Son frère Michel a joué un rôle important également: faisant le baise-main à maman, il la persuade de m’inscrire chez les scouts, que je ne devais quitter qu’à 24 ans…
Puis, ce fut la fac. Les cours à l’ISP à Leuven (Taminiaux)
Jusqu’à ce jour où, bercés par le carillon de la “Ladeuzeplein”, nous fûmes plusieurs à apprendre la terrible nouvelle: notre casse-cou national avait eu l’accident que l’on sait. Quand un événement important arrive (l’assassinat de JFK, p.ex.), on se souvient très clairement de ce que l’on était en train de faire à ce moment: ce soir-là, nous suivions un cours de linguistique historique anglaise (1978-79)
A St-Luc, il critiquait la clinique: les conduites étaient terriblement bruyantes (sous les draps il était en train, en me parlant, de remplir son …urinoir)
Oui. C’était ça, Kouch’: celui qui mettait à l’aise. Celui qui remontait le moral aux autres. Kouch’, tu as toujours été un modèle pour nous. De courage, de simplicité, de “self-derision”. Très British, ce Polak finalement.
Très discret aussi. Sur le rôle de tes parents à Varsovie…
Un jour nous l’avons, Inès & moi, croisé à l’inno. Il achetait des peluches pour Alice (c’est bien Alice, non ?)
La dernière fois que j’ai eu le plaisir de le revoir plusieurs jours de suite, c’était place Rouppe (délégué comme lui, nous étions en formation. Au café, il me demande de l’accompagner au joc. Celui-ci est trop étroit. Il se hisse sur les bras pour pouvoir plier sa chaise. “Pousse-moi, maintenant. Pas trop fort. Pas envie de voler avec ma caisse dans la cuvette !”
Voilà. Je garde de toi, Janek, l’image d’un type extra. Qui mettait à l’aise tout de suite. Oui, c’est ça. On se sentait bien en ta compagnie.
Tu ne m’as pas laissé le temps de te dire combien tu m’as marqué.
Mais tu étais si fin, que je suis certain que tu écoutes ce que je te livre.
Et puis tu n’es pas mort, parce que chez chacun d’entre nous tu as semé du bon.
Repose-toi bien, après tout le bien que tu as fait parmi nous.
michel de rongé
Jasiu,
Siedze w srodku nocy…czytam te teksty o tobie, do ciebie, co rusz puszczaja mi sluzy…
Nie da sie chyba juz napisac czegos czego by inni nie napisali, nie wyrazili, nie wyplakali…
Zyles pol wieku, ale de facto, przy twoim tempie, bylo tego z dwa zycia jak nic !
Chciales wszystko ogarnac, wszystkich zobaczyc, z kazdym wypic kielicha, pokochac wszystie dziewczyny na swiecie, wyciagnac wszystkich zwiazkowcow z ciupy, oplynac wszystkie oceany…
Jeszcze nie tak dawno, u Wlocha, zjedlismy razem kolacje. Dyskusja skupila sie na ludziach ktorzy w taki czy inny sposob naznaczyli XX-y wiek.
Wyslales mi potem sms’a z lista dziesieciu top’owych osobistosci ! Obiecalem sobie ze przy nastepnej okazji do niej powroce, bo naprawde ‘nie kupuje’ Onassis’a i Callas, ale niech ci tam !
Dzis, plyniesz pewnie gdzies w przestworzach, na bezgranicznych oceanach, a Dosia siedzi ci na kolanach, i co rusz kradnie ci czapke zeby sie nia nakryc !
Plyncie wiec sobie spokojnie, i czasem rzuccie na nas okiem, i sprawdzajcie czy idac waszym tropem, nie zbaczamy z drogi !
A jak przyjdzie i na nas kolej, przygotujcie nam pizze i kielicha Chianti, zebysmy znow razem bedac, milo sobie powspominali ‘dawne casy’ na ziemi !
Bywaj braciszku !
It came as a great shock and sadness to all of us to learn about the passing of our Dear Brother Janek Kuczkiewicz. On behalf of all the members of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU), I would like to extend the sincerest condolences to the co-workers in the ITUC and the bereaved family of Brother Janek.
His abiding commitment to fundamental workers’ rights, human rights and international trade union movement will be remembered forever by all who have known him. His firm dedication to justice, democracy, dignity and human rights will never be forgotten. It is a great loss for us all and he will be remembered by all trade unionists and workers around the world.
May his soul rest in peace!
In Solidarity,
Jang Seok-chun
President
Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU).
I am greatly shocked and deeply saddended by Brother Janek’s early departure. I still remember his visit to ICFTU-APRO office in Singapore around year 2000, when I worked for the office there. Ever since that encountering with him, even though it was not the first time, my views changed and I came closer to his work and struggle in the ICFTU and ITUC as an unyielding fighting icon for the causes of international trade union movement and an exemplary figure for the trade union activists. Words can not be enough to express our feelings of big loss. We will miss him a lot and remember him for long. Deep condolences to beloved family members.
Kim, Sung Jin
Executive Director
Korea International Labor Foundation(KOILAF)
I only meet Janek on a couple of occasions - that is my loss - I wish I had known him better. In such a brief encounter I was impressed by his commitment to a movement that continues to struggle for working people throughout the world. Everyone who knew him will carrier something of him forward into the future. His work lives on.
Allan Graveson
Senior National Secretary
Nautilus UK
C’est avec tristesse et consternation que les militants de la Confédération Syndicale des Travailleurs du Togo (CSTT) ont appris le décès de leur Cher et Regretté, frère JANEK, Chef du Département des Droits Humains et Syndicaux de la CSI - BRUXELLES.
Le frère JANEK a été, durant sa vie, un grand lutteur pour la cause des travailleurs et un grand défenseur des droits humains, partout où ils sont menacés. Sa disparution constitue un coup dur pour le monde du travail.
La CSTT présente ses condoléances les plus attristées à la CSI et à la famille éplorée. Que la terre lui soit légère et que le Seigneur Tout Puissant l’accueille dans son Royaume.
Dear Janek,
Your demise is still a shock - it was much too early that you left us. We will miss you not only as our guide an coordinator in the application committee and as a fighter for labour rights, but also as a beloved friend.
Wait for us wherever you are now. Until we see each other again, we send you these words by Hermann Hesse.
Bianca & Jürgen
STUFEN
Wie jede Blüte welkt
und jede Jugend dem Alter weicht,
blüht jede Lebensstufe,
blüht jede Weisheit auch und jede Tugend
zu ihrer Zeit und darf nicht ewig dauern.
Es muss das Herz bei jedem Lebensrufe
bereit zum Abschied sein und Neubeginne,
um sich in Tapferkeit und ohne Trauern
in and’re, neue Bindungen zu geben.
Und jedem Anfang wohnt ein Zauber inne,
der uns beschützt und der uns hilft zu leben.
Wir sollen heiter Raum um Raum durchschreiten,
an keinem wie an einer Heimat hängen,
der Weltgeist will nicht fesseln uns und engen,
er will uns Stuf’ um Stufe heben, weiten!
Kaum sind wir heimisch einem Lebenskreise
und traulich eingewohnt,
so droht Erschlaffen!
Nur wer bereit zu Aufbruch ist und Reise,
mag lähmender Gewohnheit sich entraffen.
Es wird vielleicht auch noch die Todesstunde
uns neuen Räumen jung entgegen senden:
des Lebens Ruf an uns wird niemals enden.
Wohlan denn, Herz, nimm Abschied und gesunde!
Stairs
As every flower fades and as all youth
Departs, so life at every stage,
So every virtue, so our grasp of truth,
Blooms in its day and may not last forever.
Since life may summon us at every age
Be ready, heart, for parting, new endeavor,
Be ready bravely and without remorse
To find new light that old ties cannot give.
In all beginnings dwells a magic force
For guarding us and helping us to live.
Serenely let us move to distant places
And let no sentiments of home detain us.
The Cosmic Spirit seeks not to restrain us
But lifts us stage by stage to wider spaces.
If we accept a home of our own making,
Familiar habit makes for indolence.
We must prepare for parting and leave-taking
Or else remain the slaves of permanence.
Even the hour of our death may send
Us speeding on to fresh and newer spaces,
And life may summon us to newer races.
So be it, heart: bid farewell without end.
Ante la lamentable noticia del fallecimiento del Compañero Janek Kuczkiewicz- Director del Departamento de Derechos Humanos y Sindicales de la CSI, la CENTRAL DE TRABAJADORES DE LA ARGENTINA (CTA) quiere manifestar su profundo dolor, saludando respetuosamente a la Confederación Sindical Internacional, a familiares, amigos y compañeros, ante esta irreparable pérdida.
Rescatamos y valoramos la larga trayectoria de lucha del Compañero Janek Kuczkiewicz en defensa de los intereses de los Derechos Humanos y en especial el de los trabajadores. Esto reafirma nuestro compromiso de mantener en alto las banderas que levanto permanentemente nuestro amigo y compañero.
Acompañándolos en este difícil momento.
Hugo Yasky - Secretario General
Adolfo Aguirre - Secretario de Relaciones Internacionales
Central de Trabajadores de la Argentina - CTA
10 April 2008
Brother Guy Ryder
General Secretary
International Trade Union Confederation
5 Boulevard du Roi Albert ll, Bte l
1210 Brussels
Belgium
Dear Sir,
Condolence Message on the Death of Brother Janek Kuczkiewicz
We heard with deep shock and grief the news of the death of our friend and brother, Janek Kuczkiewicz, Director of Human and Trade Union Rights in the ITUC head office. I wish to convey the condolences of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and my personal commiseration over this sad loss.
He was so passionate and knowledgeable in relation to his work, in a way that inspires and encourages all of us. Janek was a General, who earned his stripes in designing and executing pro-worker campaigns against corporate despotism and State tyranny. His death would leave a big vacuum.
Please, convey our commiseration to Janek’s family and to our colleagues in the ITUC family.
It is with deep regret that I’ve just heard about the untimely passing of Janek. My heartfelt sympathy goes to his family and friends. I will remember him.
Titania Vandevelde
This is sad and deeply touching news. I had the opportunity of working with Janek during my secondment to Geneva and I always enjoyed his presence, deep commitment and knowledge, but his humour and willingness to make the best of his life as well. I feel grieve not to be able to meet him again, we will miss him and his work. My condolence to his family, friends and colleagues.
I received the news of Janek’s death with shock and great sadness. Janek’s work was a major contribution to the defense of trade union rights everywhere, and the Annual Survey of Violations of Trade Union Rights which he directed has become probably the most influential publication of the ICFTU and then of the ITUC.
My deepest condolences to his family and his co-workers.
Después del Congreso de Panamá y de una misión en Madrid para reunirme con el compañero Pedro Pablo Alvarez, he conocido la lamentable noticia del fallecimiento del compañero Janek Kuczkiewicz, Director del Departamento de Derechos Humanos y Sindicales de la CSI.
Nos ha sorprendido y entristecido su fallecimiento, siempre le recuerdo activo, militante, entregado a los derechos humanos y sindicales con mucho entusiasmo tanto en Bruselas, en Washington, como en Guatemala.
Te expresamos y a través tuyo a todos los compañeros de la CSI y a sus familiares, nuestra solidaridad en estos momentos por la pérdida de este ser humano que además fue un dirigente activo y tan entregado a las luchas por los derechos humanos y sindicales.
En el corto tiempo que hemos trabajado en conjunto, desde la fundación de la CSI hasta ahora, a través de la CLADEHLT y de la CLAT, hemos apreciado el valor de este compañero.
Junto con mis condolencias recibe un fraternal saludo de tu amigo y compañero
Friend of a friend on an eventfull and great birthday party - 2 years ago? Thank you for your contribution to this world - thank you for your friendship to my friend and rest in peace. Irma.
I never met Janek in person. Yet, I suspect like many hundreds around the world who also never met him face to face, I felt he was my friend and colleague. As a Solidarity Center representative in Indonesia and Thailand, I often felt helpless when receiving a report of a trade unionist arrested, imprisoned, or assaulted. But then the first step was to “Let Janek know.” And through him, the networks were alerted, the contacts begun, the pressure applied, and - more times than I could expect - the victory won. Janek worked tirelessly for the rights of trade unionists in Indonesia, both under the dictatorship of Soeharto, and as companies attempted to maintain their privileges after Soeharto’s downfall. And as stated by Brother Maung Maung, Janek was a leader in calling the world’s attention to forced labor and violation of worker rights in Burma.
The ironic fact is that many workers who are now walking free from jail and assault, or are organizing free and independent trade unions, do not even know about the role Janek played directly in applying pressure to those who had them arrested or tried to bust their organizing campaigns. But I’m sure Janek accepted their freedom as reward enough for his efforts.
Janek’s death makes us all stumble and fall for a moment, and we will miss him in the days and years to come. But as he would have wanted, we will continue his fight for worker and trade union rights. I know his dedication will make us all work a bit harder for those things that he valued. I know we can learn from him how to build our solidarity on behalf of working people everywhere.
Rudy Porter
Thailand Office Director
Solidarity Center, AFL-CIO
My heartfelt condolences to Alice, Francoise, and all the Kuczkiewicz family. Allow me to take this opportunity to say my own farewell to this inspiring, incredible man.
Dear Janek,
I have known you for over 25 years, as a colleague, as my boss, and above all my friend. I had taken my distance from you, slightly, by leaving the ITUC, but we remained friends. And you were going to move on too, but only to Geneva, we thought. Now you are so far out of reach.
We spent six years working closely together in the Human and Trade Union Rights Department. You shaped the HTUR work of the ITUC, and far beyond. You towered over it. As a boss you were caring, inspiring, maddening. You guided and encouraged your staff, but were always a little frustrated and puzzled that others were not always prepared to stay until after midnight, to work through their weekends, or their Christmas holidays.
You liked to say I was your deputy and the other half of your brain. If only I could claim to have one tenth of your intellectual capacity, your strength, your commitment. Instead I tried to be the voice of reason. What a waste of time that was. “But who should I say no to?” you would ask. “Don’t say no, share it out.” But you wanted, needed, to be at the centre of things, and you were, in so many ways. And now you are gone, there is a huge great big gap.
Time will help heal the loss. Others will take over the work. But there will never be another Janek.
Goodbye my friend.
Sara
En nombre propio y de la CUSG, estoy haciéndole llegar mis condolencias a la CSI , por el lamentable fallecimiento del compañero Jannek Kuczkiewicz. Creo que fue un compañero muy valioso para el movimiento sindical y en particular una de las piezas claves durante la Conferencia de la CSI en Guatemala.
Carlos Mancilla,
Secretario de Trabajo y conflictos de la CUSG
El Comité Ejecutivo de la Confederación General del Trabajo CGT, lamenta profundamente el fallecimiento del compañero JANEK KUCZKIEWICZ, Director del Departamento de Derechos Humanos y Sindicales de la Confederación Sindical Internacional.
Nos entristece enormemente la desaparición del compañero JANEK, por cuanto en vida fue un gran defensor de los derechos humanos de los trabajadores, el departamento que dirigió actúo siempre en forma oportuna y eficaz en la denuncia y reclamación ante la vulneración a los derechos de los trabajadores aglutinados en organizaciones afiliadas a la CSI.
Al compañero Guy Ryder Secretario General de la CSI, demás integrantes de la conducción política y funcionarios de la nueva y poderosa Confederación, así como a sus familiares les expresamos nuestras más sentidas condolencias.
J’ai rencontré Janek à Londres, lors d’une discussion sur la Colombie. Dans la salle, un Colombien qui soufrait encore des consequences des paramilitaires. Janek a toute suite compris, ne disait rien et bassait la tête devant autant d’atrocité contre l’humanité. Cette image d’un etre humain qui comprend toute de suite m’as fortement ému, mais reste un bon souvenir…
برای آنان که از حقوق کارگران دفاع می کنند
به اتحادیه بین المللی کارگران
هفته گذشته یانک کو ژکیویسکز، فعال حقوق بشر اتحادیه های کارگری درگذشت. دفاع او از حقوق کارگران در سراسر جهان همواره ستودنی و به یاد ماندنی است.
تلاش او برای آزادی منصور اسانلو و محمود صالحی و فعالین کارگری در ایران خستگی ناپذیر بود.
این فعال طبقه کارگر تا آخرین روزهای زندگی از یاد کارگران غافل نبود و همه توانش را برای دفاع از آنان به کار برد.
ما مرگ او را به همه فعالین کارگری سراسر جهان تسلیت گفته و برای همه آنان که در جهت احقاق حقوق کارگران کار می کنند، آرزوی موفقیت داریم. به امید روزی که همه کارگران از حقوق انسانی خود برخوردار شوند.
Au nom du Secteur Syndical Haïtien (SSH), du Secrétariat confédéral de l’OGITH et en mon personnel, je présente toutes mes sympathies à toutes les militantes et à tous les militants de la Confédération Syndicale Internationale et aux familles des camarades défunts respectivement Ibrahim Mayaki (ACTRAV) et Janek Kuczkiewicz (CSI).
Je connaissais personnellement le cd Janek Kuczkiewicz et je travaillais avec lui sur plusieurs dossiers syndicaux sur le cas d’Haïti lors de ma participation à la 2eme Réunion du Comité Mondial des droits humains et syndicaux de la CISL en 1993 à Bruxelles, au 16eme Congrès de la CISL suivis de différents courriels sur la situation syndicale haïtienne.
Je suis profondément touché de sa disparition, car, nous devons subir cette épreuve en tant que passager sur cette terre.
Paix à leur âme et condoléances à toutes et à tous !
I am a member of FTUB and worked with brother Janek for years on Burma’s forced labour and TUR issues. We, Burmese people, will never forget what you did for Bumra. I was shocked when I heard terrible news about you.
I worked with Janek in the late 90’s on a course in Romania on violations of trade union and human rights. Three things stand out in my memory:
his patience with the often warring trade union delegations present, reminding us all that we had a vital job as fighters for justice who could not afford to indulge in pettiness;
how supportive he was to a new acquaintance going through a devastating emotional crisis;
him bopping happily in his wheelchair at our disco.
От имени филиала профсоюза железнодорожников Республики Казахстан «Аппарат Национальной Компании «Казакстан темiр жолы» выражаю глубокое соболезнование семье и близким по поводу тяжелой утраты – кончиной выдающего деятеля международного профсоюзного движения Janeka Kuczkiewicza.
Человек живет столько, сколько о нем помнят. Помня мы, продлеваем жизнь ушедшим от нас людям. Пусть земля будет пухом.
Абиюр Джумаев,
председатель филиала
It is extremely shocking to note that Janek passed away in April 2008.I have just learned about it when i was googling about the great men and women in the history of trade unionism and janek struck my mind as one of the outstanding characters of the modern times in the struggle for social justice. I am left at a big loss, for Janek shaped my understanding of human and trade union rights issues in Africa and the world at large. Janek was an angel on earth for those who new him like me. My few times of interaction with him at brussels and at various international foras left me more educated and knowlegeble on HTUR issues. He was a mentor, teacher and a fighter.
On behalf of my family and own behalf i express my my sincere condolences to his family, ITUC brussesls and to all his dears and nears.May his soul in eternal peace.
Peter M Mathuki formerly of ICFTU-AFRO(incharge of human and rights deptt)
Je n’ai pas rencontré souvent Janek; quelques fois en fait par l’entremise de sa soeur et mon amie Hanka. Assez seulement, pour apprécier ce grand homme accueillant, ouvert, généreux, engagé et souriant! Les départs des grands comme il était est toujours triste parce qu’on voudrait qu’ils vient éternellement et pas seulement dans nos souvenirs ou leurs réalisations. Mais il semble bien que ce n’est pas ainsi que cela marche sur cette terre!
April 9th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Głębokie wyrazy współczucia wszystkim najbliższym.
Odszedł ktoś niezwykły…
April 9th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Por favor a todos los compañeros, allegados y familiares reciban en mi nombre y de la CTV, mis mas sentidas codolencias por esta irreparable perdida para la causa de los derechos humanos, de los trabajadores, la democracia y la libertad en el mundo. Que Dios lo tenga en su gloria.
Fraternalmente,
Anibal Cabrera
CTV - Venezuela.
April 9th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Janek nous a constamment impressionnés par son courage, son engagement, sa passion de vivre et de partager. Ses combats pour la liberté, de la Pologne au Chili, a été intense et il a contribué à entretenir la flamme de l’espérance et à sauver des vies. Il restera une source d’inspiration pour tous ceux qui se battent pour plus de justice et de dignité.
Adieu, Janek, notre tristesse est immense, mais on n’oubliera pas ton sourire, tes indignations, ton humour, ta loyauté.
Anne-Marie Impe et Jean-Paul Marthoz
April 9th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
I was so shocked to learn about Janek’s death. Sam emailed me last night to tell me about this very sad news, and Sue forwarded Elsa’s email to me as well.
*********************
Janek was a friend for only a few years, but long enough to discover what a truly dedicated trade unionist is: a passionate person who fights for what they believe.
Also, it is rare to meet someone who can take constant physical pain without blaming anything or anyone. Janek set an example for all of us, about how to be strong, resist pain and suffering and enjoy life at the same time.
Janek devoted his life to struggle for trade union rights and that struggle will be continued, but we may grieve now and let our hearts mourn for our beloved Janek.
Janek gave the Thai Labour Campaign much support and good advice.
All who work with the Thai Labour Campaign THANK YOU.
Please rest in peace.
We will remember You.
April 9th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Compañeros de la CSI, en nombre de nuestro Grupo y del movimiento sindical independiente de Cuba que representamos en el exterior, reciban el mas sincero pesar por la sorpresiva desaparicion del siempre amigo y solidario Janek. Todos los trabajadores que luchan por la democracia, la libertad y los derechos humanos y sindicales, han perdido uno de sus mas ferreos aliados. Rogamos extiendan nuestro sentimientos a amigos y familiares.
Grupo Internacional para la Responsabilidad Social Corporativa en Cuba.
April 9th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
I’m shocked and very sad to notice the demise of Janek. I cannot believe that the heart of this strong man stopped for ever.
Janek was one of rarely persons who could impressed people. As a Global Labour University student I had the honour to learn Janek as a hard working man for trade union rights. In his political field with all the daily violations, injustice and injury against workers and there rights he never lost his positive and optimistically attitude. His friendly character and fine humour combined with his serious efforts to make the world better for workers gave me the hope that our fight will find success.
The trade union movement lost a strong fighter. To remember him, we should continue his work in his sense.
Janek’s family and all who were close to him have my heartfelt sympathy.
April 9th, 2008 at 10:32 pm
Dear friends and comrades,
We have received news about the departure of our dear friend Janek Kuczkiewicz with deep regret who lived all his life to defend trade union freedoms and cope with all kinds of violations courageously and expressing the real union values. He was standing always at our side in all crises that we have experienced.
Please accept my sincere condolences and the pure consolations of CTUWS’s activists (Center for Trade Union and Workers Services’ activists).
Our only comfort is that we will always remain faithful to the noble values that our deceased lived his life defending them.
Janek’s family and all who were close to him have my heartfelt sympathy.
God rest him in Peace.
Kamal Abbas
General coordinator of
Center For Trade Union And Workers Services
(CTUWS)
April 9th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Dimanche je te parlais, Janek.
aujourd’hui j’apprends ton décès !
Je n’accepte pas ton départ : c’est trop.
Toute ta vie repasse devant mes yeux : enfance, Bruxelles, les premières années à l’univ., ton accident, Alice…tes engagements
Mes pensées vont à Alice. puissions nous combler ton manque !
a Janek, Halinka
April 10th, 2008 at 1:16 am
This piece tragic news struck our office badly yesterday.
Our most-respected supervisor in Brussels, Janek, unexpectedly passed away on Tuesday.
It is an irreversible loss for the human & labour rights movement and a devastating news for Dominique & me.
I first heard about Janek and contacted him when i was doing the prisoners’ work in China Labour Bulletin, and he was very supportive, coming up with creative ways to assist imprisoned labour activists and their families in China.
It was very exciting for me to finally meet him in 2005, when he came to HK for the WTO meeting and i officially had become a staff in the ITUC family.
Even with a stressful and tight schedule, he is always ready to provide support, insightful advice and encouragement. He also works with strong moral principles and professionalism. We are going to miss him a lot.
May he rest in peace and the loving memory of him will inspire us in our future work!
April 10th, 2008 at 2:04 am
mon ami, mon frère
tu es parti debout
comme tu as toujours vécu
les yeux paisibles
au coeur de tes projets, de tant d’amour et d’amitié
unique pour chacun, te donnant à chacun entièrement et personnellement
comme le dit Eric, tu seras le gardien de nos rêves et aventures communes
sois en paix,nous sommes là, autour de ceux que tu laisses
Franz
April 10th, 2008 at 5:36 am
We are going to miss him a lot.
For us, Janek was the colleague who provide support, and encouragement when we are in need.
For us Janek set an example, symbolizing noble values of human and international solidarity.
And for us Janek will be there inspiring and giving warm feelings.
The CTUWS’ Activists Counsel, Staff, and Volunteers share deepest sadness and devastation feelings with all of you. We offer our condolences to the ITUC, Janek’s family, the international labour movement, and all his colleagues and friends
Rahma Refaat
Program Coordinator
Center for Trade Unions & Workers Services.
CTUWS
EGYPT
April 10th, 2008 at 8:15 am
Janek was truly one of those rare people who touched the lives of so many of us - and many more he never met. I was devastated to hear the news and still cannot believe he has gone…that I will never be able to call him up for advice or support or simply to talk about the important things in life outside work like children, relationships and relaxing.
He was the most caring, compassionate, charming, principled, personable, wise and diplomatic people I have have ever met and managed to combine humour, wisdom and an unwavering commitment to human rights in all his work and words.
I will miss him dreadfully and my heart goes out to his family and friends whom I know he truly loved and regarded as the foundation of his life.
In terms of China work, Janek was always there supporting the rights of Chinese workers, reminding us that this was our most fundamental priority even in the midst of so many challanges. He personally helped many labour activists - those on the streets, in the worker’s rights centres and in prison along with their families and supported us in our grassroots work with local groups and sometimes sensitive decisions. All of us at the Liaison Office and in Hong Kong will find it hard to carry on knowing he is no longer there in Brussels - far away geographically but always with us in spirit. I think though he will want us to ensure we never fail trying to make a difference.
He was not only a tremendous force for good for workers and ordinary people all over the world but a great guy to work with and a trusted friend.
I was remined of this quote - “Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live”. I think Janek never lost what many of us all do - hope, spirit and integrity - may his memory help guide us all in life.
Our deepest best wishes to all his family and friends who have lost such a dearly loved one.
Dominique
Dominique Muller
ITUC/GUF/HKCTU Hong Kong Liaison office
IHLO
Hong Kong SAR
April 10th, 2008 at 8:50 am
En plus d’être un ami, un frère, il restera un authentique être d’exception qui sera mort comme il a vécu: debout.
faf
Thaïlande
April 10th, 2008 at 9:42 am
Janek Kuczkiewicz byl niezastapionym doradca Solidarnosci w czasach stanu wojennego. Zawsze uczynny z ogromna wiedzą. Żegnaj Janku, będzie Cię brakowało. Krzysztof Turowski
April 10th, 2008 at 9:42 am
Je te connaissais surtout par ta fille Alice et sa maman Michèle.
Nous ne nous sommes rencontrés que quelques fois.
Je garde un souvenir de douceur, de force et de courage hors du commun.
De tout coeur avec toi Alice, Michèle et tous ses proches.
Tu es toujours bien présent même si tu es passé de l’autre côté du rideau.
April 10th, 2008 at 9:46 am
CHER CAMARADE GENERAL
QUELLE TRISTESSE; QUEL CHAGRIN; QUELLE GRANDE PERTE POUR LE MONDE DU TRAVAIL. AU NOM DE L’INTERCENTRALE ET DE NOS AFFILIES NOUS ADRESSONS A TOUTE LA CSI NOS CONDELEANCES . LES TRAVAILLEURS GUINEENS N’OUBLIERONT JAMAIS NOS FRERE JANEK CAR POUR NOUS IL EST LA TOUT PRES DE NOUS A CHAQUE CRISE SDTOUJOURS SOUCIEUX COMMENT VONT LES DROITS DES TRAVAILLEURS. CAMARADE GAY; SOYEZ TRES FORT CAR NOUS SAVONS CE QUE JANEK DREPRESENTAIT POUR VOUS MAIS AUSSI POUR NOTRE ORGANISATION. C’EST UN PILIER QUI EST TOMBE MAIS EN RESPECTANT SA MEMOIRE ET SA VOLONTE DE LA REUSSITE DE LA CSI; NOUS DEVENONS ENCORE PLUS FORT. QUE SON AME REPOSE EN PAIX AMEN
RABIATOU DIALLO
April 10th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Can I please echo everything my dad said? Janek was an amazing source of support during those difficult early days that immediately followed my sister’s death. I would certainly like to know of any further arrangements that will be made.
All the best
Priscilla Kwateng
April 10th, 2008 at 9:48 am
I share the words about Janek, It is such a big loss, I can’t
believe it.
Warm regards,
Andriette Nommensen
April 10th, 2008 at 9:52 am
I was flabbergasted when learning that Janek passed away so sudden. We had not been in contact for a while, but I have known Janek at the board of MsF. I remember him for his humor, spectacular wit and thrive, which makes it all the more difficult to believe that he is dead now.
I also remember him for his eagerness to move boundaries, for instance when he asked me to act as attorney for the ICFTU adding a criminal complaint against Pinochet back in 1998.
Goodbye, Janek, you will live on in many memories.
April 10th, 2008 at 9:52 am
Dear Sisters, dear all of you who knew Janek, or worked with him or
admired his work and personality, we are all so sorry for loosing him.
Janek became a symbol for protection of trade union rights, a fighter
who made unions and unionists all over the world stronger. We all
learned from his sensitivity against discrimination, inequality and
injustice. Let him rest in peace; let him live in our hearts and
memory.
Jasna A. Petrovic
April 10th, 2008 at 9:53 am
Toutes mes condoléances à toute la famille.
je connais Janek de MSF.
Dieu ait son âme
April 10th, 2008 at 9:54 am
UATUC mourns the death of Janek Kuzcziewicz
Dear Sisters and Brothers, dear Friends,
The Union of Autonomous Trade Unions of Croatia received with deep sorrow the information on the death of Janek Kuzcziewicz, Director of Human and Trade Union Rights of the International Trade Union Confederation.
All of us who knew him and worked with him knew Janek as a sincere defender of workers’ and trade union rights, true trade unionists but above all precious friend, compassioned, generous, great person worth admiring.
He left us too early, leaving a deep grief in our hearts. The trade union movement has lost a fighter who made us all better activists and stronger unionists.
Let us in his honour continue fighting and defending the principles he so eagerly advocated.
May he rest in piece,
Ana Knežević UATUC President
Dijana Šobota
UATUC International Department, Head
all Janek´s friends from the CMKOS
April 10th, 2008 at 9:54 am
I am very shock to learn the passing of our Dear Brother Janek. It is a very sadden news, please convey my deepest condolences to his family. May his good old soul takes the road again, I will always remember him.
Regards
Andy Soo
April 10th, 2008 at 9:54 am
I first met Janek in the summer of 1988 during a human rights conference in Krakow and I thought: ‘what a fearless, devoted and nice guy!’ We all owe a lot to Janek for his tremendous efforts to make the world a better place for workers and trade unionists. It is hard to believe that he has left us. May he rest in peace.
April 10th, 2008 at 10:01 am
It is a sad time to contact you. I have already written to Guy.
We are in our minds with you as all of us liked Janek very much.
Yours
Malek Zdenek.
It came as a sudden shock to all of us to read about untimely death of
our true friend Janek Kuczkiewicz. Janek played a crucial role in
defense of trade union rights across the world and was well known as a
tireless and highly competent fighter for justice, dignity and
solidarity. We admired him so much for his readiness to help all the
time and for his kindness ! It is a great loss for us all and he will
be missed by trade unionists world over.
Please convey our personal condolences to his family and to all his
friends and colleagues.
In solidarity
all Janek=B4s friends from the CMKOS
April 10th, 2008 at 10:03 am
We are very shocked and sad about the loss of our colleague and
friend Janek, who was such a splendid person and trade unionist. His
passing away is such a big loss to the international trade union
movement! I spent some unforgettable days with Janek in the dark
eighties in Poland.
Leo Mesman
FNV Mondiaal
Policy Adviser
for Middle East
April 10th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
We have received with great shock and grief the passing away of Brother Janek Kuczkiewicz and wish, on behalf of the leadership and affiliates of building and wood unions in the Arab region, and on my own behalf, to extend to you our deepest condolences.
Brother Janek Kuczkiewicz will be remembered in the international labour movement for his gallantry in defending worker and trade union rights..
Kindly convey to the bereaved family our deepest condolences.
MAY HIS SOUL REST IN ETERNAL PEACE
Mustapha Said
BWI Project Coordinator
Arab Region
Beirut - Lebanon
April 10th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Janek was a friend, a mate and someone who I worked with particularly on issues relating to forced labour in Burma. His passionate drive on the issue carried us all along. He is gone and the best I could do for him would be to carry on with at laest part of that struggle.
We will all miss him!
I pray he rest in peace.
Raghwan
April 10th, 2008 at 10:37 am
C’est avec beaucoup d’émotions que j’ai appris le décès de Janek.
Je vous transmets nos condoléances et notre entière sympathie.
Luc & Lou Boland
April 10th, 2008 at 10:38 am
dear all,
I was shoked when I read a short message from Maung Maung. I thought it was a mistake. I called Janek phone but no answer. Simply I did not want to believe to this.
Janek my dear you have been always full of life, of funny things to say and of beautiful experience and knowledge. it has been fantastic to work with you, even when you got very angry. But a glass of good wine could smooth everything again. I remembered when you came to Rome and I gave you and your friend my house for some days. it was great wasn’t it?
janek your love for your work, for justice, for democracy has been extraordinary. I called you some time late at night and you were still at the office. I could not believe it. some time I shouted to you on the phone: “go home!!” but no way. when you had to finish something you would not listen.
you did great things. I remember in South Korea in a demonstration against the government and for the liberation of the arrested trade unionists, In Burma when you smuggled in the Karen state on a boat, like a child steeling the marmalade.
great.
Oh Janek we will miss you a lot. not only because you were a great tradeunionist but a great friend.
Cecilia Brighi
April 10th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Janek fought tirelessly for worker activists who have been imprisoned by repressive governments. I worked with him for years through Labor Rights Now, a U.S.-based human rights group that fights on behalf of jailed unionists and workers worldwide. Time and time again, Janek assisted us with detailed factual documentation of cases on which we worked. He always came through. When we would tire, Janek would inspire us and push us back into the fray. When we thought certain cases were hopeless, Janek would come up with fresh ideas and new strategies. And the result often was that we got people freed from prison and back out in the world with their fellow workers. My condolences to Janek’s family.
Don Stillman, Labor Rights Now
April 10th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Thanks for your info.I diddet know it,he iwas a good man and trade unionist
it was good to work vhit him I remeber he was wery good informd abuth the situation in Polen and Solidanoz if I remember right,I hope thet he in the new place are on a white horse and are fre from the whelchair.Peace whit him Janec.
Björn Pettersson
April 10th, 2008 at 10:48 am
No me habia llegado ninguna noticia y ciertamente me deja muy triste; la verdad es que Janek y yo habiamos sintonizado mucho y para mi conocerle habia resultado un placer inesperado en la Conferencia. Que pena para su familia, para nosotros sus amigos y toda la familia sindical mundial.
El compañero Janek me habia hablado de su fe católica, que nos hace compartir lo fundamental de saber que la muerte para los que creemos en Jesucristo no es sino un paso más de la vida y Janek luchó y trabajó por construir un mundo más humano y más justo con derechos para todos los humanos. Ahora esta en brazos de aquel del que dio ejemplo con su vida. Por supuesto que lo tendré presente en mi oracion y en la Eucaristia que celebraré en su memoria.
Chema Fernández, Guatemala
April 10th, 2008 at 10:49 am
De mi parte reciban todos/as un abrazo de solidaridad y de dolor compartido por la pérdida de éste gran amigo, excelente compañero y extraordinario defensor de los DDHH.
Fraternalmente,
Iván González
April 10th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Con sorpresa y profunda tristeza hemos recibido la noticia del repentino fallecimiento de nuestro
compañero Janek Kuczkiewicz, Director del Departamento de Derechos Humanos y Sindicales de
la CSI.
Quienes conocimos a Janek y compartimos su trabajo los últimos veinte años al frente de ésta
importante área de acción de nuestra antigua CIOSL, ahora CSI, reconocimos en él a un abnegado
trabajador, un férreo defensor de las libertades sindicales, los derechos humanos y la democracia en
todo el mundo. Su compromiso con los derechos sindicales y con la acción de los/as trabajadores/as
y sus sindicatos, lo llevó a acompañar difíciles luchas y acciones en los lugares más peligrosos para
la actividad sindical. En nuestra región en varias oportunidades contamos con su valiosa y valiente
presencia para enfrentar la violencia antisindical en países como Colombia, donde no dudó en
acompañar la denuncia de los sindicalistas de ese país frente a los distintos gobiernos por su
complicidad con la violencia y la impunidad frente a los crímenes que hoy siguen sembrando de
dolor al movimiento sindical colombiano.
Janek dejará un gran vacío también en la acción coordinada de los sindicalistas ante los diferentes
órganos de la OIT, en donde año tras año supo articular la presencia de los delegados/as de los/as
trabajadores/as en sus demandas ante los gobiernos y los empleadores y por lograr que éste órgano
tripartito respondiera de manera efectiva a las necesidades de los/as trabajadores/as y los sindicatos
en todo el mundo.
En nombre del Secretariado de la CSA y de todo nuestro equipo de trabajo, queremos expresar
nuestras condolencias a toda la familia de la CSI y también trasmitir nuestro abrazo solidario a su
hija y demás familiares ante esta irreparable pérdida.
Con afecto y solidaridad,
Víctor Báez Mosqueira
Secretario General
CSA TUCA
April 10th, 2008 at 10:53 am
We are greatly saddened to know that Brother Jen our long standing colleague has passed away other day. It was great devoted representative of ITU who devoted in his life for defending and promoting the fundamental rights of the workers. Our condolences to those close to him and to his family.
His untimely death is a great loss to the workers and Group of ILO and ITUC.
With kind Regards,
Yours Sincerely,
Mazen Almaaytah
President,GFJTU
April 10th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Det er ganske enkelt forfaerdeligt. Jeg var sammen med Janek i sidste uge, han var glad, saa frem til en ny tid i Geneve og var “ready to fight the world.” Jeg sender jer og hans datter min dybeste medfoelelse –vi er mange der deler jeres sorg og vil savne Janek for altid. Han var (det er meget svaert at bruge ordet “var”) en meget naer ven, en person jeg altid kunne stole paa og et usaedvanligt dejligt menneske. Kaerlig hilsen, Lotte
Lotte Leicht
EU Director
Human Rights Watch
Avenue des Gaulois, 7
B-1040 Brussels, Belgium
April 10th, 2008 at 10:54 am
Realy this is the sad news. Janek was the greate man, friend of Solidarnosc
and friend of all working people.
I do belive that the Merciful God has invited Him to His Kingdom.
Thank you for the message.
Tomasz Wójcik
April 10th, 2008 at 10:55 am
We are greatly saddened to know that Brother Jen our long standing colleague has passed away other day. It was great devoted representative of ITU who devoted in his life for defending and promoting the fundamental rights of the workers. Despite physical disability, he was tower of strength of the workers and Group of the Committee of ILO Standards in I*LO Conference I had privilege to work with him for number of year. He enjoyed his main friendship.
His untimely death is a great loss to the workers and Group of ILO and ITUC.
We pray Peace for his Soul and patience for his dependents to bear this great loss AMIN
Kindly convey sentiments.
With kind Regards,
Yours Sincerely,
Khurshid Ahmed
General Secretary
April 10th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Realmente esa noticia causa un dolor muy grande a quienes conocimos a este gran dirigente, cuyas cualidades humanistas fueron claramente demostradas y de su enorme espíritu de lucha de trabajo nos vimos privilegiados con su su apoyo pemanente.
Si tienes mayor información o me indicas donde conseguirla para hacerla extensiva a las organizaciónes. El día de hoy nuestro Consejo Nacional integrado por el Ejecutivo de CTRN y los Secretarios Generales de las organizaciones afiliadas guardamos un minuto de silencio en honor a este gran compañero que ho nos deja
Atentamente
Rodrigo Aguilar,
April 10th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Mourning a Workers Friend
The labour movement around the world and the Canadian Labour Congress mourn the untimely passing of Janek Kuczkiewicz. An outstanding international workers’ rights advocate, Janek Kuczkiewicz was the director of the Human and Trade Union Rights Department of the Brussels-based International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).
If workers, the world over had a friend, Janek was that friend, says Canadian Labour Congress president Ken Georgetti. His entire life was dedicated to the sole task of making workers’ rights real. It is impossible to count the number of workers who came out of prison, who overcame persecution to achieve a first collective agreement or who managed to find asylum in exile in order to live to fight another battle, because of the tireless and sustained efforts of brother Janek Kuczkiewicz. His passing leaves a void in our hearts and in our movement.
Janek was, among many other things and for many years, the driving force behind the authoritative ICFTU (now ITUC) Annual Survey of Violations of Trade Union Rights. Last November he was in Toronto to promote the idea that respect for workers’ rights in countries like ours is necessary to foster the implementation of trade union and other human rights of workers in countries like Colombia, Burma, Zimbabwe, Burma or Iran.
The leadership and the staff of the Canadian Labour Congress send condolences to his family and his friends. He was 52.
Jean Wolff
Dir. Communications
Canadian Labour Congress/
Congrès du travail du Canada
April 10th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Janek was a keynote speaker at our Amnesty UK Trade Union Conference less than a week ago in Nottingham. In his contribution, (which we will post on the Amnesty UK website) he was as witty as he was wise – relishing the opportunity to set a path for mutual solidarity, but frank about his terms. It was classic, thoughtful, Janek at his best, speaking with authority and enthusiasm about union activism on human rights and the scope for collaboration. His contribution was exceptionally well received by his audience. The evening before he and I had dinner together – a convivial and warm encounter marked by Janek’s good taste and common sense. He was as usual upbeat and enthusiastic about our joint work together, chivvying us along to issue a joint statement when we got news in the past days of Mahmoud Salehi’s release from jail in Iran. Janek has been a very good friend over decades to Amnesty, and a much respected and sorely-to-be-missed friend to me.
Please convey our deepest condolences to his family and friends.
There is a testimonial slideshow of Janek at the ITF Flickr site at http://www.flickr.com/photos/freeosanloo/sets/72157604444075006/.
Shane Enright
Amnesty UK Trade Union Campaigns Manager
Amnesty global Trade Union Adviser
April 10th, 2008 at 10:59 am
LA MUERTE DEL SINDICALISTA DE LA CSI
COMPAÑERO JANEK KUCZKIEWICZ ENLUTA
A LA CUT COLOMBIA
Con gran tristeza recibimos la noticia del fallecimiento del compañero JANEK, Director del Departamento de Derechos Humanos y Sindicales de la Confederación Sindical Internacional.
Su muerte enluta a toda nuestra militancia sindical agrupada en la Central Unitaria, en razón a que fue un dirigente que asumió la tragedia del sindicalismo colombiano como propia y en todos los escenarios internacionales denunció con vehemencia el asesinato de nuestros dirigentes y demandó soluciones a nuestra problemática.
En Colombia fue contundente con el Presidente de la República y con las autoridades con quienes nos reunimos en las diferentes misiones en las que participó y en donde se destacó siempre por su irrestricta defensa de los intereses de los trabajadores.
Nos acompañó en el último Congreso de la CUT y su intervención fue diáfana y orientadora, pero sobre todo, expresando el compromiso del sindicalismo internacional con nuestra causa.
En la OIT, fue un delegado más del sindicalismo colombiano, porque como portavoz de los trabajadores mundiales, enfatizó en la denuncia contra las fuerzas oscuras que en Colombia pretenden acallar la voz sindical.
Expresamos, por lo tanto, al compañero Guy Ryder, Secretario General de la CSI, nuestra solidaridad por la pérdida de uno de los dirigentes más connotados de su equipo de trabajo y a la familia le hacemos extensivo la fraternidad del sindicalismo colombiano en este momento de dolor.
Bogotá, D.C., 9 de abril de 2008
CARLOS RODRIGUEZ DIAZ
Presidente
April 10th, 2008 at 11:04 am
On behalf of the secretariat and our members around the world, please convey our deepest condolences to all of Janek’s colleagues and to his family. We were stunned and deeply saddened by the news of his death.
Janek’s profound commitment to human rights and dedication to his work were inspiring to all of us, and he will be deeply missed.
In solidarity,
Ron Oswald,
General Secretary
IUF
April 10th, 2008 at 11:05 am
The death of Director Janek Kuczkiewicz is really a great lost of ITUC and please accept my sincerely condolence.
San-Quei Lin
Labor Attache’
Taipei Representative Office in EU
April 10th, 2008 at 11:06 am
En nombre de la Confederación General del Trabajo de la República Argentina (CGT RA) hago llegar a Ud. nuestras condolencias por la inesperada y lamentable pérdida del compañero Janek Kuczkiewicz, Director del Departamento de Derechos Humanos y Sindicales de la CSI, y luchador inclaudicable por los derechos de los trabajadores, sumándonos a los homenajes y reconocimientos a su trayectoria y calidad humana.
Saludos fraternales
Gerardo Martinez
Sec. de Relaciones Internacionales de la CGT RA
April 10th, 2008 at 11:06 am
dear friends,
I’m shocked and very sad to notice the demise of Janek. I cannot believe that the heart of this strong man stopped for ever.
Janek was one of rarely persons who impressed me. In the short period of my internship as a Global Labour University student last year I had the honour to learn Janek as a hard working man for trade union rights. In his political field with all the daily violations, injustice and injury against workers and there rights he never lost his positive and optimistically attitude. His friendly character and fine humour combined with his serious efforts to make the world better for workers gave me the hope that our fight will find success.
The trade union movement lost a strong fighter. To remember him, we should continue his work in his sense.
Janek’s family and all who were close to him have my heartfelt sympathy.
Frank Zach
Secretary of Executive Commitee
German Trade Union Confederation
District of Baden-Württemberg
Willi-Bleicher-Str. 20
70174 Stuttgart
April 10th, 2008 at 11:08 am
L’annonce du décès de Janek m’a vraiment désolé. Il était un grand militant, un grand travailleur, un homme compétent et progressiste, totalement dévoué à sa tâche. Je garde le meilleur souvenir des contacts que j’ai eu avec lui, il ne laissait personne indifférent. C’est une grande perte pour la nouvelle organisation. Je partage votre douleur,
Willy Thys
Ancien secrétaire général de la CMT
April 10th, 2008 at 11:10 am
I was shocked to learn of Janek’s sudden passing away. In my work for the ILO on Burma, it has been a great pleasure to have regular contact with Janek for over 10 years, and to witness his dedication, energy and irrepressible wit. I have the highest personal and professional respect for him. It is a huge loss.
Richard Horsey
April 10th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Janek was a friend for only a few years, but long enough to discover what a truly dedicated trade unionist is: a passionate person who fights for what they believe.
Also, it is rare to meet someone who can take constant physical pain without blaming anything or anyone. Janek set an example for all of us, about how to be strong, resist pain and suffering and enjoy life at the same time.
Janek devoted his life to struggle for trade union rights and that struggle will be continued, but we may grieve now and let our hearts mourn for our beloved Janek.
Janek gave the Thai Labour Campaign much support and good advice.
All who work with the Thai Labour Campaign THANK YOU.
Please rest in peace.
We will remember You.
Lek
April 10th, 2008 at 11:12 am
I can not find any words to explain my feeling, but I would like to express my deepest condolences, heartfelt sympathy and solidarity to the family, friends and colleagues of Janek.
In Solidarity,
Mehdi Kouhestaninejad
April 10th, 2008 at 11:13 am
It is with great sorrow that I send my condolences to the friends of Janek Kuczkiewicz. I met with Mr. Kuczkiewicz in March and he was a support when I researched information regarding the ITUC.
Aleksandra Michalowska
April 10th, 2008 at 11:14 am
Amnesty International Belgique francophone Communiqué
Bruxelles, le 9 avril 08
Les militants d’Amnesty International ont été extrêmement attristés d’apprendre le décès de Janek Kuczkiewicz.
“Nous tenons à saluer son travail pour les Droits des syndicats et les Droits humains en général.
Janek représentait un modèle de militant qui a su allier la conviction et l’efficacité.
C’était aussi un passeur et un constructeur d’alliances.
Les épreuves que la vie a dressées contre lui semblaient constituer chez Janek autant des raisons de se battre contre l’injustice.
Nous perdons un des grands défenseurs des Droit Humains en Belgique, mais aussi un ami” a déclaré Philippe Hensmans, directeur d’Amnesty International.
Amnesty tient à manifester ses sincères condoléances à sa famille, ses proches et ses collègues du mouvement syndical.
April 10th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Dear friends,
I would just like to pass on my personal condolences on the loss of Janek Kuczkiewicz. He was a wonderful man with a great passion and commitment for human rights who was a pleasure to meet and to work with. I first met him around 18 years ago when I was working for Amnesty and I remember fondly the warmth of his welcome and his patience in responding to my uninformed questions. He was an excellent person to learn from and his good humour was infectious.
I am sure he will be much missed not only within the trade union movement but amongst the human rights defenders he was in contact with around the world.
With deepest sympathy,
Andrew
Andrew Anderson
Deputy Director
Front Line
The International Foundation for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders
81 Main Street, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland
April 10th, 2008 at 11:15 am
Dear Colleagues,
It is really shocking news that Brother Janek has left us. I remember him as a serious, dedicated unionist who devoted his life for labour and trade union rights. It was he who visited Korea to meet and encourage railways unionists in jail and who immediately reacted as the Iranian authority put bus drivers unionists in custody. His passion with trade union activities will remain in our heart and his product of “ITUC Annual Survey on trade union rights” as a monument of the labour movement. I convey my heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family members and friends. May God lay his soul in peace.
Pong-Sul Ahn
April 10th, 2008 at 11:26 am
Estimados compañeros
a nombre del CUT/STC y de nuestra Comsion de Derechos Humanos y Sindicales
queremos trasmitirle nuestro mas sentido pesame por la muerte del compa~nero
Janek Kuczkiewicz, quien venia realizando un extraordinario trabajo al frente
del Departamento de Derechos Humanos y Sindicales, desde la fundacion de
la CSI.
Rogaremos a Dios en nuestras oraciones por su descanso eterno y para que
llene de consuelo el corazon de su familia, ante tan lamentable perdida.
Su seguro servidor,
Siro del Castillo
Sec. General Adjunto STC
Comisionado para el Caribe-CLADEHLT
April 10th, 2008 at 11:27 am
Demise of Mr. Janek Kuczkiewicz, Director, Human and Trade Union Rights
It is with profound shock and sadness to learn the sudden demise of our respected colleague, Janek Kuczkiewicz, Director, Human and Trade Union Rights Department, ITUC.
His unexpected death will certainly leave ITUC and all the colleagues under the ITUC umbrella a great void. We remember him vividly, always full of vitality and enthusiasm, a man who was totally committed and dedicated to the trade union movement. Brother Janek Kuczkiewicz will certainly be remembered by all of us.
May his soul rest in peace.
Most sincerely yours,
Tsuyoshi TAKAGI, President
Nobuaki KOGA, General Secretary
Shigeru NAKAJIMA
All the members in the Department of International Affairs
Japanese Trade Union Confederation (RENGO)
April 10th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Dear friends
We have just heard that Janek Kuczkiewicz of ITUC passed away yesterday.
Most of you will know Janek well from the years of hard work he put in on Burma, attending EBN meetings for more than a decade. He will be greatly missed.
Mark Farmaner
Director
Burma Campaign UK
28 Charles Sq
London
N1 6HT
April 10th, 2008 at 11:28 am
dear brother
it’s with deep sorrow and strong pain that we received the shocking and sad new of the sudden death of our dear Janek.
For us all he wasn’t only a committed fighters for human and labour rights but a beautiful and lively person rich of interests and humanity.
We’ll remember him forever.
Giacomo Barbieri and all the crew of the International department of CGIL
April 10th, 2008 at 11:29 am
Estimados compañeros:
siempre me resulta dificil hacer mensajes en ocasiones como esta.
Pero hoy en particular se me hace mas dificil, por cuanto la noticia de la
desaparción física del amigo Janeck me tomó, como a todos, totalmente
desprevenido.
Porque hace pocas semanas conversaba con él de su futura
labor en la OIT y lo sentía como con una mezcla de satisfacción por lo que
significaba para el en lo personal en la culminación de su encomiable labor,
pero al mismo tiempo con la nostalgia de dejar una taréa que aunque lo agotaba
(por la entrega con la que la realizaba), formaba parte de la esencia de su viada:
la causa de los derechos de los trabajadores, como Derechos Humanos.
Te ruego transmitas a sus familiares y a todos los Cros. de nuestra CSI, mis
sentimientos de pesar, solidaridad y amistad.
Muy fraternalmente
–
Eduardo Estévez
April 10th, 2008 at 11:30 am
Dear colleagues
We are in shock receiving the sad news about the sudden death of our friend, Janek. It is unbelievable that our dedicated and hard working comrade is not to be among us when we come to Brussels, or when we attend the annual ILO-conferences. We were just in the process of discussing a meeting in Brussels 21 April – and then suddenly he is gone. We mourn together with the whole ITUC family.
Karin Beate Theodorsen
LO-Norway
April 10th, 2008 at 11:33 am
Estimado Guy
Hemos recibido esta tarde con sorpresa y dolor la noticia del fallecimiento de nuestro camarada y hermano Janek Kuczkiewicz, Director del Departamento de Derechos Humanos y Sindicales de la CSI.
Janek encarnó la solidaridad de la antigua CIOSL y de la nueva CSI con el atormentado sindicalismo colombiano. Él contribuyó con total dedicación a hacer visible lo que ocurría aquí y siempre estuvo atento a recibir y publicar no solo nuestros informes y cifras sino a escuchar nuestras sugerencias.
Le vimos siempre como un hombre comprometido con los ideales democráticos y de solidaridad que son el sentido de la vida del sindicalismo en todo el mundo. Fue para nosotros motivo de gran alegría tenerlo durante la visita de la misión de contactos directos de la OIT que visitó Colombia y nuestra ciudad en el año 1999. Y le vimos en agosto del 2006 animoso y como siempre dispuesto al debate fraterno en el decisivo V Congreso de la CUT Colombia, igualmente lo encontramos en la OIT siempre dispuesto a apoyar la labor del sindicalismo colombiano.
Janek fue para la ENS y en especial para su área de defensa de derechos humanos y laborales, un ejemplo a seguir en la lucha por ganar las legítimas aspiraciones de dignidad en el trabajo, de respeto sin resquicios por la vida humana, de amistad generosa y solidaridad sin límites.
Sentimos está perdida como propia y profunda para todas y todos los trabajadores y socios de la Escuela Nacional Sindical. Janek nos hará mucha falta, sus convicciones, su energía y su valor civil han sido muy importantes para el sindicalismo colombiano y para nosotros en la ENS en estos años aciagos.
Es indudable además que la solidaridad y la preocupación permanente y sin restricciones de Janek por las trabajadoras y trabajadores sindicalizados en Colombia, rompió muchos anacrónicos prejuicios hacia la CIOSL, y sin duda contribuyeron a allanar el camino para que la CUT fuera fundadora de la Confederación Sindical Internacional en noviembre del año pasado en Viena.
De nuevo le expresamos el inmenso pesar que nos produce la partida de Janek y le agradecemos se lo comunique a su familia y sus colegas de la dirección de la CSI.
Fraternalmente,
JOSÉ LUCIANO SANÍN VÁSQUEZ
Director General
ESCUELA NACIONAL SINDICAL
April 10th, 2008 at 11:35 am
Con al pesar más profundo, en nombre mio y de cada una y cada uno de las chilenas y chilenos miembros de ODESI, expresamos a la CSI nuestra pena ante la sensible pérdida del compañero Janek Kuczkiewicz.
Como cientos de millones de trabajadoras y trabajadores que a través del mundo no tuvimos la posibilidad de conocer el rostro de Janek, sí podemos dar testimonio de saber y sentir que su brazo protector se posaba permanentemente sobre nuestros hombros.
Seguros que la gloria de Dios sonreirá eternamente a nuestro compañero, rogamos porque otorgue también la la paz y la resignación a su distinguida familia.
Hernol Flores Opazo
Presidente de ODESI
April 10th, 2008 at 11:37 am
Estimados colegas,
Casi al mismo tiempo que Juan Manuel he recibido la nota de Dan comunicando el fallecimiento de nuestro amigo y compañero de lucha en defensa de los derechos humanos, incansable y capaz de superar todas las dificultades en pro de una causa que era suya desde el nacimiento, registrado que ha sido como refugiado.
No hay palabras para esas ocasiones, sino el sentimiento de frustración y perdida, pues yo particularmente ya lo esperaba en la OIT para la proxima Conferencia y volver a trabajar juntos, lo que siempre ha sido motivo de placer y enriquecimiento personal, pues sus calidades y entusiasmo siguen contagiantes.
Toda mi solidaridad a sus familiares y a todos y todas de la CSI, junto con el dolor que llega a incomodar la garganta y la certeza de que el compañero Janek estará siempre presente en nuestros corazones y en nuestro trabajo.
Saludos conmovidos
José Olivio Miranda Oliveira
Desk Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean
Bureau for Workers’ Activities - ACTRAV
ILO Building
April 10th, 2008 at 11:38 am
We note with the deepest regret the news about the death of Janek this morning. We do not think we will ever forget the invaluable assistance Janek gave us through times which we still find difficult to bear. He was quite an inspirational character to everyone who had the opportunity to meet him. He will always be on our minds and needless to say, we will pray for the Lord to grant Janek eternal rest in perfect peace. Please let us know when further arrangements are available so that we can also pay our respect.
Kind Regards
Joe Kwateng
Democratic Services
Brent Town Hall
April 10th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Dear colleagues
Along with everyone else who knew him, at the ITF we are greatly shocked and saddened by the
unexpected death of Janek Kuzckiewicz.
The ITF first got know Janek well in around 1995. The ITF and the ICFTU dealt with the “Arcadia”
case – in which eleven Chinese seafarers in Italy approached the ITF for help and were detained on
their return to China. Three of these seafarers spent more than a year in custody, but their ultimate
release was thought to have been in the main due to the ILO complaint Janek helped to submit, in
the course of which he impressed us hugely with his characteristic energy and rigour.
This was just one of the many contributions Janek made to freedom and justice for trade unionists
all over the world – the cause he so passionately believed in, and to which he appeared to dedicate
virtually all his waking hours. A steadfast colleague whose willpower and determination was
equalled only by his sharp wit and quick humour, Janek was an extraordinarily vital man – which is
perhaps why it is so difficult to believe that suddenly he is no longer here.
The ITF has been working closely and fruitfully with Janek for the last couple of years on the case of
Mansour Osanloo, the imprisoned Iranian bus driver. We were with him in Guatemala in January,
and this week many of us were talking to him by email about the release of Mahmoud Salehi,
another persecuted Iranian trade unionist. Despite his untimely death, he leaves a real legacy of
work on behalf of such workers.
Janek will of course be much missed. Please pass on our condolences to all his colleagues and to his
friends and family
Yours
David Cockroft
General Secretary
ITF
April 10th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Dear colleagues,
I was so shocked and sorry to hear of the sad news of Janek’s sudden passing. He was one of those rare people who make a difference to humanity at every level. I know from my time at IHLO how closely you worked with Janek and my thoughts are with you, and of course his family.
My very best wishes and heartfelt condolences.
Tim Pringle
April 10th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Estimados compañeros:
Siempre admire la fortaleza y determinación de nuestro colega y me
alegre muchísimo cuando me informaron, oficiosamente, que tal vez se
podría incorparar en el equipo de ACTRAV próximamente.
Janek era un agran amigo con el que colabore desde hace muchísimos.
Apreciaba su gran sentido del humor y a la vez de la amistad.
Un triste y emocionado saludo.
Manuel Simon
April 10th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Dear colleagues,
I just wanted to drop you a line and say that we here are thinking of Janek¹s colleagues, and that we are both shocked and greatly sorry for this collective loss.
I first got know Janek in 1995, when the ITF and the ICFTU were dealing with the ³Arcadia² case in which eleven Chinese seafarers were detained on their return to China after seeking ITF help. Janek helped to submit a successful ILO complaint, in the course of which he impressed us hugely with his energy and rigour.
Personally, I last met him in Guatemala in January. I spoke to him only about ten days ago he answered his mobile somewhat abruptly, informing me that he was at the Chinese embassy but then he called me back to make sure I had the information I needed. That was just like Janek; straight-talking, dedicated and a little bit frazzled.
He will of course be much missed but he leaves a great legacy in work for repressed trade unionists worldwide. Please pass on our condolences, and our appreciation for Janek, to all his colleagues and to his friends and family.
Yours
Sarah Finke
April 10th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Chers collègues,
Quelle triste nouvelle!
Je suis profondément consternée. Je te prie de recevoir toutes mes sincères sympathies et de les transmettre à la fille de Yanek.
J’ai travaillé très étroitement avec yanek et je me réjouissais de le voir prendre ma place à ACTRAV dans le souci de la défense des droits des travailleurs et travailleuses. Il était un exemple de courage et d’abnégation pour beaucoup. C’est une perte lourde pour le mouvement syndical et beaucoup de syndicalistes vont le regretter.
Je me tiens à votre disposition si vous avez besoin d’un peu d’aide de façon ad hoc.
Fraternelles et amicales salutations.
Monique Cloutier
April 10th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Dear colleagues
It was shock for me to receive very sad news that our Janek have passed away. I have met him for the first time November 23. 1991. at our founding Congress where he was representing ICFTU. From that time on we have developed very close relationship and as a result of that I never hesitated to ask him for an advice and he never turned me down. It was enough to exchange one sentence with Janek and to learn more than when speaking whole day with some people. Janek was a good man, good trade unionist and a good Pole, the best expression of national dignity and pride. I am going to miss him very much. Please send my deepest condolences to his family.
Belgrade April, 9. 2008. Branislav Canak
April 10th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
It is with great sorrow and pain that we have learnt about the sudden and untimely death of our dear colleague and brother Janek Kuczkiewicz – Director of the Department of Human and Trade Union Rights – internationally known trade unionist and a person fully devoted to the Trade Union cause.
By sending to you our mournful message, we want, on behalf of the Federation of the Independent Trade Unions of Russia, also to express to all members of the family of the deceased and his close friends, our heart-felt and deep condolences.
Blessed memory about him and his great activities will forever remain in our hearts.
Yours fraternally
Mikhail Shmakov, FNPR President
Evgeny Sidorov, FNPR National Secretary
April 10th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Dear all,
I just wanted to wish you strenght in the coming days following the dreadfull news about Janek. He really was a great person, and i’m sure also a great colleague. It must be such a shock. Our thoughts are with you!
Ineke and Esther
Clean Clothes Campaign
April 10th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Dear colleagues,
On behalf of the International Centre for Trade Union Rights I would like to express our sadness at the death of our colleague Janek Kuczkiewicz.
Yours,
Daniel Blackburn, Director,
International Centre for Trade Union Rights (’ICTUR’),
April 10th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Dear colleagues,
it is with shock that I learn about the passing away of Bro Janek.
I have had the opportunities of working with him and always found him to be a strong, supportive person who was so very committed to the workers’ trade union and other human rights. Many in developing countries would always remember him for his advocacy and defense of trade union rights. His passing away is a loss to the labour movement.
Please convey my sincere condolences to the members of the family and friends.
regards
Arun Kumar ITC ILO
April 10th, 2008 at 11:53 am
Dear colleagues,
I don’t have words. Our sadness is immense, and I can’t imagine yours. We are so sad to see him leave, so soon, and yet so greatful for having the chance to know him.
Gaëtan Vanloqueren
April 10th, 2008 at 11:54 am
I am deeply shocked on sudden demise of Comrade Janek Kuczkiewicz. His contribution to promote trade union rigts wprldwide will be memorable. I on behalf of GEFONT- General Federation of Nepalese Trade Unions, its’ National executive committee and over 300,000 members pay tribute to him. Through ITUC HQ I would like to pass our sincere condolemce to the bereived faimly.
Let me permit to queue-on with all trade unions colleague to mourn on our very own Janek’s demise!
In solidarity,
Bishnu Rimal
Vice-Chairman
GEFONT
April 10th, 2008 at 11:54 am
Dear colleagues
I just learnt Janeck passed away yesterday. I am shocked and very very very sad. What happened ?? Je n’arrive pas à le croire! Ma peine est immense. J’adresse toutes mes condoléances à sa famille et à tous les amis de la CSI, en mon nom personnel et au nom de la FIDH. Il est tellement présent et avec tellement de chaleur et d’engagement, que je n’arrive pas à croire cette nouvelle. Nous sommes en deuil. amitiés,
–
Antoine Bernard
Directeur exécutif
Executive director
FIDH
17 passage de la main d’or
75011 Paris
France
April 10th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Estimados compañeros:
que el recuerdo de Janek nos estimule a todos a seguir su obra en favor de los trabajadores/as de todo el mundo. Mis condolencias a todos. Con un fuerte abrazo,
Francisco Arnau Consejero de Trabajo ante la OIT España.
April 10th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Dear colleagues
LO-Sweden just heard the very sad news about our trade union friend Janek Kuczkiewicz. He was a very dear colleague to all of us and he was a dear, compassionate friend and man. We pay tribute to his formidable work in the ITUC and in the global trade union movement.
The Swedish Trade Union Confederation
Ulf Edström
Keth Thapper
April 10th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Dear all,
Very sad news about Janek - lives certainly end too early sometimes. Our thought are with you all.
Best regards
BWI
Anita Normark
April 10th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Als ich gestern Nachmittag die traurige Nachricht bekam, konnte ich es nicht glauben. Ich kann und will es immer noch nicht glauben.
Wir sind unendlich traurig und sprachlos.
Wir teilen Eure Trauer und sind in Gedanken auch bei Euch
Liebe Grüße
Dr. Bianca Kühl
DGB Bundesvorstand
Bereich Arbeitsmarktpolitik
Internationale Sozialpolitik und Behindertenpolitik
April 10th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Dear Colleagues,
In my name and on behalf of the Palestinian general Federation of Trade Unions, executive Committee and all the Palestinian workers affiliated share with deepest sadness and mourn the sudden death of our colleague (Janek Knezkiewics) the Director of Human and Trade Union Rights on April 8. In his sudden passing we lost a fighter for Human Rights who devoted his life to struggle for freedom and dignity of the workers in their struggle to achieve their principle rights.
Please convey our mourn to his family and friends.
Yours sincerely,
Shaher Sae’d
General Secretary
PGFTU
April 10th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Dear colleagues
What sad and unexpected news. I was only having exchanges with Janek on Friday when we were planning future work together. It would be really appreciated if at an appropriate time a message of appreciation and condolence be passed from the friends in the ILO Yangon Office to appropriate colleagues and family saying what a positive and energetic influence Janek had in Burma particularly in the fight against forced labour and the struggle for freedom of association. His contribution has already achieved positive outcomes for many and will do so for many more when the seeds he has been part of sewing eventually flower.
Steve Marshall
ILO representative in Yangon, Burma
April 10th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Estimados compañeros:
profundamente conmovidos por la noticias de la súbita muerte del compañero Janek, les transmitimos nuestro más profundo pesar.
les rogamos hagas llegar nuestras condolencias a su familia.
Un fraternal abrazo.
Javier Doz. Secretario de Acción Sindical Internacional de CC.OO.
Victoria Montero. Responsable DD.HH. y Derechos Sindicales de la Secretaría de Acción Sindical Internacional de CC.OO.
April 10th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Dear colleagues,
The message yesterday evening about the sudden death of Janek is a real shock for all of us who have been working and spending long days with him for so many years, discussing, chatting, exchanging views, a big part of our trade union life is linked to him for many of us, like me, who have been working on human and trade union rights for long time.
I met him one week ago in Brussels, he was remembering me that I had not yet replied to his message about the preparatory meeting of the ILO Conference, as usual, I gave it for granted, and he was joking about it. The last time I saw him, smiling.
Please let us know where we can send our condolences to his family.
With our deepest sadness, also on behalf of my collegues
Cinzia Del Rio UIL
April 10th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Dear all,
This morning when I opened my mail I could not believe it when I read about the demise of Janek. As you know I knew him well specially through our working together on the Burma issue. It always astonished me the passionate manner in which he dealt with issues particularly on matters relating to trade union and human rights.
We will all miss him and the free world is poorer by his untimely death.
May he rest in peace and my sympathies to his family and friends.
Raghwan Raghwan
April 10th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I was deeply socked by the totally unbelievable news that Brother Janek was suddenly demised yesterday.
While I was in Brussels, we had a lot of arguments on various issues. Since he has been always tough, I called him
‘Metal Janek’. He seemed to like the nick name, smiling at the end of those arguments. Through such experiences,
Metal Janek let me learn how tough it is to safeguard the human and trade union rights all over the world.
His demise is a big loss not only for the ITUC but also for those people who have been wishing to be freed from oppressions and yoke.
I pay a heartfelt tribute to my Metal Janek.
Tsutomu Arai
Board Member
The ILO Association of Japan, Inc.
April 10th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Dear colleagues,
Please accept my deep condolence. I was with him only last week in Nottingham at an Amnesty meeting with Shane and Owen.
If there is anything i can do further, please let me know.
may his soul rest in peace.
yours sincerely
Mac Urata
ITF
April 10th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Estimados compañeros: Nos dirijimos a ustedes con sentido pesar por la infausta desaparición del compañero Janek Kuczkiewicz. El movimiento Sindical pero muy particularmente la CGTG, tiene muy en el corazón y en la mente la presencia y aporte del compañero Janek durante la recien Conferencia en Guatemala.
Reciba la CSI nuestras muestras de condolencias, mismas que agradecemos que la CSI extienda a la familia del compañero Janek y a la gran familia mundial de la CSI.
Fraternal y solidariamente,
José E.Pinzón Salazar
Secretario General
CGTG
April 10th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Estimados compañeros:
Me acabo de enterar, por nuestro compañero Dan, del repentino fallecimiento de Janek. Fuimos compañeros de trabajo en la antigua CIOSL, siempre mantuvimos el contacto, el desde la CIOSL y luego desde la CSI y yo desde la OIT (ACTRAV), varias veces concertamos acciones conjuntas en defensa de los derechos sindicales y humanos en America latina. La ultima vez que nos vimos fue a fines de enero de este año, en Guatemala, en el marco de una accion de la CSI contra la impunidad en ese pais. Conversamos largamente de sus planes y nos alegramos de volver a trabajar juntos, ahora en la OIT. Hablamos de nuestras familias y recordamos “viejos tiempos”. Estaba alegre, lleno de energia, de bondad, de planes…asi lo recordaremos.
Nuestra solidaridad a su familia y a todos y todas las/os compañeros/as de la CSI.
Afectuosos saludos.
Juan Manuel Sepulveda M.
Especialista Principal Actividades para los Trabajadores Oficina Subregional-San José Centroamérica, Cuba, Haiti, Mexico, Panama y Rep. Dominicana
April 10th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Dear all,
I was shocked to learn of the untimely demise of our good colleague and friend, Janek Kuczkiewicz, Head of the HTUR Department of the ITUC. In my own name and on behalf of all my colleagues in ACTRAV, I convey to you my deep sympathy for the loss of such a dedicated, competent and sincere colleague. Janek has become an authority on human and trade union rights issues and his determination to promote the respect of trade union rights in all countries and in all continents knew no limits. The ITUC Annual Survey on trade union rights which he edited has become a bible for trade unionists all over the world. His contribution to the work of the ILO Conference Committee on Application of Standards has been outstanding. The death of Janek leaves a big gap in the ITUC and in the international trade union movement.
Death has robbed him from you before I could rob him from the ITUC to work for ACTRAV. We were looking forward to welcome him in ACTRAV with enthusiasm. My heart bleeds with sorrow and sadness for this great loss. May his soul rest in peace.
Please convey our sincere condolences to his daughter, his relatives,friends and dear ones.
Dan Cunniah
Director
Bureau for Workers’ Activities (ACTRAV)
ILO
Switzerland
April 10th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Dear all,
I can’t believe this news. Janek was always so full of life. This is a huge loss.
I worked with him for years and we became very close, a friendship that survived my move to Geneva and the less frequent encounters.
This is just not fair, for Janek, for all his family and friends and for that much bigger community of workers and their unions who need his courage and dedication. Somehow we fill gaps like the one he leaves but just now I cannot see how.
My sincere condolences to his daughter, family and to all at the ITUC. You must all be quite shattered.
Stephen Pursey
ILO
April 10th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
Chers tous,
Je viens d’apprendre la terrible nouvelle. Je ne réalise pas vraiment. Je viens de perdre mon pote Janek, mon ami intime et je sais combien il vous était cher aussi. Il me manque déjà. Nous nous étions parlés vendredi. Il était dans un taxi à Nottingham. Nous avons blagué. Comme d’habitude.
Comme tout le monde qui le connaissait à ACTRAV, je l’attendais afin de nous retrouver ensemble comme au bon vieux temps où tous les deux nous partagions un bureau rue Montagne aux herbes potagères.
Gardons de lui le souvenir d’un mec super, le pote qu’il était, le pote engagé, l’ami…
Je pense à sa fille Alice et à Françoise ainsi qu’à sa famille.
Je suis avec vous tous en pensées
Amitiés à tous!
Luc Demaret
ILO
April 10th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Chers tous,
Nous venons d’apprendre cette terrible mauvaise nouvelle.
Janek n’est plus.
Le syndicalisme international, les travailleurs dans le monde viennent de perdre leur meilleur camarade.
Nous continuerons ton combat pour la Liberté Janek.
Sois en sûr.
Yves VEYRIER
Secrétaire Confédéral
International - Europe
Jean Claude MAILLY
Secrétaire Général
cgt FORCES OUVRIERES
April 10th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Dear Colleagues ,
The loss is great but Janek will be remembered by all for his didicated and sincere trade union work .
May God bless his soul
Nezam Qahoush
Coordinator
ITUC - Jordan
April 10th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
cHERS TOUS?
Janek, votre collègue et ami, est parti militer ailleurs. De ce côté de la rive, nous penserons souvent à lui.
Il m’avait téléphoné au moment des événements de la Guinée, me demandant si je connaissais pas des personnes qui pourraient aussi donner des informations et s’il se trouvait des dirigeants politiques crédibles pour contribuer à l’apaisement. Militant, il savait que derrière les officiels, se battaient des militant-e-s épris de justice.Il restait impressionné parb l’héroïsme de femmes comme Rabiatou.
Je regrette de ne pas avoir eu l’occasion de le connaître : son combat commençait par lui-même, pour dépasser ses propres limites.
Je garde de lui, un souvenir vivant, comme un frère qui garde sa main sur mon épaule à la fois pour réfléchir, avancer encore. Il lisait aussi mes rapports sur les missions …
Très cordialement,
Jules Ernoux
Accompagneur syndical auprès de la Guinée, Côte d’Ivoire et Niger.
April 10th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
dEAR ALL?
It is with deep sorrow TCO has received the news telling us about the passing of Janek Kuczkiewicz. We remember Janek
as a very warm and committed person and we remember him for his sincere and hard work for trade union rights all over the world.
One, for us important part of that is his big contributions to the Labour Law Program. His death is a great loss for the ITUC.
We want to offer our most sincere sympathy and condolences to Janeks´ family and ask them to remember that our thoughts are
with them in this difficult time of loss. We also offer our condolences and sympathy to Janeks´ colleagues at the ITUC office in Brussels and to you.
Sture Nordh Helena Johanson Lars Bengtsson
April 10th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Dear all
I know the shock and saddness that you all must be feeling at the ITUC - we also mourn him at TUAC he was a very good friend and colleague for so many years - please pass on our sympathies to all at the ITUC,
Best Regards, John Evans Trade Union Advisory Committee to the OECD
April 10th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Dear colleagues,
We are so so sad to hear this. FTUWKC would like to join our condolence to Janek and his family. We really lose a wonderful trade union right defender, indeed. I am very late to reply you because we have moved our office to the new location. Now I am sending you from the new office. I can’t descript how sad we are to express our regret to lose a fantastic union defender like Janake, even I didn’t speak English toward him during my visit at ITUC office but my feeling told me that Janek is a very very good human being I ever met. I lost my brother, local union leaders and now Janek. I don’t know when is my turn. My brother was gunned down and Janek is dead alone at home…….:(((( I can’t imagine how too hard he was before he got dead.
On behalf of our 81,000 members among 180 affiliates factories, our national officials, I would like to express our condolence for his death and may his spirit to be in peace.
We are in a deepest sad to his death.
Chea Mony
President
FTUWKC
April 10th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Dear sisters and colleagues,
Dear all,
I don’t know what to say but I am so sorry and still shocked to learn of demise of Janek Kuczkiewicz. I knew that he was coming to ACTRAV and I was looking forward to meet him here. I am so sorry. The only thing I can say is my heart bleeds with sadness for his loss. May his soul rest in peace. I know he will be always in our hearts.
Please accept my sincere condolences.
Ozge Berber Agtas
April 10th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Dear Sisters and Brothers, dear Friends,
It is with deep sorrow that I inform you of the death of Janek Kuzcziewicz, Director of Human and Trade Union Rights of the International Trade Union Confederation, this morning at his home in Brussels. Many of you know him as a staunch defender of workers’ and trade union rights. As a colleague of more than 20 years (in the ICFTU), I had the added - and precious - privilege of enjoying his friendship. For me, he was a very special person, with an infectious joie de vivre and a wicked sense of humour and, most of all, great compassion and unbounded generosity. I remember how pleased he was when I told him, shortly before leaving Brussels two years ago, that amongst my male colleagues, he was the one I would miss most.
And now, he has left us, too early and too suddenly. Like many, many people who loved him, I am devastated and inconsolable. Janek would not want us to grieve, but he would expect us to continue fighting for human and trade union rights. That is the best way to honour his memory.
May he rest in peace,
Elsa
Elsa Ramos
Senior Specialist in Workers’ Activities ILO Sub-regional Office for East Asia Bangkok, Thailand
April 10th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Kochany Janku, wprost nie moge uwierzyc, ze na s opusciles. Wielki, wsapnialy, utalentowany i zawsze tryskajucy pelnym optymizmem. Bedzie nam Ciebie brakowalo, ale wierze, ze Twoj duch bedzie wiecznie inspirowal…
Spoczywaj w spokoju
Maria Glowacz-de Chevilly
April 10th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Dear all,
I was totally devastated to hear the news of Janek’s death. I can only but imagine how you are all feeling in the office. Our sincere condolences.
I think many people around the world would love the opportunity to offer condolences in a shared way – Janek touched so many people’s lives.
Best regards,
Alison Tate
International Officer
Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU)
April 10th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Dear all,
I am so sorry to hear about the death of Brother Janek. What happened?
This is so sad. Please give my condolences to his family and all of the ITUC Brothers & Sisters.
In Solidarity,
Neha Misra, J.D.
Senior Program Officer- Africa Region &
Global Coordinator - Human Trafficking & Migrant Worker Programs
Solidarity Center, AFL-CIO
April 10th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Estimados compañeros:
Es profundamente triste la noticia en lo personal, profesional y laboral. Reciban mi fraternidad.
Con gran aprecio
Eduardo Rodríguez Calderón
Especialista Principal en Actividades
para los Trabajadores en la Oficina
Subregional de la OIT para el Cono Sur
April 10th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Estimados compañeros:
Con al pesar más profundo, en nombre mio y de cada una y cada uno de las chilenas y chilenos miembros de ODESI, expresamos a la CSI nuestra pena ante la sensible pérdida del compañero Janek Kuczkiewicz.
Como cientos de millones de trabajadoras y trabajadores que a través del mundo no tuvimos la posibilidad de conocer el rostro de Janek, sí podemos dar testimonio de saber y sentir que su brazo protector se posaba permanentemente sobre nuestros hombros.
Seguros que la gloria de Dios sonreirá eternamente a nuestro compañero, rogamos porque otorgue también la la paz y la resignación a su distinguida familia.
Hernol Flores Opazo
Presidente de ODESI
April 10th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Dear all,
I can hardly believe it. We worked together for many years and I will miss him. It is quite a shock, as i am sure it is for all of you at ITUC.
All the best
Mike Kay
Antislavery
April 10th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Dear all,
I share the words about Janek, It is such a big loss, I can’t believe it.
Warm regards,
Andriette Nommensen
April 10th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Workers’ Community Mourns One of the Honest Colleagues on April8, 2008
With the sorrow and sadness, be informed that Janek Kuczkiewicz, the Director of Workers and Human Rights Department at the International Trade Union Confederation, 52, passed away on April8, 2008.
Janek defended workers fundamental rights all around the world, including Iran, until the last minutes of his life: supporting workers to establish independent trade unions, trying to free Mansour Osanloo, president of the Executive Board of the Syndicate of workers of Vahed Company, sending welcome messages for Mahmoud Salehi’s release, and protesting against the summons on the members of the Syndicate’s Executive Board to the Court of Revolution. He left us while his last effort was defending workers’ rights in Iran.
The Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburban Bus Vahed Company expresses condolences to his honored family, International Trade Union Confederation, Global Unions, human rights activists and global labor movement especially workers rights activists in Iran.
His Soul Stays Happy and in Peace, and His Dream Comes True
Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburban Bus Vahed Company
April 8, 2008
April 10th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Monsieur Abdelmadjid SIDI SAID Secrétaire Général de l’UGTA,
C’est avec une profonde tristesse que l’UGTA a appris le décès, du camarade Janek Kuczkiewicz, Directeur du Département des Droits Humains et Syndicaux, à son domicile à Bruxelles.
Au nom de la Direction Nationale de l’UGTA et de tous les travailleurs Algériens,
Présente en cette triste et douloureuse circonstance, à toute la famille, aux proches du défunt, à la CSI, ses sincères condoléances les plus attristées et les assure de sa profonde sympathie et de sa solidarité.
Que Dieu le Tout Puissant accorde au défunt
Sa Sainte Miséricorde et l’accueillir en Son Vaste Paradis.
Le Chargé de la Communication
du Secrétaire Général de l’UGTA
Rachid AIT ALI
April 10th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
My condolences to Janek’s colleagues, friends and family.
Best wishes,
Rory O’Neill
IFJ
April 10th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Janek made a contribution to human and trade union rights that would have been great if he had attained twice his age. In that sense, he lived a long life.
He lived his life in “the fast lane”. His intense and passionate way pushed up, at times, against the outer limits of the “rational” like so many people who have helped to move the world.
Janek was not always easy. There are few people with whom I have worked where there were so many conflicts, but after each conflict, the pleasure of a good argument seemed to deepen the friendship.
Janek had a force of character and a devotion to the values of liberty and justice that was so deeply felt and so true that it gave him “charisma”, not one made of tinsel in Hollywood, but one that was solid and real. He was effective in spite of or perhaps because he was incapable of “rising above principle”.
Janek improved all those who knew him. We will treasure many memories. But, more importantly, he touched and enriched the lives of many millions who will never know his name and who never had the chance to share with him a drink, a laugh or a struggle. His memory will live on for many generations after traces of his person fade. It will live on as long as our trade union movement cherishes and defends the values that were the fibre of his being. That is the only memorial that is worthy of him.
Jim Baker
Council of Global Unions
April 10th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Dear Friends,
It is with a great deal of sadness that I learn of Janek’s passing. Not only was he a friend and a tireless defender of human and labor rights, Janek had the ability to reach across the aisle to find common ground and solutions. I will miss him especially this June at the ILO Conference.
Ed Potter
Director, Global Workplace Rights
The Coca-Cola Company
April 10th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Estoy en Ginebra, ayer en el Foro de Igualdad de remuneracion. Aqui nos llego la noticia , triste de la muerte de nuestro compañero Janek. Yo trabaje mucho con el en mis tiempos de la ORIT. No se como expresar la profunda pena que me produce la noticia.
Mis condolencias a Alicia la hija de Janek y a todos y todas los/as compañeros/as.
Un abrazo
Marta Scarpato
April 10th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Dear Sisters and Brothers, dear Friends,
It is with deep sorrow that I inform you of the death of Janek Kuzcziewicz, Director of Human and Trade Union Rights of the International Trade Union Confederation, this morning at his home in Brussels. Many of you know him as a staunch defender of workers’ and trade union rights. As a colleague of more than 20 years (in the ICFTU), I had the added and precious privilege of enjoying his friendship. For me, he was a very special person, with an infectious joie de vivre and a wicked sense of humour and,
most of all, great compassion and unbounded generosity. I remember how pleased he was when I told him, shortly before leaving Brussels two years ago, that amongst my male colleagues, he was the one I would miss most.
And now, he has left us, too early and too suddenly. Like many, many people who loved him, I am devastated and inconsolable. Janek would not want us to grieve, but he would expect us to continue fighting for human and trade union rights. That is the best way to honour his memory.
May he rest in peace,
Elsa
Elsa Ramos
Senior Specialist in Workers’ Activities
ILO Sub regional Office for East Asia
Bangkok, Thailand
April 10th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
It is a terrible and sad news! I did not know Janek very well as a person, but I know through his work that he was an excellent trade unionist. If he was a special person for you, then he must also have been an exceptional human being.
A big hug
Barbro Budin
April 10th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
I am so sorry to hear about Janek! I don’t know what to say…
it’s too early for him to be gone. May he rest in peace,
Agnieszka Ghinararu
April 10th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
The unexpected news gave us a great shock. Though I did not have much chance to work with him so closely as you did, I remember very clearly of his passion for human and trade union rights. In Brussels, in Geneva, in Japan, and wherever we worked together, we have a very clear, impressive memory of his work. I also remember all of his colleagues in ICFTU always kept him in their mind whenever they work. For example, when we are observing proposed sites for ICFTU World Congress in Japan, we always thought how Janek could cope with the conference room, etc.
It is indeed a great sorrow and great loss for all of us. He has certainly left us too early. But as you said, he must be expecting us to continue fighting for human and trade union rights. We shall try our best to continue to keep up his work in human and trade union rights, and this is the best way to honour his memory.
May his soul rest in peace.
Hinako Watanabe(Ms.)
Director
Field Projects Social Development Group
Japan International Labour Foundation (JILAF)
April 10th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
I am really so sorry. I had no idea that he was that ill. Such a shame. Bless his family and friends, bless you. Mayaki also passed away and they are having a memorial for him in the ILO tomorrow. We are losing those amongst us.
With love,
Beth Goodson
April 10th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
It’s so, so sad.
Nora Wintour
April 10th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
What a great loss!
We will miss Janek so much, for all his dedication, knowledge, sense of humour, and strategic thinking.
It was a great pleasure to cooperate with him.
Peter Ras
April 10th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
I’m shocked by the sad news of Bro Janek’s passing.
The last time I caught up with him was in Kathmandu during the ITUC
Burma Conference.
Kindly convey my condolence to his family.
Best regards
Frederick Ho
NTUC International Affairs
April 10th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
I am so sorry to hear about this. I of course did not know him well; however, I would agree that he did radiate that “joy of life”.
Jin Sook Lee
BWI Asia Pacific Regional Office
April 10th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Dear all,
We are writing this to offer our sincere condolences for the sudden death of Mr. Janek Kuczkiewicz, the ITUC Director of Human and Trade Union Rights.
Sincerely,
International Alliance in Support of Workers in Iran (IASWI)
April 10th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
C’est avec beaucoup de tristesse que j’ai appris le décès soudain de Janek que j’avais rencontré à Genève lors des travaux de la conférence internationale.
C’était un homme de conviction, militant, courageux et apprécié de tous.
A sa famille et à ses collègues, je veux présenter mes sincères condoléances.
Andrée DEBRULLE - CSC service d’études.
April 10th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
Que de temps passé depuis les années de solidarité avec la Pologne, ses combats pour les justes causes, les soirées où nous refaisions le monde dans tous les sens entre bons amis. Je suis profondément triste de son départ et pense à Alice et à ses proches.
Alain Devaux
CTB Perou
April 10th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Nous avons été profondément peinés d’apprendre le décès de Janek.
Son souvenir restera certainement gravé dans nos mémoires.
Il restera toujours associé à un engagement syndical sans faille au profit de ceux qui ont le plus besoin. Il savait communiquer son enthousiasme et renforcer les liens d’amitié en faveur de la solidarité.
Avoir eu la chance de le voir encore à l’oeuvre lors des actions du 6 mars dernier à Bruxelles, reste une petite consolation. Janek était un grand syndicaliste.
Bernard NOËL
Secrétaire national de la CGSLB/ACLVB
April 10th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Mon cher Janek,
Toi qui a tant fait pour la Birmanie, qui à été à la base de notre réseau européen EBN à Bruxelles, qui à lutté durant des années contre l’oppression militaire et le travail forcé au Myanmar, tu n’es plus parmi nous ! Sache cependant que tu restes une référence pour tous ceux qui se battent pour plus de justice et de dignité humaine dans ce monde .
Au revoir Janek.
Un de tes nombreux amis.
André Van der Schueren / Association Suisse-Birmanie
Genève
April 10th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
Nous perdons un être cher.
Janek a accompagné la Campagne Vêtements Propres depuis son commencement en Belgique. Notre action pour le retrait de Triumph de Birmanie en 2000-2001 rejoignait la démarche qu’il avait construite pas à pas pour obtenir la condamnation de la Birmanie par l’OIT, une première historique. En partance pour la conférence de l’OIT à Genève, Janek avait pourtant accepter d’être des nôtres pour témoigner avec fougue et avec ses tripes de l’impact de nos actions lors des 10 ans de la Campagne Vêtements Propres, à Bruxelles, en 2007.
Metaljanek était de ceux qui fixent l’objectif, droit devant.
Il nous manquera.
La Campagne Vêtements Propres tient à présenter ses plus sincères condoléances à ses proches, ses collègues, ses amis.
Carole Crabbé
Campagne Vêtements Propres
April 10th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Con sorpresa y tristeza recibimos ayer la comunicación del fallecimiento de compañero Janek Kuczkiewicz, un amigo para nosotros, profundamente comprometido en la defensa y en las violaciones de las soluciones de los Derechos Humanos y Sindicales. Compromiso constatado en su larga trayectoria sindical en la CIOSL y en su responsabilidad actual como Director del Departamento de Derechos Humanos y Sindicales de la Confederación Sindical Internacional. Quienes hemos tenido la oportunidad de compartir con Janek, esfuerzos y trabajos en el Comité de Derechos Humanos, en las Misiones Internacionales de Solidaridad, sabemos de su energía y valentía para con esta causa, vital para el sindicalismo mundial. Queremos expresar, en nombre de la UGT, nuestra solidaridad por la perdida de Janek y hacer extensiva nuestra fraternidad a su familia y a sus compañeros de trabajo.
Un saludo fraternal
Manuel Bonmatí
Secretario Ejecutivo
Responsable de Política Internacional
UGT España
April 10th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Over the last two and a half years, I have been working intensively with Janek and Mehdi Kouhestaninejad of the CLC on our campaign to promote workers’ rights in Iran. We exchanged hundreds of emails and held conference calls. And one must be reminded that this was not the only case that Janek was working on. Burma, China, Colombia, Guatemala….he had many.
It was Janek who spent hours of his Christmas holidays in 2005 responding to the mass arrests that the Iranian authorities conducted against the leadership of the Tehran Bus Workers’ Union when the ITF was less familiar with the case. Without his efforts, the plight of the union may not have been visible to us. It was, after all, the festive season in the Western world and he rightly said that the Iranian authorities do calculate their timing for such clamp downs.
He was uncompromising but never unreasonable. He always took his cases seriously and put a lot of effort into them, but he had a great sense of humour at the same time. I was with him in Nottingham last week at an Amnesty gathering where he said “my department has 4.5 staff”. Although his freedom of mobility was reduced, we have heard stories and seen photos of his actions in a wheelchair (dances and demonstrations!).
When Mehdi and I visited him last June with Mansour Osanloo during the ITUC General Council meeting, he took us out for dinner and said jokingly, “All these people who get out of jail and come and visit me, I don’t really have time for all that. My priority is the ones who are still in prison”. But of course he welcomed Mansour who had spent months in jail. As they first met in the corridors of the ITUC office, I saw Janek greeting Mansour with a large hug.
He was a determined and hard-working advocator of human and trade union rights. It will be quite hard to replace someone like him immediately, but our fight goes on. I will certainly be part of it, in whatever capacity I may have. In fact, you don’t need a position in order to take part in the cause although the knowledge and experience that one accumulates can be indispensable, and that is where the big loss lies with this sudden and untimely departure of our dear friend.
I have some photos of Janek which I wish to share with those who knew him.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/freeosanloo/sets/72157604444075006/
April 10th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Dear Janek,
Together with the souvenir of your determination to tackle any injustice, in this case within the board of MSF, that special smile and twinkle in your eye will always remain a dear remembrance.
With respect and sincere wishes for Janek’s family,
Veerle Steppe
April 10th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
Very shocked and sorry to hear this sad news. This is a great loss to the movement. Please pass on our codolences and best wishes to his family and friends, as well as his colleagues at the ITUC.
From his brothers and sisters at Unite in the UK.
April 10th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Janek personified the tremendous power that can be unleashed by bringing together the two movements close to my heart - human rights & trade-unionism. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered
April 10th, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Dear all
I just wanted to let you know that I am feeling with you at this difficult moment.
Karl Heinz forwarded the sad email yesterday morning.
All the best wishes
Tanja Buzek
Political Assistant
International Department
Austrian Trade Union Federation (ÖGB)
April 10th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
We are very sad to hear of the death of comrade Janek. He was a great campaigner and we worker regulalryl with him on Zimbabwe. He spoke eloquently and succinctly at a conference we held in parliament last year. Please pass our condolences to all those close to him.
ACTSA
April 10th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Nous venons d’apprendre dans la consternation la disparition subite de notre Camarade Janek KUCZKIEWICZ précédemment Directeur des Droits Humains et Syndicaux de la CSI.
Nous voudrions par ce message transmettre à vous même et à toute l’équipe de la CSI nos vives condoléances suite à cet évènement très douloureux.
Nous gardons du disparu le souvenir de militant engagé et très dévoué à faire avancer les valeurs que nous avons toujours défendues notamment celles relatives aux droits de l’homme. Janek nous manquera beaucoup dans quelques semaines à l’occasion de la 96eme session de la Conférence Internationale du Travail.
Vous voudriez également transmettre à la famille du défunt toutes les condoléances de l’équipe de l’ONG AFRISOP.
D’Avance Merci
Le président
Guillaume ATTIGBE
April 10th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
La nouvelle de la mort de Janek Kuczkiewicz nous a beaucoup frappés.
Au nom de Raffaele Bonanni, et en particulier des collègues Giuseppe et Cecilia, qui ont toujours travaillé avec lui je m’associe aux condoléances à la famille.
Malheureusement nous avons touts perdu un grand et passionné défenseur des droits syndicaux et humains partout dans le monde.
Que son âme repose en paix, en restant vivant dans les cœurs de nous touts.
Très amicalement
Luigi Cal
Directeur Dép. International
CISL
April 10th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Dear friends,
my union KSBSI with deepest sadness also express our condolence to our good colleague mr. Janek. His contribution to union has made labor rights strugles all over the world get strongger.
sincerelly yours,
rekson silaban
president
April 10th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
It is great chock for all democratic movements around the world to get this news.
Mostafa Rostom
April 10th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Lamento de veras tan inesperada noticia, de parte del Comité Ejecutivo de la Confederación de Trabajadores de Venezuela, de Manuel Cova y el mio propio le pedimos haga llegar a esa digna institución (CSI) de la que formamos parte nuestro sincero manifiesto de dolor ante la desaparición física de ese entrañable amigo. Así mismo a los familiares del compañero Janek Kuczkiewicz que solidariamente estamos con ellos.
Por otro lado, a pesar de tal acontecimiento para la CSI, les ratifico como Directora del Dpto de Mujer y Familia de la CTV, mi solidaridad y apoyo a todo el accionar que tengan a bien desarrollar y me pongo a su disposición al lado del equipo de mujeres dirigentas sindicales que me acompañan en la responsabilidad de gerenciar el Dpto de Mujer y Familia de la CTV.
Prof. Carmen Omaira Arismendi
Directora del Dpto de la Mujer y Familia
de la CTV, Caracas-Venezuela
April 10th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Camarades
Je viens d’une réunion syndicale sur l’emploi des jeunes.
On m’apprend que Janek est décédé. Boulversée par la nouvelle, je ne sais par où commencer car je l’attendais à Kinshasa pour effectuer une mission à Goma sur les violences sexuelles faites à la femme.
Maintenant je ne sais quoi dire aux 2 affiliés de la CSC qui devaient voyager avec nous.
A toutes fins utiles, je présente mes condoléances les plus attristés au Camarade Secrétaire Général de la CSI, aux Camarades membres du Département des droits syndicaux et aux membres du Département de l’Egalité ainsi qu’à la famille du disparu.
Que son âme repose en paix.
Marie LOKONGO
April 10th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear the terrible news of this untimely death. The loss is grievous. In Janeck we have lost an able, dedicated and tireless defender of freedom and trade union rights. To his valuable work, he brought his rare qualities: passion, intellect, sensitivity and fine wit.
We met last month at the PERC meeting in Brussels and I was looking forward to see him again coming June in Geneva. I can’t believe he’s gone - the application of standards committee will not be the same this year.
Please extend to his loved ones on behalf of the GSEE our condolences together with my personal heartfelt condolences.
Zoe Lanara
International Relations Secretary
Greek General Confederation of Labour - GSEE
April 10th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
C’est avec beaucoup d’émotion et une profonde tristesse que la FGTB a appris le décès de Janek.
Son combat acharné pour le respect des droits syndicaux, son indignation constante face aux violations des droits de l’Homme en général et de ceux des travailleurs et travailleuses du monde entier en particulier ainsi que son humour resteront dans nos mémoires !
Toutes nos pensées vont à sa famille, ses proches et ses collègues.
Au revoir Camarade, tu nous manqueras.
Rudy De Leeuw - Président
Anne Demelenne - Secrétaire Générale
Thibaut Michot - Département International
FGTB-ABVV
Belgique-Belgïe
April 10th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Very very sad indeed… However sudden and untimely all deaths could be, that of Janek came as a real shock.
May he rest in peace.
Sergey Kharitich
ex-ITUC Moscow
April 10th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
C’est avec beaucoup d’émotions que j’apprends le décès de Janek.
Je transmets mes condoléances et mon entière sympathie à sa famille et à ses ami(es)
J’aurai aimé parler à nouveau avec lui au soleil, cet été dans le jardin…
jean-François DAVID
London
April 10th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
A nous tous
Je viens d’apprendre le triste nouvelle de la mort de Janek . Mes condoleances a sa famille , a la grande famille de la CSI ,
Il etait incontournable pour le defense les droits humain et syndicaux .
que Dieu le benisse .
April 10th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine and me personally express our sincere condolences for the death of Janek.
unfortunately we lost a real democrat, dedicated trade unionist and a great friend.
May he rest in peace.
M.Volynets
KVPU Chairman
April 10th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Là où tu t’es arrêté, ton rêve ne s’arrête pas.
Ta présence est indestructible.
Aujourd’hui, ce sont 30 ans de merveilleuse fraternité qui ce sont soudain transformés en fraternité éternelle.
D’ailleur, tu ne t’es pas arrêté, tu as simplement fait un petit stop, pour demander ton chemin peut-être…
Ne t’inquiète pas, tu as toujours été sur le bon chemin, et nombreux sont ceux qui ont pu compter sur toi pour reconnaître le leur , et continuer à avancer.
Merci d’encore exister Janek
A maintenant, pour toujours, on ne peut plus se quitter, seulement continuer à marcher.
Tu verras, on ne va pas s’ennuyer!
ça va être formidable!
La vie continue, plus forte que jamais.
Ton rêve est indestructible, vois tu?
Pourquoi te dirais je “au revoir” puisque tu demeures au coeur du meilleur de chacun d’entre nous?
Merci Janek
Rien ne s’arrête, tout continue… Laisse nous juste reprendre notre souffle : on est pas tous aussi forts que toi!
Ton vieux frère Harold
April 10th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
The sudden loss of Janek must leave a sense of shock and saddness to all at the ITUC, his friends and family - we also mourn him at TUAC he was a very good friend and colleague for so many years - he will be missed but not forgotten.
April 10th, 2008 at 5:39 pm
Quelle triste nouvelle!
Je suis profondément consternée. Je transmets toutes mes sincères sympathies à la fille de Yanek.
J’ai travaillé très étroitement avec yanek et je me réjouissais de le voir prendre ma place à ACTRAV dans le souci de la défense des droits des travailleurs et travailleuses. Il était un exemple de courage et d’abnégation pour beaucoup. C’est une perte lourde pour le mouvement syndical et beaucoup de syndicalistes vont le regretter.
Merci pour tout Yanek.
Puisses-tu reposer en paix!
April 10th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
The Solidarity Center mourns the death of Janek Kuczkiewicz. Janek was our friend and ally in the struggle for global worker rights. Whether in Burma, China, Colombia, Iran, Thailand, or any of the other countries in which he documented worker rights violations, Janek’s energy and passion were a powerful force. We will miss him terribly.
April 10th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Cher Yanek,
Quel choc !! Je n’arrive toujours pas à y croire! Toi qui débordais tellement d’énergie….
Nous nous sommes rencontrés sur le toit du monde, tu venais pour la mini-AG dans la mission MSF où je travaillais…tu es arrivé à un moment clé et je n’oublierai jamais ces moments forts passés ensemble et ton support moral qui m’a aidé à supporter un peu plus facilement le poids des récits de tortures subies par mon interprète et sa mère.
Depuis nous nous croisions parfois aux AG ou dans les couloirs de MSF, toujours avec plaisir et chaleur. Tu m’avais dit un jour que ces moments au Tibet t’avaient marqués toi aussi.
La dernière fois que je t’ai vu, c’était dans des circonstances plus festives, à un concert de chorale, tu partais en Guinée le lendemain, si je me souviens bien…toujours aussi motivé.
Merci pour ton exemple, ton infatiguable enthousiasme.
Merci d’avoir pu continuer à croire qu’on peut changer le monde même après tant d’années de lutte.
Merci pour tout ce qui rayonnait de toi quand on te croisait.
Bon vent là-haut pour un repos bien mérité (ne mets pas trop la révolution!!!)
Je souhaite énormément de courage à Alice et à ta famille pour apprivoiser ton absence physique et apprendre à se contenter de la présence du coeur.
Ciao,
Pascale
April 10th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
This is such awful news. Janek was at the centre of the struggle and a great fighter for trade union rights. Colleagues associated with ICTUR around the world would like to express our sadness at his loss.
April 10th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Janek
Rest in peace I would have loved to have met you Im sure we have the same goals it is a great loss
April 10th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Cher Janek
Ton départ définitif, si subit, anesthésie encore l’impact du choc de la nouvelle si difficile à croire réelle. Ton nom a été, est et sera toujours associé à un homme intelligent, généreux, loyal et plein d’humour, un ami avec il fait bon être.
Je te remercie d’avoir pu te rencontrer et je souhaite à Alice, et tous tes proches de trouver le courage de se nourrir encore de tout ce que tu as pu leur apporter.
Bon voyage.
Ana
April 10th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
Janek,
On s’était dit que plutôt vieillir chacun de son côté dans un home quelconque, la “tribu” comme tu l’appelais devrait s’acheter une maison où on pourrait, entre autre, taper le carton à loisir.
Bien sûr, nous choisirions nous-mêmes le personnel soignant : les infirmières seraient belles (coquin, va) et pour nous les infirmiers seraient beaux !!! Comme d’habitude tu es trop pressé et forcément avec ta voiturette tu vas beacoup plus vite que nous…
Alors, s’il te plaît, là où tu es, ne nous oublie pas ! Avec ton sens inné de la diplomatie, ta gentillesse profonde pour même les plus petites gens, ton rire communicatif et ton humour décapant qui t’ont permis de traverser tant d’épreuves si difficiles, je suis sûre que quand ce sera à chacun notre tour de te rejoindre, tu auras mis tout le personnel soignant dans ta poche. N’en profites pas pour tricher ! D’ailleurs ta grand-mère Babcia t’en empêchera !
Demande au personnel soignant de garder un oeil bienveillant et clément sur nous tous, car nous comptons bien faire quelques parties d’enfer !
Bon, avec tous tes voyages et les nôtres aussi, si les infirmières et les infirmiers ont des ailes, ça ne nous dérange pas du tout ! Nous savons qu’il existe des anges étranges partout….
Janek, ne nous oublie pas, car nous non plus nous ne pourrons pas t’oublier.
Fredouche La Touche
April 10th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Au revoir Yanek! J’ai toujours admiré ton courage, ton énergie, tes projets sans limites, tes rêves.. surtout les plus fous! Sois en paix et à nous tous de continuer la lutte aux quatre coins du monde pour que quelques uns de nos rêves deviennent réalités.
Courage Alice et Francoise.
Je ne crois pas que je pourrai arriver en Belgique samedi, mais salut à tous.
Thierry
April 10th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Salut mon grand!
Je t’attendais à Genève. Tu ne viendras et c’est la première fois que tu me fais faux bond. Depuis ce jour de 1982 où nos routes se sont croisées à la CISL, ma vie n’a plus été la même. Elle ne sera plus la même sans toi.
Merci de m’avoir fait connaître tant de choses. Merci de m’avoir donné le privilège de travailler avec toi, d’être dans le secret de tes campagnes, de partager tes engagements. Merci des fous rires que tu ne manquais pas de déclencher en moi lorsque l’on refaisait le monde après le boulot. Merci, il y a 23 ans, ce mois d’avoir rendu visite à ma femme qui venait d’accoucher de Sarah.
Charlotte, Eric et Sarah se joignent à moi pour te dire merci et Cześć!
Ton pote Luc
April 10th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Janek’s passing is a loss to the global movement for human rights and social justice.
Our hearts go out to his loved ones and close colleagues - may they draw strength from the respect and affection that people all around the world have for Janek. We stand with them in this time of grief.
May we all continue to be inspired by Janek’s warmth and commitment, and keep up our efforts for the causes he was dedicated to.
In solidarity,
Debbie
Altsean-Burma
April 10th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
Tristesse aussi pour nous , journalistes, pour lesquels Janek était toujours disponible, aimable, précis, prêts à nous donner les meilleures informations.
Mais au delà de ces relations professionnelles, quel bonhomme…
Comment ne pas comprendre ce chagrin qui vient de partout ? il a tant donné à tellement de gens, à ceux qui étaient les plus opprimés et qui en avaient bien besoin…
Nous ne l’oublierons évidemment pas, lui, son combat, son énergie, ses idées, ses coups de coeur.
Marc Molitor
April 10th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
When we are all ‘freed’ from our earthly bodies, I am certain that Janek will welcome us in heaven. And then immediately sign us up to fight on for all others. My condolences to his family and colleagues.
David Welker
International Brotherhood of Teamsters
April 10th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
A mon tout premier ami de Belgique, je rends hommage et souhaite bon voyage…
Les mots n’y pourront rien. Les larmes soulagent un temps. Reste ce qu’il a passé laissé en nous, pour nous…
Mes pensées accompagnent les proches de cet homme, Alice et Michèle, sa famille et ses nombreux ami(e)s.
Au revoir mon ami… merci pour tout…
April 10th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
El Comite Ejecutivo de la Confederacion de Trabajadores de Venezuela, los trabajadores y trabajadoras de Venezuela nos unimos al profundo dolor que embarga a todos los compañeros de la CSI, a los familiares y amigos. por la desaparicion fisica del compañero Janek, las organizaciones sindicales democraticas del mundo pierden un firme y brillante aliado en su constancia en la denuncias de las violaciones de los derechos humanos y sindicales en cualquier lugar que se produjesen.
PAZ A SUS RESTOS.
Por El Comite Ejecutivo de la CTV.
MANUEL COVA
SECRETARIO GENERAL.
April 10th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Dear Janek, I did not know you well but your expansive personality filled the times we were together with joy and passion. I miss that and you. Your deep and strong sense of justice was inspirational and remains with me as a reminder of you. Your work on Iran has enriched my own and I will never forget that. My sympathies and condolences to your friends and family. Au revoir, cher Janek.
April 10th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
Shock news and so SAD! Even though I had never met with him personally, but I did learned and knew him very well from ILO meeting documents, ICFTU and various trade union websites. His tirelessly effort to protect and to fight for worker rights are can be seen at everywhere. As a Burmese trade unionist, I respected him so much. I thank with my life and wish- may he rest in peace!
April 10th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Like Mac and Shane, I was with Janek in Nottingham for the Amnesty Trade Union Conference on Friday, and he seemed to be on his best form, plotting what we would do next for our Iranian colleagues.
Jim Baker and Arai-san are right about the arguments, and I want to record how many times Janek lashed me with his tongue, his sarcasm and his good humour. He was cantankerous, obstreperous and irrepressible, and the worst thing is that he might well, as some have said, be resting peace - which is so unlike him.
Even when he was having fun he couldn’t be held down - like last December when he was dancing at one of the evenings after the ITUC General Council in Washington. After one particularly energetic dance with an international secretary her modesty forbids me to name, he went over to Guy and said “you know this is bad news, boss - I’ve broken my wheelchair again and you’ll need to buy me a new one!”
All of his friends will miss him, of course, but he leaves a giant-sized hole in our work. We’re going to be criticised less without Janek to do it, and we’ll all be the poorer for it.
April 10th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
I learnt only an hour ago that we lost dearest Janek. I am in a deep schock and sadness, I can’t believe. I met him in last May in the ILO Conference, he was full of energy to help an unexperienced friend(me). Because he understood soon that working people in Turkey needed the knowledge, energy and experices he had.
Dear Janek, there were too many things to learn from you, but again I feel very lucky for I had a chance to meet with you.
gaye yilmaz
DISK-United Metalworkers’ Union /TURKEY
April 10th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
A Janek , aux siens…
…
Le bruit énorme des paroles
Il est exact au rendez-vous
Il est même en avance sur les autres
Pourtant il dit … que tout est simple
Et que la mort surtout est une chose simple
Puisque toute liberté se survit.
April 10th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Dear Janek,
you are a real Hero of the trade union ,and human rightts struggle. With your dedication and commitment you have inspired and enriched so many, lives e under which mine. it was due to your work and enthausiasm that I ended up working on trade union rights. It was always such a great pleasure to talk to laugh and work with you. I have splendid memories of spending time with you, wherever in the world, in Brussel, Colombia or Hong Kong. I hope to see you back in heaven.
big hug,
Andriette Nommensen
FNV Mondiaal
April 10th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Salut Janek, tu n’as pas arrêté de surprendre tout qui tu rencontrais, ta force, ton humour, ton engagement, tes délires, tes attentions délicates, ton soutien, tu pouvais facilement faire 200 km souvent en pleine nuit pour rejoindre tes potes. Ah non Janek là tu nous a joué un drôle de tour et voila, ce coup là il est difficile à passer.
merci pour tout Janek.
Une attention affectueuse pour Michèle et Alice.
April 10th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
What a great loss for the union movement, but obviously for all his friends worldwide. I think we all got touched by Janek in some way. He was a unique human being no doubt.
In the three years I worked in Brussels with J-man, what I enjoyed the most was going to the BBC studio with him, joking around with the London producers and doing such amazing interviews… Listening to him was always so inspiring. His voice, passion and accuracy always left the press wanting more too… Good times.
Thanks for your friendship, you intelligence and the numerous glasses of red we shared over the years.
My very best to the ITUC family.
We’ll miss you JK, rest in peace my friend.
Louis
April 10th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Il n’y rien a ajouter à ces messages tristes. Janek, je me souviendrai de ta gentillesse, ton humour, ton engagement, ton intelligence.
Condoleances à tous.
Philippe
April 10th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Mourning a Workers’ Friend
The labour movement around the world and the Canadian Labour Congress mourn the untimely passing of Janek Kuczkiewicz. An outstanding international workers’ rights advocate, Janek Kuczkiewicz was the Director of the Human and Trade Union Rights Department of the Brussels-based International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).
If workers, the world over had a friend, Janek was that friend, says Canadian Labour Congress President Ken Georgetti. His entire life was dedicated to the sole task of making workers’ rights real. It is impossible to count the number of workers who came out of prison, who overcame persecution to achieve a first collective agreement or who managed to find asylum in exile in order to live to fight another battle, because of the tireless and sustained efforts of Brother Janek Kuczkiewicz. His passing leaves a void in our hearts and in our movement.
Janek was, among many other things and for many years, the driving force behind the authoritative ICFTU (now ITUC) Annual Survey of Violations of Trade Union Rights. Last November, he was in Toronto to promote the idea that respect for workers’ rights in countries like ours is necessary to foster the implementation of trade union and other human rights of workers in countries like Colombia, Burma, Zimbabwe or Iran. Many of us at the CLC had the pleasure of knowing Janek through our work with the ITUC and the ILO, and to appreciate his indomitable drive, his warmth, and his sense of humour.
The leadership and the staff of the Canadian Labour Congress send condolences to his family and his friends. He was 52.
Nous pleurons un ami
Le mouvement syndical du monde entier et le Congrès du travail du Canada pleurent le décès prématuré de Janek Kuczkiewicz. Militant remarquable des droits des travailleurs et des travailleuses à l’échelle internationale, Janek Kuczkiewicz était directeur du Comité des droits humains et syndicaux de la Confédération syndicale internationale (CSI), qui a son siège à Bruxelles.
Si les travailleurs et les travailleuses du monde entier avaient un ami, c’était bien Janek, affirme Ken Georgetti, président du Congrès du travail du Canada. Il a consacré toute sa vie à la réalisation des droits des travailleurs et des travailleuses. Il est impossible de compter ceux et celles qui sont sortis de prison, qui ont surmonté la persécution pour obtenir une première convention collective ou qui ont trouvé un asile en exil pour continuer de mener le combat, grâce aux efforts acharnés du confrère Janek Kuczkiewicz. Son décès laisse un vide dans nos coeurs et dans notre mouvement.
Janek a été, entre autres choses et pendant des années, la force motrice du Rapport annuel des violations des droits syndicaux de la CISL, aujourd’hui la CSI. En novembre dernier, il s’est rendu à Toronto pour promouvoir l’idée que le respect des droits des travailleurs et des travailleuses dans les pays comme le nôtre est nécessaire pour faciliter l’application des droits syndicaux et d’autres droits humains dans les pays tels que la Colombie, la Birmanie, le Zimbabwe et l’Iran. Plusieurs d’entre nous au CTC ont eu le plaisir de connaître Janek, dans le cadre de notre travail avec la CSI et l’OIT, et d’apprécier son énergie, sa chaleur humaine et son sens de l’humour.
La direction et le personnel du Congrès du travail du Canada expriment leurs condoléances à sa famille et à ses amis. Janek avait 52 ans.
April 10th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
My condolences to the entire ITUC family. I recall how hard Janek worked during the founding congress of the ITUC in Vienna and he had nothing but my respect and admiration. We have lost a valuable brother.
In Solidarity
Hanad Mohamud
Solidarity Center
AFL-CIO
April 10th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
En nombre del Equipo Jurídico de las centrales sindicales colombianas CUT-CTC, deseamos expresarles nuestras condolencias por la muerte del querido compañero Janek, las cuales hacemos extensivas a sus familiares.
Quienes conocimos y trabajamos con Janek, tuvimos la fortuna de compartir y de ser testigos de las actividades de un ser humano excepcional, comprometido con la causa de los derechos humanos y especialmente con las luchas de las y los trabajadores, que desplegaba una enorme solidaridad, de la cual nos beneficiamos especialmente en el movimiento sindical colombiano.
Janek deja un gran vacío, pero sus enseñanzas profesionales y su ejemplo servirán para ayudarnos en el duro camino de lucha que tiene por delante el movimiento sindical colombiano para enfrentar la violencia antisindical y la falta de derechos y libertades sindicales a que está siendo sometido.
Proponemos que durante la próxima Conferencia Internacional del Trabajo le rindamos un homenaje por parte de los y las trabajadoras del mundo, aprovechando nuestro encuentro en ese escenario que fue un lugar donde Janek participó en muchas batallas en favor de los derechos sindicales.
Fraternalmente,
JORGE HUMBERTO VALERO RODRÍGUEZ
ALEJANDRA MARÍA TRUJILLO URIBE
MARCEL SILVA ROMERO
PABLO ELIAS GONZALEZ MONGUI
JORGE ROMERO PEREZ
CARLOS RODRIGUEZ MEJIA
ZITA FROILA TINOCO AROCHA
ALBERTO LEÓN GÓMEZ ZULUAGA
ALEJANDRO RAMON GARCIA SALZEDO
IVAN DAVID ORTIZ PALACIOS
MAURICIO VELASQUEZ OSPINA
April 10th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
It was a great shock to learn of Janek’s sudden death. As the President of the New Zealand Council of Unions for 8 years I had the privilege to work closely with Janek on a number of isssues and campaigns. He was absolutely committed to his human rights work with a passion, energy, and determination which inspired us all.
My deepest sympathy to colleagues at the ITUC.
Ross Wilson
New Zealand
April 10th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
Janek, ton départ nous a laissé sans voix. Toutes nos pensées vont vers les tiens et Maïté se joint à nous dans une pensée toute particulière pour Alice.
April 10th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
At Actions Birmanie (Belgium), we have been blessed to count Janek as -probably- our fiercest supporter. In moments of discouragement, Janek would fire us up by renewing our energies to fight for democracy in Burma. He would never back down.
We are so grateful for having known such a decent man, who spent his life practicing his values. The dignity of man, equality, brotherhood were not words, Janek gave them flesh, with intelligence and always a laugh.
We pledge to firmly uphold what has now become –heartbreakingly- Janek’s legacy.
Actions Birmanie (Brussels)
Gaëtan, Thierry, Grégor, Véronique, Isabelle, Michel, Alexis, Jean-Marc, Dominique, Brigitte, Gérald, Donat,….
April 11th, 2008 at 12:11 am
Je viens d’apprendre à l’instant le décès inopiné de Janek, cet admirable ami, généreux, drôle et tellement énergique!
Je n’arrive pas à le croire, je l’ai encore vu récemment lors d’une agréable soirée au cours de laquelle il m’annonça sa mutation proche pour Genève. Toujours prêt pour de nouveaux défis! J’entends encore son rire, je vois encore son visage pétillant.
Janek, la mort, cette inertie, ne te va pas…
Janek, tu es tellement vivant dans mon esprit et tu le resteras. Et tant pis pour les lois de la nature, tu es bien au-dessus de cela. Quels bons souvenirs tu laisses! Et quelle présence!
Françoise, je suis heureuse de t’avoir rencontrée grâce à Janek et te reverrai avec plaisir. Je suis de tout coeur avec toi. Courage et continue de nous informer par tes excellents reportages.
Mes pensées et ce poème de Jean-Marie Raths à vous, Françoise, Alice, Michelle et toute la famille de Janek.
“Il ne s’agit pas d’ouvrir à la mort
La porte la plus ample de notre jardin
Comme à une fiancée venue de très loin
Non: la mort est l’esprit vivant en nous
Nous l’avons reconnue selon la lampe
Qu’elle portait
Lorsque la nuit tomba sur nos paupières
De toute victoire elle est certes digne
Et sa victoire est cette trombe de lumière
Qui nous traverse come une torche vivante
Il s’agit de reconnaître et à jamais
Que la mort est bien à nous
Cet écoulement de notes que nous buvons
Seconde après seconde aux heures de la vie
Et qui sait merveilleusement nous enivrer
La mort, l’esprit vivant
nous désaltère
aujourd’hui
maintenant’’ Jean-Marie Raths
Edith Hesse
36 rue des Flamands
1090 Jette
April 11th, 2008 at 12:45 am
Janek is one of those persons whom you do not meet or work with everyday. He is one of those rare memorable persons who touch your lives in a very special humane, serious and dedicated way. He lived and breathed trade union rights, social justice, freedom and worker rights. He argued with you, and he pushed you via debate to the limits and required of you to not accept complacency and only excellence. He was my hero for Egypt - without Janek we would not have the current correct attitude vis a vis the Egyptian official labor movement and his solid support of Egyptian workers through independent labor support organizations like the CTUWS. Thank you Janek, merci and shukran for all your efforts till the very last breath you took. His last e-mail to me was about Noon DC time and 6 or 7 pm in Brussels where he had to make me laugh by teasing me! and making sure that I double and triple check stories & incidents being reported in the recent demonstrations in Egypt. And telling me that “slapping someone to death” just did not cut it. Sorry, I did not have a chance to edit the English sent to me from Cairo.
May you rest in peace dear Janek and please know that you will never never be forgotten and your work will continue. You will continue to live through all of us whom you inspired with your dedication, hard work, empathy and care. Till we meet, I hope in Heaven — (don’t know if I will make it to Heaven!! though) yet I know that you are there now with God looking down on all of us with a beer and a smile on your face.
In peace and solidarity, Heba
April 11th, 2008 at 12:53 am
suite du message précédent
Une attention toute particulière pour toi Françoise.
Maud
April 11th, 2008 at 6:51 am
Cher Guy, chers collègues de la CSI , chers syndicalistes,
Nous sommes atterrés par la nouvelle du décès de Janek…Au fil des années et des coopérations à la Commission des Normes de l’OIT, nous étions devenus des amis. J’appréciais sa compétence, sa connaissance des dossiers, mais aussi sa sensibilité, son engagement sans limite, son sens de l’humour.
Il va laisser un grand vide derrière lui, qu’il sera difficile de combler. Le groupe Travailleurs de la Commission des Normes ne sera plus jamais au complet…
A sa fille, ses proches, ses collègues, j’adresse mes sincères condoléances, et leur souhaite de pouvoir continuer, malgré tout… En mémoire de Janek, nous devons reprendre le flambeau qu’il nous laisse, pour la défense et la promotion des droits syndicaux partout dans le monde.
Dear Guy, colleagues of ITUC, trade union members,
We were deeply shocked by the news of Janek’s death…Through the years and collaborations in the ILO Standard Committee, we were made friends. I appreciated his competence, his knowledge of the issues, but also his sensitiveness, his endless commitment, his sense of humor…
He will be missed, and it will not be easy to replace him. The Workers’ Group of the Standard Committee will never be complete again…
Our most sincere condolences to his daughter, to his colleagues, to those close to him.
In Janek’s memory, we must continue his work, for the defence and promotion of trade unions rights all over the world.
Luc Cortebeeck
President ACV-CSC Belgium
Porte-parole du groupe Travailleurs à la Commission des Normes OIT.- Spokesperson of the Workers’ Group in the ILO Standard Committee.
April 11th, 2008 at 7:10 am
Cher Janek,
Tu nous laisses ton sourire malicieux, la puissance de ton regard, et surtout ta formidable détermination.
Nous héritons tous de ces cadeaux .. et à nous à présent à reprendre un petit morceau du flambeau, chacun à sa mesure.. et un peu au-delà.
Françoise, je te serre dans mes bras,
Myriam Gérard
Action Birmanie
Message to all trade-unions members of the ITUC,
Message pour les organisations membres de la CSI
Could one of your wish be exhauced: that the ITUC be financed correctly by her members. You had to work too hard because of that.
ITUC deserve more respect of the fantastic work which is done there. If we want to face and humanise globalisation… we need that so badly.
Myriam Gérard,
Regional secretary of the CSC Brussels
April 11th, 2008 at 8:34 am
Janek,
It was a shock when I heard that you left all of us.
You were such a strong fighter for the greatest cause - human rights.
We will remember you and your fighting spirit.
Soe Aung
NCUB
April 11th, 2008 at 8:36 am
Dear Janek,
to read the messages that have been posted so far it means to revisit the 1,000 battles we have fought together: Colombia, Burma, Zimbabwe, Iran, Belarus, etc etc….I am not sure where the demarcation line ended between the Geneva office and the TUR department: we would complain that each would make the other work too much…and then we would need to keep going…
You built up most of our prominent work at the ILO and every time we were able to “smuggle” you to Geneva it was a joy to be able to work (and have fun) with you…we were looking with anticipation at the years we would have had together ahead with new projects, new challenges, but with the same spirit, the same fire inside…
Yesterday we had the ceremony at the ILO remembering Ibrahim Mayaki, only two years older than you, cruelly taken from life too soon….Kari reminded me of the time that the two of you went together to Djibouti: he was thrown in jail and you were banned from the country!
If you were here with me we would laugh…this is the treatment for those bringing the truth…
Nicolo’ and Gabriel cried when we heard the terrible news, it is a consolation to know that not only the boys will be able to be inspired by your strenght and your achievements, but that Gabriel will always remember when you were taking him for a ride in the wheelchair…he was so thrilled!
And then the jokes, the friendship, the support in hard times, almost every single day of the past 10 years I have had either an e-mail of a phone call from you….I cannot believe that tomorrow we’ll come to the St Joseph church …please keep looking upon us, make us strong.
Ti voglio bene, Janek! anna
April 11th, 2008 at 8:37 am
Au nom du bureau exécutif et des militants de l’Union Générale Tunisienne du Travail, je tiens à exprimer nos sincères condoléances pour le décès de Janek.
Qu’il repose en paix.
Abdessalem JERAD
S.G. de l’UGTT - Tunisie
April 11th, 2008 at 8:47 am
CENTRAL UNITARIA DE TRABAJADORES (CUT) - COLOMBIA
Con gran tristeza recibimos la noticia del fallecimiento del compañero JANEK, Director del Departamento de Derechos Humanos y Sindicales de la Confederación Sindical Internacional.
Su muerte enluta a toda nuestra militancia sindical agrupada en la Central Unitaria, en razón a que fue un dirigente que asumió la tragedia del sindicalismo colombiano como propia y en todos los escenarios internacionales denunció con vehemencia el asesinato de nuestros dirigentes y demandó soluciones a nuestra problemática.
En Colombia fue contundente con el Presidente de la República y con las autoridades con quienes nos reunimos en las diferentes misiones en las que participó y en donde se destacó siempre por su irrestricta defensa de los intereses de los trabajadores.
Nos acompañó en el último Congreso de la CUT y su intervención fue diáfana y orientadora, pero sobre todo, expresando el compromiso del sindicalismo internacional con nuestra causa.
En la OIT, fue un delegado más del sindicalismo colombiano, porque como portavoz de los trabajadores mundiales, enfatizó en la denuncia contra las fuerzas oscuras que en Colombia pretenden acallar la voz sindical.
Expresamos, por lo tanto nuestra solidaridad por la pérdida de uno de los dirigentes más connotados del equipo de trabajo de la CSI y a la familia le hacemos extensivo la fraternidad del sindicalismo colombiano en este momento de dolor.
April 11th, 2008 at 8:50 am
with shock and deep sadness I heard about the sudden death of our brother Janek.I remeber his extra-ordinary engagement in fighting injustice against our brothers and sisters in Columbia, Myamar, Belarus, China-to name just a few of our recent common work during the International Labor Conference. He was a person with utmost natural respectability and credibility. He will leave a big whole in our international trade union work, which will be difficult to fill.
My deep feelings of mourning and condolence to his family
April 11th, 2008 at 8:55 am
the sad demise of one of our long standing collegues Brother Janek is a great loss for the free trade uniom movement.
I in particular and collegues in our organisation in general share the grief with rest of the collegues in free trade union movement.
N.M. Adyanthaya
ITUC
India
April 11th, 2008 at 8:56 am
It is with deep sorrow TCO has received the news telling us about the passing of Janek Kuczkiewicz. We remember Janek as a very warm and committed person and we remember him for his sincere and hard work for trade union rights all over the world. One, for us important part of that is his big contributions to the Labour Law Program. His death is a great loss for the ITUC.
We want to offer our most sincere sympathy and condolences to Janeks´ family and ask them to remember that our thoughts are with them in this difficult time of loss. We also offer our condolences and sympathy to Janeks´ colleagues at the ITUC in Brussels.
Sture Nordh
Helena Johanson
Lars Bengtsson
April 11th, 2008 at 9:13 am
To ITUC and family of Janek Kuczkiewicz
We were deeply saddened by the news of the loss of our dear colleague Janek Kuczkiewicz. Janek was known to us and to many workers and activists in Iran through his tireless campaigning in defence of trade union and human rights. We shall miss him dearly. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Shahla Daneshfar, Bahram Soroush
International Labour Solidarity Committee of the Worker-communist Party of Iran
9 April 2008
April 11th, 2008 at 9:23 am
L’UGT tient à exprimer à la CSI son profond émoi en s’associant á ça tristesse que le décès prématuré de Janek Kuczkiewicz a causé à tous ceux qui ont eu la chance de le connaître et de travailler avec lui. En effet, outre la qualité humaine de Janek Kuczkiewicz nous ne pouvons pas oublier l’excellence du travail développé en tant que Directeur du Département des Droits Humains et Syndicaux.
Nous te serions gré de bien vouloir transmettre nos condoléances à la famille en deuil.
João Proença
Secrétaire Général de l’UGT-P
April 11th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Nous partageons votre douleur et nous nous joignons à nos Collègues pour voue exprimer nos sincères Condoléances . Pour nous qui l’avons aussi Connu ;nous gardons de lui un bon souvenir.
April 11th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Dear Colleagues and Comrades,
We want to express our sadness to learn our comrade Yanek’s passing away.
It is a big loss for his friends and also for working class movement. Because he was a big fighter of workers rights and was using all energy to change the world. He worked hard for international labour movement as the director of Human and Trade union Rights Department of International Trade Union Confederation.(ITUC)
We will never forget his struggle and his dedication to working class movement.
His memory will live in our struggle.
And we want to convey our condolence to ITUC family and all colleagues in the world.
United Metalworkers’ Union/Turkey
Adnan Serdaroglu Selcuk Goktas
President General Secretary
April 11th, 2008 at 10:57 am
It is with deepest sorrow and a profound sense of loss that my wife and I join fellow mourners to pay special tribute to our dearest veteran and most distinguished trade union colleague, Brother Janek KUCZKIEWICZ, who died suddenly on Tuesday, 8th April 2008.
The late Brother Janek was a close friend to our family. He was popular in any sphere of human interaction he entered. Everyone followed him gladly, for we felt that he was out to serve and to share his vast knowledge and wealth of experience on human and fundamental workers’ rights and trade unionism in general. He made an important contribution to the furtherance of social justice and the improvement of the social and economic conditions of working people the world over. He would be most remembered for leaving behind his indelible footmarks on the sands of time – imprints, not only to be seen but to be emulated by us and unborn generations.
With the departure of Brother Janek KUCZKIEWICZ, the ITUC and the working people have lost a dedicated Shepherd, fighter and trade union leader who gave his whole life to the service of working people. His passing away is a big blow to the working people and leaves a vacuum among our ranks, which will be difficult to fill. His shining qualities will, however, continue to inspire his colleagues and the younger generation with the added determination to complete his life’s work and vision.
We share the grief of the ITUC, family, relatives and friends of the late Brother Janek KUCZKIEWICZ during this difficult moment. It is regrettable that we have lost a principled, dedicated and veteran trade union colleague at a time when his service and kind disposition were most required.
However, we take courage in the worthy life he lived and his much valued accomplishments, especially as Head of the Human and Trade Union Rights Department of the ITUC. We will remember his courageous and consistent contributions to the cause of workers and the international trade union movement, particularly during the annual meetings of the International Labour Conference, where he was instrumental in defending workers whose rights were violated and abused.
Kindly convey our heartfelt condolences to the KUCZKIEWICZ family, the entire membership of the ITUC, more especially the members of the trade union movement of Poland who would no doubt miss the late Brother Janek.
We pray to God to grant Brother Janek eternal rest and to give the bereaved family the courage to endure the loss.
Please accept our condolences and the renewed assurances of our highest esteem.
April 11th, 2008 at 10:57 am
I am much saddened and shocked by the news of Janek’s demise. For years, he has been a support to me and my organization, both on practical and spiritual terms. It is because he is so intelligent, effective and experienced. It is also because he is truly committed to the cause of democracy, trade unions rights and human rights. His demise will be a loss to my organization, the HKCTU, in particularly in our struggle to realize labour rights and trade unions rights in China. At the time of writing, I have not thought of anyone to fill the vacuum left by him…..
He will be remembered by me and many members of my organizations for a long long time.
Elizabeth Tang, Chief Executive, Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions
April 11th, 2008 at 11:01 am
Dear friends,
I will always remember Janek through our shared passion for books, sailing and cards games. Some of the titles of his favorite author represent what we all feel for him: we were all “janek’s people” and “absolute friends” of this wonderful “naive and sentimental lover”. Even though we all live our lives “single & single” over time “our game” to battle unjustness brought us all together. Janek, your “mission song” is now finished but we are sure that you will continue to be our “night manager” to remind us what we stand for.
I’ll miss you
Han
April 11th, 2008 at 11:19 am
Dear Guy and all the colleagues at the ITUC,
Together with so many other people around the world, we were shocked to learn about the untimely death of Janek earlier this week.
Many of the colleagues here at the ICEM have known Janek for years, some from occasional meetings, others through years of personal friendship. Whether they had met him once or twice, or dozens or hundreds of times, all speak, without exception, of a man with a remarkable energy, an infectious enthusiasm and an enormous integrity. Both as an individual and as a trade unionist, he made an extraordinary impression on virtually everyone he met. And he managed to continue to be inspiring to those that have had the pleasure to work with him throughout his carrier.
Given the passion with which he did his job - and lived his live - and looking at the many years – and the many hours per day - that he has been active in the trade union world, he will be dearly missed by countless friends, in all corners, and practically all countries of the world.
We will remember Janek, among many other things, for his excellent work on Burma, for the tremendous work he did towards the ILO, for the hundreds of presentations he did, in almost as many countries, to defend human and workers’ rights, for the demonstrations he took part in, for the demonstrations he organised, … this list does not really end.
Let’s continue to be inspired by his eagerness, his friendliness and his belief that something could really be done to make this world a better place. He certainly made ours a little better.
Please also convey our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Manfred Warda
ICEM General Secretary
April 11th, 2008 at 11:25 am
I sent the following message to Guy Ryder on April 9th.
Your message yesterday evening about the sudden death of Janek is a real shock for all of us who have been working and spending long days with him for so many years, discussing, chatting, exchanging views, a big part of our trade union life is kinked to him for many of us, like me, who have been working on human and trqde union rights fo long time.ùI met him one week a go in Brussels, he was remembering me that I had not yet replied to his message about the preparatory meeting of the ILO Conference, as usual, I gave it for granted and he was joking about it. The last time I saw him, smiling. With our deepest sadness, also on behalf of my collegues.
Cinzia Del Rio - UIL Italy
April 11th, 2008 at 11:38 am
I am very shocked and sad about the loss of our colleague and
friend Janek, who was such a splendid person and trade unionist. His
passing away is such a big loss to the international trade union
movement!
He left us too early and too suddenly. It will be quite hard to replace somewone like him.
Please, accpept my sincere condolences.
Enisa Salimovic, ITUC SEE Office Sarajevo
April 11th, 2008 at 11:42 am
Querio Guy y familia de la CSI,
Siempre nos rebelamos en contra lo que nos parece una injusticia!
La pérdida, tan inesperada, de Janek me resulta una terrible injusticia y sobran las palabras a la hora de expresar los sentimientos que le invaden a uno.
Por haber conocido. apreciado y finalmente querido a Janek siento su pérdida profundamente. Igual que la padecen todos los amigos y amigas que se estan expresando en los correos que te llegan. LLegan del mundo entero, de representantes de los que más sufren y necesitan del amparo de la CSI y de hombres como Janek.
He apreciado, como todos su amigos, su fé en la justicia social y en la libertad, su entrega absoluta a las causas más dfíciles, su abnegación irreductible en la defensa de los perseguidos por querer ejercer el derecho inalienable de la libertad a organizarse, a expresarse, a veces solo a existir!!!
Todos los testimonios recibidos indican cuan grande e importante ha sido su labor. Lo hizo siempre con absoluta lealtad a nuestra Internacional y sus más preciados postulados. Como debe ser!
Te ruego, querido amigo Guy, hagas patícipe de mis sentimientos y solidaridad, a todos los colegas que te rodean en el seno de la CSI y en particular a la familia de Janek.
Para tí el abrazo de siempre , solo que hoy …muy entristecido pero confiado en que sabremos superarnos y-consecuentes- con la obra llevada a cabo por Janek actuaremos bien y siempre,
La mejor manera de honrar a nuestros es no olvidarles. Recordarles siempre!
Manuel Simon.
April 11th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
C’est avec une profonde tristesse que nous venons d’apprendre le décès soudain de Janek.
Janek était un fervent défenseur des droits humains et syndicaux, très largement reconnu dans le mouvement syndical international. Au cours des dernières années, sa silhouette était indissociablement liée à la Commission des normes de l’Organisation internationale du travail.
Sa disparition constitue une lourde perte pour la CSI et pour tous les défenseurs des droits humains et syndicaux.
La CGT présente ses condoléances attristées à la direction de la CSI et à toutes et tous ses collègues. Elle prie celle-ci de les transmettre également à sa famille.
Guy JUQUEL
Responsable de l’Espace Europe/International
April 11th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Ti sono vicina anche se solo con il pensiero e la preghiera.
Un abbraccio grande grande.
Con affetto,
Saba
April 11th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Tu n’étais pas dans ton bureau ce 8 avril au matin. On devait se voir avec Djibril pour parler du Tchad. La veille, je t’avais demandé quelques minutes supplémentaires avant ou après la réunion pour me briefer un peu plus. Quelques minutes de ton si précieux temps! C’est qu’on pouvait se sentir tout petit devant toi. Tu étais prévenant, marrant, mais il y avait le flot du monde qui t’arrivait dans les oreilles et 36000 actions en cours ou à démarrer sans plus attendre. C’est fini, plus de conseils, plus de petits verres non plus. Je suis très triste, Cécilia aussi (qui me demande d’ajouter que non, elle, ne t’a jamais trouvé chiant, quoi qu’elle ait dit l’autre soir chez Natacha et Benoît) et beaucoup d’autres aux quatre coins du monde. C’est le résultat de toutes les semences de liberté que tu as semées et de ta générosité sans limites. Un feu d’artifice comme celui de tes 50 ans. Salut champion!
Jacky
April 11th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Nous somme attristé et vraiment touché par la disparution de notre camarade JANEK qui fut un des appuis essentiels dans notre lutte pour les droits économiques et sociaux. Nous nous joignons à la tristesse des tous ses proches et leurs adressons nos sinceres condoleances que nous les reexpedierons du maniere officielle.
salutations fraternelles.
HASSAN CHER HARED
secrétaire aux relations internationales de l’UDT
Italia
April 11th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Dear Colleagues,Brothers and Sisters,
It is with deep regret and sorrow that we have learnt of the sudden and untimely death of Janek Kuczkievicz, Director of the ITUC Department of Human and Trade Union Rights.
He was a very special and distinguished person deserving great respect both as a man and as a professional defender of trade union rights.He has done a lot for our organization - Belarusian congress of democratic trade unions (BKDP). Although being under pressure and persecutions the members of BKDP perfectly know that there a lot of people in the world who support them. There is a big world trade union family that will never leave us alone and always will help us. And Janek was always among the first who were giving us a helping hand either during the ILO Conferences and in the the ILO Workers’ Group or in everyday life.
Our deep gratitude will always go together with our memory of Janek Kuczkievicz.
Rest in peace our Friend.
On behalf of all members of BKDP and of the personal behalf of Alexander Yaroshuk- President of BKDP; Oleg Podolinski- BKDP International Secretary; Nikolai Kanakh - BKDP Bice-President
April 11th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
I just got the information that Janek passed away. Please receive my
sincere condolences. Whenever I had to deal with him I felt his deep and
sincere commitment. He was not easy going but he was a great character.
It will not be easy to replace him. I will not forget him,
Peter Seideneck
April 11th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Dear Colleagues,
We want to express our sadness to learn our comrade Yanek’s passing away.
It is a big loss for his friends and also for working class movement. Because he was a big fighter of workers rights and was using all energy to change the world. He worked hard for international labour movement as the director of Human and Trade union Rights Department of International Trade Union Confederation.(ITUC)
We will never forget his struggle and his dedication to working class movement.
His memory will live in our struggle.
And we want to convey our condolence to ITUC family and all colleagues in the world.
Selcuk Goktas
General Secretary
UNITED METALWORKERS’ UNION-TURKEY
April 11th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Dear Guy and all the colleagues at the ITUC,
We learnt with great shock and deep pain about the sudden and untimely passing away of Brother Janek Kuczkiewicz, ITUC Director of Human and Trade Union Rights. Death of a close one is often difficult to bear and this is even more the case when this happens suddenly.
We extend our deepest condolences to Janek’s family and our colleagues at ITUC-Brussels who worked closely with him.
Brother Janek will be sorely missed for his consistent and vigorous defence of the rights of working women and men around the globe. We shall feel the loss of his invaluable support for the work of the Workers Groups at the Committee on Application of Standards of the International Labour Conference.
Janek will surely be remembered for his immense contribution to the cause of the world’s working people.
Adieu Janek!
Kwasi Adu-Amankwah
General Secretary
ITUC-Africa
P O Box 67273 - 00200
Tel:(+254 – 20) 34 00 46/27 103 10/27 173 08/27 173 24
Fax: (+254 – 20) 221 50 72/27 103 02
Nairobi, Kenya
http://www.ituc-africa.org
kwasi.adu-amankwah@ituc-africa.org
April 11th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Dear Guy and all the colleagues at the ITUC,
Together with so many other people around the world, we were shocked to learn about the untimely death of Janek earlier this week.
Many of the colleagues here at the ICEM have known Janek for years, some from occasional meetings, others through years of personal friendship. Whether they had met him once or twice, or dozens or hundreds of times, all speak, without exception, of a man with a remarkable energy, an infectious enthusiasm and an enormous integrity. Both as an individual and as a trade unionist, he made an extraordinary impression on virtually everyone he met. And he managed to continue to be inspiring to those that have had the pleasure to work with him throughout his carrier.
Given the passion with which he did his job - and lived his live - and looking at the many years – and the many hours per day - that he has been active in the trade union world, he will be dearly missed by countless friends, in all corners, and practically all countries of the world.
We will remember Janek, among many other things, for his excellent work on Burma, for the tremendous work he did towards the ILO, for the hundreds of presentations he did, in almost as many countries, to defend human and workers’ rights, for the demonstrations he took part in, for the demonstrations he organised, … this list does not really end.
Let’s continue to be inspired by his eagerness, his friendliness and his belief that something could really be done to make this world a better place. He certainly made ours a little better.
Please also convey our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Manfred Warda
ICEM General Secretary
April 11th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Today we say goodbye to a union man who is loved and respected throughout the world. A warrior for human rights, Janek inspired us all to act against injustice wherever we find it.
The flagship publication of the ITUC, The Annual Survey of Violations of Trade Union Rights, is the world’s most credible reminder of the work that must be done to overcome oppression for working people. This will live on as a reminder of the hopes and aspirations of oppressed working people to the democratic freedoms we all work towards. Janek’s efforts on this and in so many many other ways was formidable.
Janek’s contribution to a better world was felt and is recognised by trade unionists and human rights activists on every continent.
For those of us mourning his passing we have lost a friend, a friend taken before his time and it saddens us deeply. The loss of his smile, his compassion, his wise advice, always available, will leave a large hole in our hearts and in our movement.
From Australia, I share your grief and send my deepest condolences to Janek’s daughter Alice, partner Françoise, his brothers and sister and many friends and union colleagues around the world.
With love and respect,
Sharan Burrow
President
Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU)
International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).
April 11th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
I would like to say how much I am sudden about Janek’s death. I have had very good cooperation to him, I have learned a lot from him, and I will miss him. He also supported me in some regional activities on TUR, where I have had an opportunity to learn more about his life.
My best regards,
Enisa Salimovic,
Legal adviser
ITUC SEE Office Sarajevo
April 11th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Nous partageons votre douleur et nous nous joignons à nos Collègues pour voue exprimer nos sincères Condoléances . Pour nous qui l’avons aussi Connu ;nous gardons de lui un bon souvenir.
ghislaine BROOHM-SAIZONOU
April 11th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Odszedl ktos wyjatkowy ,wprost nie mozna uwierzyc ,ze tak nagle…
Glebokie wyrazy wspolczucia dla rodziny i najblizszych,
LIDIA BARANEK
April 11th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
C’est avec une grande tristesse que je viens d’apprendre le décès de notre camarade et ami Janek KUCZKIEWICZ, Directeur du département des Droits Humains et Syndicaux de la C.I.S. .
J’ai souvent pensé à lui ces dernières années quand je me rendais à Bruxelles et même si je n’ai pu trouver le temps de passer ma tête dans son bureau de la maison syndicale internationale à Bruxelles, j’ai songé à son activité débordante et pleine d’énergie.
Je m’honore de l’avoir connu et qu’il m’ait appelé de temps à autre son frère en jouant sans doute sur mon nom et l’amitié que nous avions l’un pour l’autre même si mes nouvelles fonctions syndicales dans ma fédération professionnelle aux chemins de fer français nous avait bien éloigné.
J’ai connu Janek en 1994. Fin 1993, je venais d’être appelé à travailler auprès de Jacques PE, secrétaire confédéral de la Confédération FO en charge du secteur Europe International et dès 1994, je participais à une réunion de coordination à Singapour des organisations syndicales donatrices pour les projets d’entraide pour la région Asie pacifique de la C.I.S.L. . J’avais été frappé par son engagement indéfectible quels que pouvaient être les obstacles pour la défense et la promotion des droits syndicaux et humains.
A chacun de mes séjours en Asie (Hong Kong, Thailande, Cambodge, Corée, Japon, Chine Populaire, Philippines, Inde, Sri Lanka, Russie, ….) en Europe de l’Est (Belarus, Bulgarie, hongrie, etc…) ainsi que pour des missions de représentations pour mon secrétaire confédéral et général (M.BLONDEL), je ne manquais pas de lui faire part de mes impressions de ces tournées syndicales.
Il m’avait encouragé et félicité pour mon rapport sur la crise asiatique de 1997 vu du côté syndical et j’étais fier de sa sincérité qu’il n’hésitait jamais à compléter par des critiques toujours constructives et fraternelles.
Je lui avais fait part de ma colère et de mon enthousiasme pour nos camarades cambodgiens avec lesquels j’avais réalisé une séance inédite de “formation syndicale à la négociation”. Certains d’entre eux ont été emprisonnés ou assasinés quelques années plus tard.
Je lui parlais toujours avec indignation et enthousiasme de ce que j’avais vu clandestinement en Chine Populaire dans la Z.E.E. de Zhuhai et Shenzen et combien j’étais effaré par la visite de la frontière entre les deux corées…Sans omettre le Belarus…et ma visite comme délégué français lors de l’Assemblée Générale de l’ONU en 1997 ainsi qu’à l’O.I.T. .
Si nous avons rapidement sympathisé, c’est sans doute parce que nous partagions un grand réservoir d’indignation qui nous poussait à réagir en militants déterminés pour défendre l’essentiel et ce qu’il y a de plus noble dans l’Homme: l’amour de la justice sociale et de la liberté comme du progrès.
Anecdote dont je suis le plus fier: j’avais souhaité travailler pour le département des droits humains et syndicaux de la C.I.S.L. à ses côtés et ensemble tout avait été parfaitement préparé. Qu’il m’ait soutenu et fait confiance fut pour moi une grande joie autant qu’une grande responsabilité: celle de ne pas le décevoir.
Si cela ne s’est pas réalisé, c’est à cause d’un différent dans la négociation avec mon employeur (la SNCF). Janek avait obtenu l’accord du Secrétaire Général de la CISL complété par la soutien de mon secrétaire général confédéral.
Aujourd’hui, il n’aurait sans doute pas voulu que je pleure.
Il m’aurait peut-être dit qu’il y a encore beaucoup de combats à mener, des syndicalistes , des travailleurs à sortir de prison, à défendre leurs droits sociaux. Il m’aurait peut-être dit que la vie est un passage et qu’il faut le vivre le mieux possible , se battre pour des idées telles que l’universalisme des droits humains, qu’il faut se mettre à la place de celles et ceux qui souffrent et porter leurs voix quand ils ne peuvent le faire eux-mêmes…
Le plus bel hommage que l’on puisse lui rendre c’est de poursuivre le combat syndical, le combat pour les droits humains avec la même détermination qu’il a eu toute sa vie.
Nul doute que je ne t’oublierais jamais et que de temps à autre je me dirais ou demanderais “comment janek aurait-t-il réagi?”…
Merci mon Frère d’avoir ainsi marquer mon engagement militant syndical et pour les droits humains.
A toi, et à ta famille et tous tes amis qui aujourd’hui pleurent avec moi…
Rémi AUFRERE
Secrétaire Fédéral FO cheminots (France)
Europe-International- Poltique des transports
(ancien assistant confédéral FO secteur Europe International en charge Asie et notamment PECO normes OIT…).
April 11th, 2008 at 1:24 pm
J’ai connu Janek lors de la conférence de l’OIT de l’année dernière, où j’accompagnais pour la première fois le Président Luc Cortebeeck à la Commission des Normes. Janek a su me conseiller, me guider, m’épauler mais aussi m’écouter, me considérer, me respecter. Nous avions parfois des discussions animées et des positions différentes sur la manière d’aborder un cas, ou sur la stratégie à adopter envers les autres groupes. Mais toujours nous sommes arrivés à mettre au premier plan l’intérêt des travailleurs ! Je me réjouissais de revivre cette expérience cette année encore aux côtés de Janek… Il nous manquera à tous et toutes, il nous laisse un héritage à porter. Nous essayerons de relever le défi.
Mes pensées vont à ses proches, à ses collègues, à sa fille…
Véronique Rousseau, ACV-CSC Belgique
April 11th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
ENGLISH (quick and basic translation)
It is with great sadness that I have just learned of the death of our colleague and friend Janek KUCZKIEWICZ, Director, Department of Human Rights and the Union of CIS .
I thought of him in recent years when I was in Brussels, and although I was unable to find the time to move my head in his office of the international trade union house in Brussels, I thought about his activity overflowing and full of energy.
I am honoured to have known and he called me from time to time his brother playing perhaps on my behalf and friendship that we had for one another even though my new union in my professional federation railways french we had removed.
I knew Janek in 1994. In late 1993, I had just been asked to work with Jacques PE, confederal secretary of the Confederation FO Europe and International dept since 1994, I took part in a coordination meeting in Singapore trade union organisations donor for projects’ Mutual for the Asia-Pacific region of the ICFTU . I was struck by his unwavering commitment regardless of the obstacles could be for the defence and promotion of human and trade union rights.
At each of my visits to Asia (Hong Kong, Thailand, Cambodia, Korea, Japan, China People, the Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, Russia,….) Eastern Europe (Belarus, Bulgaria, hungary…) as well as missions for my performances and Confederal Secretary General (Mr. BLONDEL), I do not have missed him with my impressions of these tours union.
He encouraged and congratulated me for my report on the Asian crisis of 1997 seen on the union and I was proud of his sincerity he would never hesitate to be completed by critics always constructive and fraternal.
I had expressed my anger and my enthusiasm for cambodian our comrades with whom I conducted an unprecedented meeting of trade union training in the negotiation. ” Some of them were imprisoned or assasinés few years later.
I always talked with indignation and enthusiasm that I had seen in China illegally in the EEZ Zhuhai and Shenzhen and how I was amazed by the visit of the border between the two koreas… and Belarus… my visit and french as a delegate at the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1997 and the ILO .
If we quickly made friends, it’s probably because we share a great reservoir of indignation, pushing us to respond by militants determined to defend the essential and what is most noble in man: ” love of social justice and freedom as progress.
What I am most proud: I wanted to work for the department of human and trade union rights of the ICFTU
Alongside him and set everything was perfectly prepared. Whether supported me and trusted was a great pleasure for me as much as a great responsibility: to not disappoint him.
If this has not been achieved, it was because of a difference in negotiating with my employer (SNCF). Janek had obtained the agreement of the Secretary General of the ICFTU complemented by the support of my confederal secretary general.
Today, he probably would not have wanted me to cry.
He perhaps said it is still a lot of fighting to be taken, trade unionists, workers out of prison, to defend their social and human rights. He perhaps said life is a passage and he should live the best possible way to fight for ideas such as the universality of human rights, that must be put in the place of those and those who suffer and bear their voices when they may do so themselves…
The best tribute that we can pay him is to continue the struggle to organize, the fight for human rights with the same determination that he had all his life.
There is no doubt that I will ever t’oublierais and that from time to time I would say or ask “how janek would he react?”…
Thanks to my brother and to express my commitment to a trade union and human rights.
To you, and your family and all your friends who now grieve with me…
Rémi AUFRERE
Federal Secretary FO rail workers (France)
- International-Europe transports Policy
(Former assistant Confederal sector FO International and Europe and Asia including charge PECO… ILO standards). “
April 11th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
En nombre de la Comisión Ejecutiva de la Federación Estatal de Transportes, Comunicaciones y Mar-UGT (TCM-UGT) quiero hecerle llegar nuestras condolencias por la inesperada y lamentable pérdida del compañero Janek Kuczkiewicz, Director del Departamento de Derechos Humanos y Sindicales de la CSI, y luchador inclaudicable por los derechos de los trabajadores, sumándonos a los homenajes y reconocimientos a su trayectoria y calidad humana. Quisiera le transmitiera nuestro pesar a su familia, sus amigos/as y compañeros/as de la CSI.
Saludos fraternales
Amparo Sánchez
Secretaria de Relaciones Internacionales TCM-UGT
Gerardo Martinez
Sec. de Relaciones Internacionales de la CGT RA
April 11th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
On avait travaillé ensemble à la conférence de Vienne en 1993… parlé de tout ou presque… pas toujours d’accord mais c’était sans importance sur le fond pendant une conférence où se jouait la notion d’universalité des droits de l’homme à laquelle tu croyais pleinement.
Nous n’avons pas eu la chance de nous croiser à nouveau, et pourtant je me souviens de pratiquement tous nos échanges tant ton courage et ta force de conviction marquent…même après des années.
Je ne te pleurerai pas, t’aurais pas aimé, alors salut j’essayerai d’être digne de ta mémoire dans les combats à venir… ça t’aurais préféré.
Bruno Quemada militant syndical et associatif.
April 11th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Janek was a good friend of the European Parliament’s trade union intergroup. He will be greatly missed by the many friends he made in the Parliament.
April 11th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
It was with deep sadness we heard that Janek Kuczkiewicz passed away. In Janek we lost a great personality. We appreciate his commitment and work for Trade Unions Rights all over the world.
With all our respect,
Marjaana Valkonen
Director
SAK Finland
Katja Lehto-Komulainen
European Secretary
SAK Finland
April 11th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Une formidable énergie pour une prodigieuse capacité de comprendre et d’aimer :
quel bonheur d’avoir rencontré cet homme et quel devoir de transmettre une parcelle de ce qu’il a donné.
De quoi sécher les larmes.
Jean-Louis David
April 11th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Dear Colleagues,
We have been very sad to learn of Mr. Janek Kuczkiewicz’s passing, and in this respect, on behalf of the NTUC „Cartel ALFA” members, we wish to express our deep heartfelt condolences for his tragic and unexpected departure. But we are sure that he will be remembered with affection and admiration by all who were privileged to have known and worked with him.
We consider Mr. Janek Kuczkiewicz passing away as very sad news and a great loss for the colleagues from ITUC and also for the entire Trade Union movement, and in this respect we would like to ask you to convey our regards, deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to his family and colleagues who will always remember him.
His loss is a loss to us all.
Yours faithfully,
Bogdan Iuliu Hossu
President of NTUC “Cartel ALFA”
202A Splaiul Independentei, sector 6
Bucharest, Romania
tel: 0040.21.317.10.45
fax: 0040.21.312.34.81
mobil: +40 (744) 38.44.24.
e-mail: hossu@cartel-alfa.ro
http://www.cartel-alfa.ro
April 11th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Dear colleagues,
I would just like to pass on my personal condolences on the loss of Janek Kuczkiewicz. He was a wonderful man with great dedication for workers and Trade Union rights. His character, knowledge and experience gave me strength and hope that together we can make a better future.
With deepest sympathy to Janek’s colleagues, friends and family.
May he rest in peace
Jasmin Redzepovic
April 11th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
We, membres and staff of MSF are deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing away of Janek.
Janek has been involved with MSF as a member of the Board of MSF-Belgium for many years. He has contributed tremendously to our associative debates, always with impressive commitment, passion and humanity.
He has been someone very important for MSF and will be profoundly missed.
On behalf of MSF, please convey our deepest condolences to Janek’s family, friends and colleagues.
The Direction team and the Board of Directors of Médecins Sans Frontières - Belgium
April 11th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
We, membres and staff of MSF are deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing away of Janek.
Janek has been involved with MSF as a member of the Board of MSF-Belgium for many years. He has contributed tremendously to our associative debates, always with impressive commitment, passion and humanity.
He has been someone very important for MSF and will be profoundly missed.
On behalf of MSF, please convey our deepest condolences to Janek’s family, friends and colleagues.
The Direction team and the Board of Directors of Médecins Sans Frontières - Belgium
April 11th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Serdeczne wyrazy wspolczucia rodzinie i licznym znajomym i przyjaciolom, jakich maja tylko ludzie wielcy. Janina Pustkowska
April 11th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
A nos équipée en bateau dans les îles britaniques,aux fêtes endiablées au TITSOPAO, a ton courage et tes rires nombreux et communicatifs,a “on peux jouer hein,c’est les vacances !!! A ton amitié et ta gentillesse,
moi et mon clan (tous les DE RYCK& CO)on sera heureux de te retrouver là -bas,dans l’autre monde,quand l’heure aura sonné…… amour pour toujours ….. GAE
April 11th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Cher Yaneck,
C’est grâce au Tibet et aux Tibétains que nous sommes rencontrés. Ta sagesse, ton humour et ta volonté auraient pu faire de toi un des leurs. Cette belle humanité qui émanait de toi et qui nous touchait tous, faisait de toi un véritable citoyen du monde, tu étais chez toi partout. Puisse t’il en être ainsi là où tu poursuis ton chemin.
Merci t’avoir rendu ce monde meilleur et plus humain.
Toutes mes pensées à Alice, ta famille et tes proches.
Fabienne Ferir
Siem Reap, Cambodge.
April 11th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
salut Janek,
quand je t’ai rencontré la première fois, chez MSF en 89, j’ai été frappée de ton regard si particulier.. ce regard qui perce l’âme, qui sonde les coeurs, qui transmet son energie.. et puis, ces petites rides aux coins des yeux .. et on perçoit toute ton humanité, ta générosité, ta tendresse des autres aussi !
Janek,
nos chemins se sont plusieurs fois croisés dans les couloirs MSFiens, et toujours cet engagement, cette volonté de faire bouger le monde, de tendre la main à ceux qui qui n’ont même plus d’espoir !
Janek,
merci pour ce que tu es, insuffle-nous de là-haut tout ton Amour et du courage: on va continuer, chacun à notre façon, ton combat pour la Vie
Janek,
j’envoie une pensée émue à ta famille et tes proches amis, je t’embrasse très très fort
valeriane
April 11th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
Very sad and shocking news.
Janek was so much devoted to the defence of the workers’ rights.
It’s a very big loss to the workers’ movement and to all of us who knew him personally. He was always so friendly and good humoured.
I will remember him.
All my deepest condolences to Janek’s family and colleagues.
Alexander Iafaev,
ILO Geneva
April 11th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
I would like to express my very deep regret and sadness with the tragic news of the sudden death of Janek. I would like to express my condolences to his family and close friends but I would also like to express my very great gratitude and admiration for the committment of Janek towards ensuring the respect for fundamental social rights in the world. I had the opportunity to work with Janek as representative of the European Commission in the ILO and before a a trade union colleague.
Dear Janek, I will always remember you for your very outstanding committment.
Rudi Delarue
European Commission
April 11th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
UNI Global Union is deeply saddened by sudden death of our friend Janek Kuczkiewicz.
Janek was a champion in the fight to win respect for union rights across the world.
He was a man of breathtaking determination and uncompromising in the struggle to expose repression, intimidation and victimisation of the workers everywhere.
His sharp mind and strong voice enabled him to lend the fight against those that abused their power and authority at the expense of workers.
In the arena of the trade union rights Janek was the man you wanted fighting for your side.
UNI Global Union has worked with Janek on many occasions and he was never found wanting.
On behalf of UNI Global Union and all our affiliates, we send our sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. His work was appreciated by millions of workers and he will not be forgotten.
Philip J. Jennings
General Secretary
UNI GLOBAL UNION
April 11th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Cher Janek,
Je t’ai connu en Indonésie, à Yogjakarta, lors d’une mini AG MSF, en 1998. Nous avons visité Borobodur ensemble. Par la suite, tu as toujours été présent lors des visites en Belgique des anciens de la mission Indonésie, tu nous as ouvert les portes de ton appartement, invités à manger, on a partagé des fous rires ensemble. Et au fil des années, on se croisait aux AG, on s’emailait. Tu parlais avec fierté de ta fille Alice qui voulait apprendre le chinois. Tu nous manqueras à tous.
La mort, ce n’est pas grand chose.
Je me suis juste esquivé dans la pièce d’à côté. Je suis moi, et tu es toi. Ce que nous étions l’une pour l’autre, nous le sommes toujours.
Appelle-moi par mon nom familier, parle-moi de la façon dont tu m’as toujours parlé. Ne mets pas de différence dans le ton de ta voix, Ne sois pas chagrinée. Ris en pensant aux petites histoires qui nous ont toujours fait sourire.
Laisse mon nom être à jamais le nom familier qu’il a toujours été, prononce-le sans effort, sans la moindre tristesse.
La vie représente ce qu’elle a toujours représenté. Rien n’a changé, c’est une continuité sans fin.
Pourquoi devrais-je être loin de ton esprit si je suis loin de tes yeux ? Je t’attends, pour un moment, quelque part, pas très loin, juste derrière le coin.
Je suis bien.
April 11th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
A Dieu cher Yanek,
Au délà de la douleur et de la peine.
Au délà des souvenirs et de rires
Au délà des frontières,
Toi, qui est parti sans frontière
Toi, qui maintenant est sans frontière
Nos rêves d’accompagne,
Nos sourires d’accompagne
Nos regards d’accompagne
A Dieu Yanek
April 11th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Brak mi slow…
Niezwykly czlowiek, niezwykla dzialalnosc. Czlowiek czlowiekowi czlowiekiem.
Najglebsze wyrazy wspolczucia rodzinie, przyjaciolom i wspolpracownikom, wszystkim tym, ktorzy go znali, szanowali i cenili za odwage i poswiecenie.
Elzbieta.
April 11th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Amnesty International is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Janek Kuczkiewicz who passed away at his home in Brussels on 7 April. Amnesty activists and especially those working on the human rights of trade unionists join us in mourning this loss.
Janek was Director for Human and Trade Union Rights of the International Trade Union Confederation, and for decades a close colleague and friend to Amnesty International and scores of activists. He was a passionate human rights defender, endowed with an optimism deeply rooted in a sharp sense of justice. Janek’s thirst for life meant he took brave decisions and also gave him a hearty laugh if his efforts came undone. Amnesty will sorely miss his friendship and solidarity but his life’s work is a celebration of human and trade union rights.
Janek lead the ITUC’s contribution to two global days of trade union and human rights action, in 2007 and 2008, aimed at securing freedom for two Iranian TU activists, Mansour Ossanlu (or, Osanloo) and Mahmoud Salehi. Both actions served to underscore the link between Trade Unions and Amnesty and build international solidarity.
Less than a week ago Janek was a keynote speaker at Amnesty UK’s Trade Union Conference in Nottingham. In his contribution, he was as witty as he was wise – relishing the opportunity to build mutual solidarity and frank in his terms. It was classic, thoughtful, Janek at his best, speaking with authority and enthusiasm about union activism on human rights and the scope for collaboration and, as usual, he won over his crowd. A debonair activist with serious intent.
The funeral will be held at the church of Saint Joseph in Wezembeek-Oppem, Brussels on 12 April at 11am. Amnesty International will be represented by Shane Enright, of Amnesty’s UK section.
Irene Khan, Secretary General, Amnesty International
April 11th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Dear Janek,
I saw you on Monday when I was in Brussels and we talked about you coming to Geneva and how much we were looking forward to it…I came to say goodbye to you at the end of the day, before leaving to the airport, not knowing it would be the last time I would see you.. I still cannot believe it.
You were such a committed fighter for trade union rights, but also a great person and a friend, by whom I was and will remain inspired. I am sad but also grateful for all those moments we have shared: the WTO ministerial and the demonstrations in the streets of Hong Kong, meetings in Brussels and many moments in Geneva, which I will always remember.
My sincere condolences and deepest sympathy for your daughter Alice, your partner and your family and friends.
Will miss you!
Esther
April 11th, 2008 at 5:46 pm
Pour notre très cher Janek, que nous considérons comme un ami. Tu es toujours dans nos coeurs.
Beccet, du service de nettoyage ISS
April 11th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Janek ?
Tu es là ?
Les mots sont si peu de choses pour te dire ce que j’ai sur le cœur. Tu manques. Simplement. Et déjà tellement.
Je mesure ma chance, nous mesurons tous notre chance à Actions Birmanie, d’avoir pu te rencontrer, d’avoir pu nous battre ensemble depuis presque10 ans.
Et oui les souvenirs défilent. La fondation des élus pour la Birmanie le 9/9/99 au parlement européen. Ta présence régulière, le sourire dans la voix et dans les yeux, à nos réunions d’AB. Ton enthousiasme irrésistiblement contagieux lors de notre rédaction avec Véronique de la plainte contre Total. Ta présence, magique, systématique, encourageante, à chacune des audiences publiques de cette longue procédure. Nos « Face à l’Info » en studio, où tu me donnais du « Maître Chapelle » avec comme but de donner du poids à nos mots respectifs, mais que tu prononçais avec ce sourire en coin, cette autodérision joyeuse que nous te connaissons tous. Ce souper à nous deux, où tu m’as fait l’honneur de me donner ton opinion, claire et incisive, à la veille d’une décision fondamentale. Ton coup de téléphone chaleureux pour me dire que si je continuais comme cela, tu finirais par être contraint, à ton grand désespoir, de voter pour un socialiste :-). Ta présence, normale, évidente, mais c’est la dernière fois que nous nous sommes vus, à la manifestation de soutien au Tibet.
Janek, à y regarder de plus près, chacun de ces souvenirs est une leçon de vie, de bonne humeur, de bonheur. Et je crois que c’est ce qui fait que tu nous a tant marqués, nous tous qui éprouvons le besoin de te dire notre affection ici. Bien sûr, il y avait ta science, ta maîtrise des dossiers et du côté clair de la force. Mais le plus important : avec toi, la lutte pour un monde plus juste était une fête permanente.
Janek ? Même ton départ est une fête. La gorge nouée de ton absence, nous sommes, je crois, beaucoup à sourire de ton dernier témoignage. Il est là, devant nous : cette fraternité venue d’Europe, d’Amérique du Nord ou d’Amérique Latine, d’Afrique, du Moyen Orient et évidemment d’Asie. Un autre monde est possible ? Non, il est là. Il existe aujourd’hui à travers nous tous qui avons en commun le souvenir de ton visage.
So long Master Jedy. So long.
Grégor
April 11th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
LAMENTABLE FALLECIMIENTO
La Confederación de Trabajadores de Colombia –CTC-, informa que el Compañero JANEK KUCZKIEWICZ – Director del Departamento de Derechos Humanos y Sindicales de la Confederación Sindical Internacional –CSI- falleció el día de hoy 08 de Abril de 2.008, en su domicilio en Bruselas.
El Compañero JANEK, fue un destacado Dirigente Sindical y defensor de los Derechos Humanos. Estuvo varias veces en el Pais apoyando al Sindicalismo Colombiano y en la denuncia internacional por la violacion a los Derechos Humanos, los asesinatos a sindicalistas y la impunidad como manifestación de solidaridad con ese estado de persecución que soportamos.
Expresamos nuestro sentido pésame a la Confederación Sindical Internacional –CSI-, a todo el Movimiento Sindical Internacional, a su distinguida familia y a todos (as) compañeros (as) de trabajo.
La desaparición del Compañero JANEK, deja un vacío difícil de llenar y es una gran pérdida para el Movimiento Sindical Internacional.
Paz en su tumba.
APECIDES ALVIZ FERNANDEZ LUIS MIGUEL MORANTES
Presidente Secretario General
Bogotá, 08 de Abril de 2.008
April 11th, 2008 at 6:18 pm
Janek,
Je t’ai connu en 1994. Je ne te connaissais pas bien à cette époque, mais au fil du temps, on est devenu des amis. Tu m’as beaucoup aidé, on se taquinait beaucoup, je ne t’oublierai jamais.
Ismaïl, chef d’équipe ISS
April 11th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Salut Janek
Tu étais un ami, un confident, un formidable défenseur des droits humains, l’âme de la CSI… et tant de belles autres choses encore. Des très grandes causes aux plus petites tristesses individuelles, tu avais l’énergie et prenais le temps d’aider ou de conseiller chacun. Quel courage tu avais, malgré ce fichu handicap, malgré ta douleur ! Tu ne parlais pas pour refaire le monde, tu le refaisais vraiment, par tes actes, par les dizaines de milliers d’heures que tu as consacrées aux autres. Tu resteras à jamais un exemple.
Je me souviens de la fois où tu étais parti « en vacances » en Thaïlande. Pour toi, aller en vacances là-bas, c’était bien entendu passer aussi du temps sur la frontière birmane pour rencontrer des déplacés birmans… Tu y avais rencontré un homme à qui il manquait une ou deux jambes, mais qui n’avait pas de fauteuil roulant. De retour en Belgique, tu lui as acheté ce que tu appelais « la Formule 1 des fauteuils roulants », et tu m’as demandé « Sam, quand repars-tu à Bangkok ? Tu dois amener ça dans tes bagages ». Je n’allais malheureusement pas en Thaïlande dans les semaines suivantes, mais une de mes amies y allait, et elle a accepté de prendre en charge la chaise roulante. Tu es même allé chez elle le jour de son départ et tu l’as conduite à l’aéroport, pour être certain que la chaise roulante de ce monsieur lui parviendrait.
Des anecdotes comme celles-là, nous sommes nombreux à nous en rappeler, elles sont autant de témoignages de ta bonté, de ta force morale et de tant d’autres qualités. Tu vas nous manquer énormément, Janek. Te connaissant, tu te dis peut-être de « là-haut » : « Mais ils n’ont pas fini de se lamenter ? Il y a tant de cas de violations des droits humains auxquelles s’attaquer, il n’y a pas de temps à perdre ! ». C’est sûr, on va devoir se décarcasser pour défendre ces droits, on te doit bien ça. Merci pour tout.
Sam
April 11th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
LAMENTABLE FALLECIMIENTO
La Confederación de Trabajadores de Colombia –CTC-, informa que el Compañero JANEK KUCZKIEWICZ – Director del Departamento de Derechos Humanos y Sindicales de la Confederación Sindical Internacional –CSI- falleció el día de hoy 08 de Abril de 2.008, en su domicilio en Bruselas.
El Compañero JANEK, fue un destacado Dirigente Sindical y defensor de los Derechos Humanos. Estuvo varias veces en el Pais apoyando al Sindicalismo Colombiano y en la denuncia internacional por la violacion a los Derechos Humanos, los asesinatos a sindicalistas y la impunidad como manifestación de solidaridad con ese estado de persecución que soportamos.
Expresamos nuestro sentido pésame a la Confederación Sindical Internacional –CSI-, a todo el Movimiento Sindical Internacional, a su distinguida familia y a todos (as) compañeros (as) de trabajo.
La desaparición del Compañero JANEK, deja un vacío difícil de llenar y es una gran pérdida para el Movimiento Sindical Internacional.
Paz en su tumba.
APECIDES ALVIZ FERNANDEZ LUIS MIGUEL MORANTES
Presidente Secretario General
Bogotá, 08 de Abril de 2.008
April 11th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
j’ai connu Janek à travers sa ‘tribu d’amis’. On se voyait rarement,mais sa disponibilité,sa chaleur humaine,son ‘Chakra’ de la compassion tout ouvert,faisaient qu’on se sentait si bien à son coté!C’était un être rare, citoyen du monde,les pieds sur la terre mais le coeur dans l’univers. Son départ est douloureux pour nous tous . Je me sens proche de sa famille, les amis, les collègue en ces moments si tristes. Il va continuer a vivre en nous.
CARLA
April 11th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
LAMENTABLE FALLECIMIENTO
La Confederación de Trabajadores de Colombia –CTC-, informa que el Compañero JANEK KUCZKIEWICZ – Director del Departamento de Derechos Humanos y Sindicales de la Confederación Sindical Internacional –CSI- falleció el día de hoy 08 de Abril de 2.008, en su domicilio en Bruselas.
El Compañero JANEK, fue un destacado Dirigente Sindical y defensor de los Derechos Humanos. Estuvo varias veces en el Pais apoyando al Sindicalismo Colombiano y en la denuncia internacional por la violacion a los Derechos Humanos, los asesinatos a sindicalistas y la impunidad como manifestación de solidaridad con ese estado de persecución que soportamos.
Expresamos nuestro sentido pésame a la Confederación Sindical Internacional –CSI-, a todo el Movimiento Sindical Internacional, a su distinguida familia y a todos (as) compañeros (as) de trabajo.
La desaparición del Compañero JANEK, deja un vacío difícil de llenar y es una gran pérdida para el Movimiento Sindical Internacional.
Paz en su tumba.
APECIDES ALVIZ FERNANDEZ - Presidente
LUIS MIGUEL MORANTES - Secretario General
Bogotá, 08 de Abril de 2.008
April 11th, 2008 at 6:41 pm
Au revoir Grand Homme…et merci pour tout ce que tu as apporté et donné aux gens.
April 11th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Ala, Jurek, Mik, Hanka, Francoise, Michelle! Przykro mi, że nie mogę być z Wami. Myślami jednak i sercem jestem i pozostanę. Agnieszka
April 11th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
please acepet our deep heartest condolence on passaway late janek-kuczkiewicz
it is indeed a great sorrow on great loss all of us he left us certainly too early.we will continuee to keep up his work in human right and trade union right all over the world
may god kee his soul rest in peace
MUHAMMAD AZAM
SECRETARY GENERAL AIRCRAFT TECHNOLOGESTS ASSOCIATION OF
PAKISTAN
April 11th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Janek,
on avait tellement besoin de toi ici, de ton énergie heureuse de construire un monde juste, de ton charisme et ton charme, de tes talents à bâtir cette solidarité mondiale entre les humains — au travail…
Tu ne nous laisses pas le choix : on essaiera de nous montrer à la hauteur de ce que tu nous as appris.
Isabelle
April 11th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
In memory of Janek, a courageous advocate of Free Trade Unionism who did so much
to promote a universal vision of Workers Human Rights so much needed in a majority of
nations.
David Brombart
Former Head of Communications ICFTU
April 11th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Please accept my sincere condolences.
I am a moderator for Democracy_for Burma@yahoogroups.com.au and I
am confident the Burmese people feel the same as me.
His contribution to the Burmese democracy cause, including the forced labour issue is widely acknowledged worldwide.
Yours sincerely,
Neill Staurland,
Norway.
A moderator for D4B
Member of The Burma Campaign UK
Member of Amnesty International
Member of LO and Fellesforbundet - union in Norway
April 11th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
Ta générosité, ton sens du partage des bons comme des mauvais moments, ton écoute, ta tendresse, ton humour, ta fougueuse et contagieuse énergie, ton courage et ta chevaleresque loyauté… tant de qualités pour un seul homme, « SuperJanek » comme te dessinait Nikita.
Toutes ces belles soirées où les verres se remplissaient au fur et à mesure qu’il fallait remplacer les bougies. A compter les étoiles au jardin l’été, et continuer à les faire briller même quand le ciel d’hiver est tout plombé.
Y croire fort, culbuter les obstacles un à un, se relever malgré les bosses, ne jamais lâcher, ne jamais renoncer même aux causes les plus difficiles, aux étoiles les plus inaccessibles. Cette flamme que toutes les polices les plus zélées de tous les régimes liberticides que tu combattais de toutes tes forces n’arriveront jamais à éteindre, on la garde bien au chaud dans nos cœurs. Là où résonne ta belle voix de basse qui accompagnait Louis et Benoit à la guitare.
Tu avais toujours un mouchoir bien repassé pour les filles qui aux enterrements « pleurent beaucoup et oublient toujours leur mouchoir ». Je pleure, tu n’es plus là, pour le mouchoir, et pour me serrer la main très fort comme tu l’avais fait quand Barbara nous avait quittés.
Ce soir, Benoit a cuisiné des saltimbocca. Tu ne passeras pas à la maison finir les plats avec un verre de rouge après avoir bouclé tardivement un dossier urgent au bureau. Demain matin, quand j’arriverai au bureau, Libé sans personne pour me le disputer sera bien amer. Qu’est-ce que tu nous manques déjà !
Sous le choc de ton départ, Benoit et moi on a laissé en plan le travail de montage de la vidéo sur la Birmanie dont tu attendais de voir le résultat. Mais ne t’inquiète pas, comme tu l’aurais fait, on va très vite s’y remettre.
Merci pour toute cette exceptionnelle humanité rassembleuse que tu irradiais, que tu irradies toujours, et qui va continuer à nous nourrir, nous inspirer, nous aider à nous battre pour décrocher les étoiles. Merci.
Plein des plus douces et chaleureuses pensées pour Alice, ton astre à toi, dont tu suivais et encourageait la trajectoire avec tant de tendresse et de fierté. Pour Françoise, ta belle étoile qui t’insufflait un vent chaud au cœur. Pour toute ta famille et tes proches dans la peine.
Natacha, Benoit, Mona, Nikita, Nina. Tous tellement marqués du privilège d’avoir partagé un bout de ta route.
April 11th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Adieu ami, frère d’armes, complice… Je remercie le ciel d’avoir permis que nos chemins se croisent, et je garde précieusement, comme un trésor, le souvenir des moments où tu nous as montrés ce que le combat pour les droits de l’homme pouvait signifier de plus beau. Nous continuerons le combat, Janek, en ton nom.
April 11th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Cher Janek,
Je t’ai connu avant l’accident, à 20 ans, lorsque le monde s’ouvre à nous, plus large, dans l’insouciance, les fêtes, mais aussi la réflexion profonde sur ce monde, à la lumière de ce que tu avais vécu.
Et puis, l’accident.
Mais “l’insecte”, vivant à 100 à l’heure, poursuit son chemin, progresse, se bat pour les autres et est toujours de le fête, occasion de se revoir.
Car, seule une rencontre suffisait à marquer pour toujours celui qui était l’autre.
Même épisodiques, en 32 ans, lors de ces rencontres, c’était l’émerveillement devant ce charisme exceptionnel.
Mais aujourd’hui, cet insecte est comme le scarabée, d’or, celui qui montre la transformation, le passage entre la vie et la mort, un des pionniers.
Je suis profondément triste mais c’est surtout vers ta famille, Alice, en particulier que s’envolent mes pensées, mon soutien, mon amitié et ce qui est au-delà des mots: que cette proximité, ce lien de sang que vous avez avec lui vous aide à vivre cette souffrance.
Francine Lys
April 11th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Les mots manquent pour exprimer la tristesse et le choc que j’ai ressenti et que je continue d’éprouver en apprenant cette terrible nouvelle. Ton combat, ta détermination, ton intelligence, ta vision, ta culture ont été autant de sources d’inspiration pour tout qui a travaillé à tes côtés ou quiconque t’a connu. Le monde syndical a perdu un incroyable défenseur des droits de l’homme, une personne que l’adversité n’a jamais réussi à faire plier pendant toutes ces années. En tant qu’assistant, c’est bien plus qu’un chef et un collègue que j’ai eu: Un ami, un professeur, un guide, un mentor que je n’ai malheureusement pas assez écouté. Comme tu vas me manquer, comme tu vas nous manquer. Merci d’avoir été et de nous avoir laissé autant de choses. Ce que je suis au niveau professionnel, je te le dois et je t’en serai éternellement reconnaissant.
Mes plus sincères condoléances et mes meilleures pensées pour ta famille, Alice à laquelle je pense en particulier et pour qui cette nouvelle étape difficile sera sans doute la plus rude.
Laurent, tellement fier et reconnaissant d’avoir pu croiser ton chemin.
April 11th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
The loss of Brother Janek to our trade union family and indeed the wider global movement that fights for human rights, democracy and equality will be a less vibrant one without him. Janek’s vigour, relentless energy and immense human sprit in seeing always the way forward for good to win over evil in the fight for workers especially those who are the poorest of the poor cannot now be measured by the foundation blocks he has laid down in bringing the trade union rights fight to the for but by his unique character and humor that brought people together in good times and bad ones in our common goal of trade union rights protection.
Moreover when I was working at the ICFTU as the youth co-ordinator Janek even though with his quick wit and even quicker unique sarcasm he was one of those rare persons who saw the great value in bringing together generations and passing on the ‘torch’ to the younger generation in the fight for trade unionism.
Janek always had controversial methods of dealing with things but one thing was always clear that everyone was warmly welcomed in his office and there was always the availability of a drink, a laugh and a political discussion.
My heartfelt condolences go to his family and to the ITUC Family. We can be proud to have known and worked with Janek and I firmly believe that his legacy will live on for many generations to come. And we must ensure that we keep Janek’s unshakeable belief in our movement alive-Janek was a great storyteller and we must go forth now and talk about Janeks story as a trade union fighter.
Janek I will miss you but I know that you will not be too far away as long as there are sisters and brothers who need our solidarity.
Yvonne O’ Callaghan
Secretary General
International Union of Socialist Youth
April 11th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Janek,
Je ne t’ai connu que par ce que m’a raconté de toi ma compagne qui est une de tes amies très chère.
Je partage aujourd’hui sa tristesse.
Tant d’amour autour de toi me fait regretter d’être arrivé trop tard.
Un jour, plus tard, nous ferons certainement connaissance.
Toutes mes pensées vont à toi et ceux que tu laisses.
April 12th, 2008 at 4:20 am
A tous, à sa famille et à lui,
Je ne suis pas depuis très longtemps au fait de votre combat mais j’admire tout ce que vous êtes capable de faire. Je ne connaissais hélas pas Janek mais, après avoir lu les messages laissés par ses amis, je ne pourrais que le regretter profondément et avec admiration.
Mes condoléances à tous.
April 12th, 2008 at 7:58 am
David Arnott says:
My condolences to us all — Janek’s family, colleagues, friends and all those in Burma and elsewhere who benefited from his work, even though they never met him.
Janek was a warm personal friend and an effective and committed worker for human rights in Burma. He was one of the key people in the Burma support community, and his work to oppose forced labour in Burma is a major part of his legacy. The high level of attention the ILO has brought to Burma owes much to Janek’s unrelenting efforts over the years from his base at the ICFTU/ITUC. He was especially effective in ensuring that the ILO had access to reports from a broad range of sources. I will miss him personally and politically and will continue to draw inspiration and renewed commitment from his work.
David Arnott,
Secretary, Burma Peace Foundation
Librarian, Online Burma Library
http://www.burmalibrary.org
April 12th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of the South Korean Workers and KCTU members, we would like to extend deepest condonlence to all of Janek’s colleagues and to his families. We were very shocked to hear the news of his sudden death. He was very passionate and devoted to defend fundamental workers’ rights and human rights around the world. Especially, Korean workers owed him the progress of labour standards and industrial relations in my country. He will be remembered in the heart of Korean workers and KCTU members
Once again I would like to express our condolences to the family of Brother Janek.
In Solidarity,
Lee Suk-haeng
President
KCTU(Korean Confederation of Trade Unions)
April 12th, 2008 at 9:30 am
Si cher Janek,
Par où commencer ? Par ta toute grande capacité d’aimer : les autres, la vie, la lutte. Quelle immense chance nous avons tous eue d’être et d’agir auprès de toi.
Te rencontrer Janek, c’était toujours une turbulence chaude et vitalisante, la rencontre d’un héros, un héros si proche.
Je me souviens de ta présence permanente, indéfectible, dans notre combat judiciaire avec Greg et Alexis pour que les Birmans obtiennent réparation des pires crimes subis. On était en colère ensemble contre ce système où le droit se retourne radicalement contre la justice. Tu nous donnais à chaque fois ce qu’il faut pour qu’on continue.
Je me souviens de la manifestation devant l’ambassade de Chine. Tu nous avais présenté Alice, ta fierté. Nous pensons avec une profonde émotion à Alice, à Françoise, à la maman d’Alice.
Dans une heure, je pars rejoindre les tiens pour te dire au revoir, mais je dois t’avouer que je n’ai pas la force d’imaginer le monde sans toi.
Un sourire, sois bien notre Janek,
Véro, avec la présence de Gérald
April 12th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Kochana Haniu, wyrazy najglebszego wspolczucia przesylaja Ewa, Milo i Emilka
April 12th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
I remember Janek outside Club Med offices on Avenue Louise on a bitter December day in his wheelchair wearing a red band round his forehead in solidarity with Burmese democracy activists protesting their plans to set up a holiday paradise in amid the misery of modern Burma under the military junta. He must have been frozen. But for him person comfort never came before solidarity with the suffering. He was an inspiration. God bless him.
April 12th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Tu as un soutien à part entier pour les travailleurs et syndicalistes Djiboutiens que tu as toujours traité leurs problemes comme un travail qui imcombait qu’à toi.
Je ne oublierai pas l’accueil que tu nous reservais pendant nos passages au siège du syndicat (CISL) et (CSI).
Ton image ne se gommera pas facilement des nos pensées.
Nous partageons les moments de tristesse à ta famille.
Que le paradis d’accueil.
April 12th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Spotkać Janka na swojej drodze oznaczało Tyle, co uwierzyć, że można żyć wiecznie. Niewiarygodne - jak łatwo patrząc na tego Człowieka, którego chyba największą namiętnością było życie właśnie, można było wyczuć w sobie nieuzasadniony spokój i niezwykłą pewność, że intensywne i pełne pasji życie jest oderwane od wszelkiego kresu
a przywiązanie do życia samego w sobie, z krwi i kości, pełnego siły, energii, bólu, szczęścia, strat i sukcesów - może stać się z czasem więzią nierozerwalną.
Janku, poznać Ciebie to wiedzieć dziś, że „żyć” znaczy narażać więź, ryzykować wiele a czasem chodzić po linie miedzy życiem a jego kresem jak Ty. Przeszedłeś te drogę tyle razy że, dziś mógłbyś chyba już przewodzić tym wszystkim zagubionym w trakcie.
Wiesz, odkąd się dowiedziałam o „Wybryku Twojego Serca” szukam dobrego uzasadnienia na tę nieludzką przewrotność. Ludzie potrzebują uzasadnień jak dobrych wymówek, żeby zrozumieć, by odzyskać spokój i móc wyjaśnić wątpliwości, żeby wreszcie wierzyć dalej w to w co ja uwierzyłam poznając Ciebie.
Nie mogę tego niczym wyjaśnić. Jakkolwiek racjonalizuje Twoje Odejście moje tłumaczenia okazują się irracjonalne. Wszystkie można obalić. Wychodzi Janku na to, że powinieneś żyć i nic Cię nie usprawiedliwia.
Powiedz czy dlatego ludzie wierzą w coś jeszcze…?Bo sami sobie nie wystarczają gdy przychodzi do tłumaczenia losu?
Wiesz jedyne co przychodzi mi na myśl a nie jest kiepską próbą ucieczki od przewrotności losu to myśl, że wykorzystałeś swoją szansę. Najpełniej, jak mogę to sobie wyobrazić, wypełniłeś miejsce, które tu na Ciebie czekało. Narażałeś swoje życie, żeby dopełnić tego niepisanego obowiązku, który odkrywają w sobie nieliczni. I wiesz znajduje sens, mimo, że jak każdy „mały człowiek” buntuje się przed zrozumieniem decyzji Twojego serca.
Nie mniej Janku, bunt to dobry początek do szukania sensu i dziś Dziękuję Ci - za tę niezgodę na „bierność”, którą w sobie miałeś i która potrafi w ludziach żyć, kiedy Twoje Serce staje.
April 12th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Cher Janek,
Tu étais extraordinaire de bonté, de générosité, d’intelligence mise au service de ton idéal, … un magnifique exemple car en plus tu étais gai, bon vivant et si attentif à chacun.. Nous ne nous croisions pas souvent mais c’était à chaque fois un réel bonheur d’échanger avec toi…
Je ne réalisais pas à quel point j’avais la chance de connaitre un si Grand Homme et je regrette de t’avoir si peu connu. Je suis vraiment triste en pensant à toi..
Toutes mes pensées à Alice, à Françoise, à la maman de Alice et à toute ta famille et tes proches
April 12th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
Janek, my dear dear friend,
We met for the first time 18 years ago at the Hungarian-Romanian border where you were holding up traffic arguing with the border police - of course you won the argument and eventually we were allowed to cross. Since then I have been proud and priviledged to be one of your many friends. Your commitment to human rights world wide, your energy and your persistence have always been an inspiration. You’ve always been a hard act to follow. But most of all your humanity, your humor, your brutal honesty and your friendship are what will stay with me forever. You were quite simply one of a kind.
My heartfelt condolences go to your daughter, your partner, your family and your colleagues from the ITUC.
I shall miss you.
Lotte Leicht, EU Director, Human Rights Watch
April 12th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Cher Janek,
Encore merci à toi pour aujourd’hui!… et pour toutes les fois où l’on s’est croisés avant aujourd’hui.
Quelle belle journée finalement, où l’on a pu t’écouter et te rencontrer encore une fois à travers tous tes amis, tous tes compagnons de vie et de combat qui ont chacun pu si bien te résumer, ta rappeler. On se rend compte de notre chance d’avoir été à Bruxelles, avec toi et les “bruxellois”, aujourd’hui.
Nous avons été très touchés par cette messe, si chaleureuse et si naturelle, qui déjà nous relance, à travers toi, dans nos idéaux et notre joie de vivre.
Cher Janek, on espère, et on y croit fermement, que ce ne sera pas le dernier jour où tu nous inspireras, nous relanceras pour reprendre l’un de ces combats !
On souhaite aussi sincèrement que tu accompagneras aussi, plus encore, d’une manière ou d’une autre tous tes très très proches (car, à côté, tu as beaucoup de très proches… on l’a encore vu) qui ont perdu trop tôt quelqu’un de si précieux.
Pour les autres, ceux que tu défendais un peu partout dans le monde, on promet de reprendre une petite part de ton boulot, autant que possible, en s’inspirant de ton énergie !
On t’embrasse très fort !… et ainsi, aussi, Alice et toute ta famille.
Thierry, Isabelle (en familie)
April 13th, 2008 at 12:31 am
I heard about the untimely passing of Janek Kuczkiewicz, the director of the Human and Trade Union Rights Department of ITUC .Despite his tireless and sustained struggle against our administration over the alleged Iranian workers ‘ rights ,I had constantly found in him a man of high spiritual and humanitarian values , a merciless defender of human rights and a genuine friend.
I wish to express my most heartfelt condolences on the occasion of his least expected demise to his bereaved family and his fellow co-workers in ITUC. Refraining to accept the bitter story of his innocent death, my tearful eyes would surly keep looking around for him in R3 to discuss his never ending concerns for workers rights.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Amir Shahmir
Counselor
Mission of I.R.Iran to the UN
April 13th, 2008 at 8:10 am
Adieu Janek!
La triste nouvelle de ton départ soudain et prématuré m’a bouleversée. Tu étais un ami cher, un collègue dévoué et un guide. Ta joie de vivre et ton énergie débordante étaient si contagieuses.
Ce fut un honneur d’avoir partagé avec toi depuis 1995 la lutte contre le travail forcé en Birmanie et un énorme privilège d’avoir connu un défenseur des droits humains aussi passionné et acharné. Grâce à tes encouragements, je me trouve encore, 13 ans plus tard, à la frontière birmane. Ta disparition est une perte immense pour le peuple birman tout entier.
C’est en ta mémoire que nous récoltons les témoignages de Rohingyas, victimes du travail forcé, en préparation pour la prochaine session Birmanie à la Commission des Normes. Et il y a une semaine à peine tu m’envoyais un mail que tu te réjouissais de me revoir en mai à Bruxelles et à Genève. Je ne peux imaginer ni les bureaux de la CSI ni la Conférence du Travail sans ta présence.
Ton dévouement et ton engagement sont une source d’inspiration pour nous tous qui luttons pour un monde meilleur et plus juste. C’est à nous maintenant de poursuivre sans relâche ton combat.
Toute l’équipe du Arakan Project au Bangladesh ainsi que ma mère à Bruxelles se joignent à moi pour transmettre nos plus sincères condoléances à ta famille, à tes proches et à tes collègues de la CSI.
‘Chris on the road’ – Dhaka, Bangladesh
April 13th, 2008 at 10:20 am
Ten years ago Janek accepted to give the guest lectures on human rights in our postgraduate courses at the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp. His students remember him, because he asked the right questions.
Janek, we’ll miss you.
Marleen Boelaert
Institute of Tropical Medicine
April 13th, 2008 at 10:27 am
JANEK,
Tu etait la quand je suis ne,
Tu etait la quand j’avais mon turban mauve sur la tete a 6 mois,
Et tu m’a appris a marcher.
Tu me disais: elles sont petites, elles ne fontionnent encore pas tres bien,
Mais tu en a deux!
Et quand on fesai les courses accroches a ta chaise, Alice, Sarah et moi,
On descendai les rues du Portugal a fond la caisse…
Je te pleure, aujourd’hui,
Ansi que te pleure ma mere, Agnes,
mon Pere, Paulo, ton ami de toujours, de grands combats et folies Humaines,
ma soeur Sarah.
Je te pleure
et je pleure l’idee extraordinaire que tu as accompli.
Je dirai que tu a portez plus loin l’HUMAIN, dans l’espoir et la concretisation d’un Monde Meilleur, et de par le Monde, sans tes jambes,
que beacoup d’etres ne l’ont fait avec leurs deux jambes et deux bras.
Merci pour ton inspiration,
On continuera ton oeuvre,
ELEVER l’ESPRIT HUMAIN a son PLUS HAUT DEGREE,
Avec AMOUR de fils,
Tarik Ellouz Pires
April 13th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
What terribly sad news and a huge huge loss to us all. A truly committed campaigner and an inspiration to many. He will be very much missed.
Yvette Mahon
Director
Burma Campaign UK
April 13th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
We salute our great hero of global Trade Unions’ rights, especially those of Trade Unions under the boots of the Burmese military dictators, including FTUB. Dear Janek, although you left us suddenly unintentionally you will be in our memory forever. We are profoundly grateful to you for your great valuable efforts in struggling democracy, social justice and human rights, especially trade unions’ rights in Burma.
May Buddha bless you, and rest in peace forever.
Nwe Aung
Director
NCUB Burma Office Europe
London
April 13th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Cher Janek
Tu vas nous manquer.Même si on ne se voyait pas souvent, tu resteras parmi les personnes qui marquent dans la vie par leur engagement, leur volonté de faire bouger les choses et d’y arriver malgré tout.
Toute ma sympathie à Alice, à ta famille et à tous tes amis proches en ces moments difficiles.
Mimi
April 13th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Apreciada familia de Janek,compañeros de la Confederacion Sindical Internacional y el movimiento sindical internacional y del movimiento de derechos humanos; queremos expresarles nuestras condolencias personales e institucionales por la partida de Janek,siempre admiramos su vigor y compromiso,tuvimos la ocasion de recibir su solidaridad activa en los momentos mas duros de la violencia politica en Peru;siempre lo recordaremos con afecto y aprecio
Descansa en Paz Janek
Francisdco Soberon
Director APRODEH (Asociacion Pro Derechos Humanos)
Lima-Peru
April 13th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Yanek mon ami de toujours
2 mots pour dire que je suis pronfedement triste e choquée par ton départ eclair, mais heureuse de savoir que tu es parti sans souffrir et de pouvoir partage un peu de ton temps ces dernieres semaines.
Je voudrais laissee un message a Michele e Alicie et leur dire que je l’ai serres fort sur mon coeur et comme disent lesMoçambicains “Estamos juntas”. Leur dire aussi qu’ils ont eu beaucoup de chance de pouvoir cheminées au côté d’un homme comme toi.
Um abraço profonde e ate sempre
Agnes
April 13th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Tuve la suerte de conocer a Janek y compartir momentos muy gratos hace años. Fui testigo de su compromiso y su labor en defensa de los derechos humanos y también pude apreciar su calidad de persona simpática y agradable, buen conversador y de fácil amistad. Su estadía en el Perú y su participación y aporte en la reunión del equipo de Huridocs fue para nosotros muy importante, en momentos muy duros, de violencia e intolerancia en nuestro país. Tuvimos ocasión de hablar sobre el tema. Lamento mucho esta pérdida.
A sus familiares y al movimiento internacional de derechos humanos, mi más sentido pésame.
Carlos Saldarriaga
ex encargado de infformática de APRODEH
Lima - PERÚ
April 13th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
Dear all Janek’s friends from all over the world! I wish to say how deeply Janek’s family and friends are moved by all your messages, not to mention the trip some of you undertook to attend his funeral. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts!
Jurek, Janek’s youngest brother
April 14th, 2008 at 12:16 am
To Janek’s family and his colleagues,
After a long interval, I saw Janek in the European Parliament on 2 April 2008 at a hearing on Burma. As usual, he was in good spirits and looked really healthy. We were to meet again on 10 April. So it was a great shock to learn a few days later that he was gone. I could not at first believe it.
I met Janek maybe 10 years ago working on the case of democracy and human rights in Burma, especially about forced labour at the ILO. When it came to Burma, he was someone we could always depend on. He was always there when we needed him.
I have always admired his courage and determination, and his sense of humour. People like him not only made the world a better place to live in. He made it brighter too. We will miss you Janek. Rest in peace.
Harn Yawnghwe
Director, Euro-Burma Office, Brussels
April 14th, 2008 at 3:34 am
To Janek’s daughter, relatives and friends my deeply felt condolences.
Janek, you are so hugely missed by all!
Your sharp vision, strength, unfailing determination and solidarity have been crucial in the work to restore human rights in Burma. Your untimely death leaves us in shock and facing a tremendous vacuum.
And yet I know it was truly a privilege to count you as a friend, with now the memory of your warm smile to remind me not to fail in the continuous struggle for human dignity.
Thank you, and that your spirit rest strong in our minds.
Brigitte MacDonald
Manila, Philippines
April 14th, 2008 at 3:42 am
Nós soubemos do falecimento do Janek durante a reunião da Direção Nacional da CUT/Brasil. A noticia foi dada e recebida com imensa tristeza. Sentimos muito sua perda. Apesar da saudade, Janek estará sempre presente pelo exemplo de vida que nos deixou. Rezamos por sua família e amigos.
Ericson Crivelli e Fernanda Giorgi - Crivelli Advogados Associados.
April 14th, 2008 at 6:06 am
Bardzo dziekuje za to co dla Birmy zrobilesz . Bardzo mi przykro i smutny ze odszedles od nas wszystkich tak wczestniej. May you rest in peace. Than Htike, Poland
April 14th, 2008 at 8:04 am
Your sudden departure is sad for us.
I remember meeting you in Bangkok and HK, joining local activities, singing solidarity songs together.
There are a lot of unfinished business for all of us - campaiging for union rights. You can be assured that many followers will trot the path until we win!
Apo Leong
April 14th, 2008 at 8:40 am
Je ne l’ai rencontré qu’à quelques reprises mais c’est un homme qu’on oublie pas.
Je reste très touchée d’avoir croisé Janek qui a rendu le monde un peu meilleurs grâce à ses qualités, son intelligence, son engagement.
Rest in peace.
April 14th, 2008 at 9:30 am
C’est avec beaucoup de tristesse que nous avons appris la mort de Janek KUCZKIEWICZ et nous tenons à adresser nos sincères condoléances à toute sa famille. Sa mort constituera une grande perte pour le monde du travail.
Recevez, Chers camarades, l’assurance de nos meilleurs sentiments syndicalistes.
Marie-Alice MEDEUF ANDRIEU
Secrétaire Confédérale - secteur Négociations collectives/Egalité/CE
April 14th, 2008 at 11:48 am
The death of Janek Kuczkiewicz has deprived the international trade union movement as a whole of an illustrious son of the trade union fraternity.
We see his demise as a great loss to the international labour movement.
FNV Mondiaal recognizes his great commitment and devotion on Trade Union Rights. We have not only lost a good and hardworking fellow but a colleague and a brother. We extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your colleagues at the ITUC and especially to Janek’s family and all friends.
Once again have our condolences.
Dian van Unen
Head of Department
FNV Mondiaal
April 14th, 2008 at 11:52 am
c’est avec beaucoup de chagrin et de tristesse que je viens d’apprendre
la disparition subite de l’un des meilleures defenseur des droits humains
mon ami intime janek.j’adresse toutes mes condoléances les plus attristés à sa famille d’abord et à tous ses collègues et amis. certainement sa mort
sera une perte colossale pour les travailleurs du monde.
je vous prie de recevoir mes salutations fraternelle.
djibril ismael egueh
secrétaire général sp-mts, et membre du comité exécutif de l’UDT
pontivy/france
April 14th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Cher Janek,
Maman et moi avons été stupéfaites en lisant que tu n’est plus. Toute ta vie a été propulsée par ton combat cotre l’injustice dans le monde, ton humour décapant et ton courage journalier. Tu as été l’inspiration pour tant de monde mais je sais que de là où tu te trouves à présent tu nous donnera encore de bons conseils. Merci!
Au revois Janek, czesc et bon vent!
Chers Mik, Hanka et Jurek,
Janek (le notre) se joint à nous du fin fond de l’Afganistan pour vous southaiter ainsi qu’à toute votre famille beacoup de courage dans cet épreuve douloureuse.
April 14th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Brother Janek was a genuine comrade and a sincere human being. His physical presence will be missed. Sincere condolences to his biological, emotional, trade union and human rights families.
May God grant him mercy.
J.D. Lenoir
Administrative Assistant
GU HIV/AIDS Project Coordinator
April 14th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Tribute to Janek Kuczkiewicz
From all his friends and colleagues in Hong Kong and beyond
We cannot attend the funeral of Janek being held in Brussels but wish to send our sincere and heartfelt condolences to all his family and friends as well as some personal thoughts.
Janek was an inspiration to each and every one of us – in so many ways. His strength, warmth, humour and intelligence touched us deeply and we will miss him tremendously.
____________________
Lee Cheuk Yan, Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions
When I first met with Janek years ago, I saw a true trade unionist with a strong passion for the fight for justice. I am especially encouraged and warmed by his devotion and hard work on defending trade unions rights for Chinese workers. In times of depressing situation, his humour also helped in supporting me personally. Now that he is gone, I believe he want us to continue his lifetime fight and this we should all promise.
Adieu,Janek.
Ayan
_____________
Elizabeth Tang, Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions
I am much saddened and shocked by the news of Janek’s demise. For years, he has been a support to me and my organization, both on practical and spiritual terms. It is because he is so intelligent, effective and experienced. It is also because he is truly committed to the cause of democracy, trade unions rights and human rights. His demise will be a loss to my organization, the HKCTU, in particularly in our struggle to realize labour rights and trade unions rights in China. At the time of writing, I have not thought of anyone to fill the vacuum left by him…..
He will be remembered by me and many members of my organizations for a long long time.
Elizabeth
_______________
Staphany Wong, IHLO
Janek has long been my favourite and most-respected supervisor in Brussels. He always showed patience, encouragement and support to his staff members and we are going to miss him a lot. I am especially touched by the devotion on voicing out for the imprisoned labour activists and at the same time, tried to secure their families’ safety. He worked so hard, took care of so many areas and always returned to our requests and questions with some much knowledge and insight. It is difficult to imagine in the future, we are going to work without him. May he rest in peace and the loving memories of him will inspire us in our future work!
Staphany
______________________
Dominique Muller, IHLO
I already miss Janek – sitting in my office here in Kowloon without Janek being at the other end of a phone or an email feels like I have lost my right hand or right brain. He was always ready and willing to help and give advice – never hesitating to give unwelcome advice when I needed to hear it! His support – and encouragement – to us in our work meant that we had the courage to do things even in the face of difficulties and political pressures. He always worked with a ready and often wicked wit and even when he was grumpy managed to convey warmth and inspire respect. A wonderful warm and wise soul who has been taken away too soon. His death has renewed my passion for this work but also for life itself - and I think Janek would approve. I only wish I had met his daughter and partner of whom he talked so much. My love to you all.
Dominique
_______________________
“Imagination is stronger than knowledge — myth is more potent than history — dreams are more powerful than facts — hope always triumphs over experience — laughter is the cure for grief — love is stronger than death” (Robert Fulghum)
Kisses and love to all of Janek’s friends and family from all of us here
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April 14th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
It is with deep regret and sorrow that we have learnt of the sudden and untimely death of Janek Kuczkievicz, Director of the ITUC Department of Human and Trade Union Rights.
He was a very special and distinguished person deserving great respect both as a man and as a professional defender of trade union rights.He has done a lot for our organization - Belarusian congress of democratic trade unions (BKDP). Although being under pressure and persecutions the members of BKDP perfectly know that there a lot of people in the world who support them. There is a big world trade union family that will never leave us alone and always will help us. And Janek was always among the first who were giving us a helping hand either during the ILO Conferences and in the the ILO Workers’ Group or in everyday life.
Our deep gratitude will always go together with our memory of Janek Kuczkievicz.
Rest in peace our Friend.
On behalf of all members of BKDP and of the personal behalf of Alexander Yaroshuk- President of BKDP; Oleg Podolinski- BKDP International Secretary; Nikolai Kanakh - BKDP Bice-President
April 14th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
This is very sad and unexpected news.
I know we will all miss Janek, as kindred spirits working tirelessly together for so many years in ICFTU. I appreciated being able to drop by Janek’s office after our Women’s Committee meetings.
I’m sure all who knew Janek will honour his memory with strengthened resolve to continue the fight for human and trade union rights around the world.
Evelyn
April 14th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Cest avec une grande tristesse que je viens dapprendre le dcs de notre camarade et ami Janek KUCZKIEWICZ, Directeur du dpartement des Droits Humains et Syndicaux de la C.I.S. .
Jai souvent pens lui ces dernires annes quand je me rendais Bruxelles et mme si je nai pu trouver le temps de passer ma tte dans son bureau de la maison syndicale internationale Bruxelles, jai song son activit dbordante et pleine dnergie.
Je mhonore de lavoir connu et quil mait appel de temps autre son frre en jouant sans doute sur mon nom et lamiti que nous avions lun pour lautre mme si mes nouvelles fonctions syndicales dans ma fdration professionnelle aux chemins de fer franais nous avait bien loign.
Jai connu Janek en 1994. Fin 1993, je venais dtre appel travailler auprs de Jacques PE, secrtaire confdral de la Confdration FO en charge du secteur Europe International et ds 1994, je participais une runion de coordination Singapour des organisations syndicales donatrices pour les projets dentraide pour la rgion Asie pacifique de la C.I.S.L. . Javais t frapp par son engagement indfectible quels que pouvaient tre les obstacles pour la dfense et la promotion des droits syndicaux et humains.
A chacun de mes sjours en Asie (Hong Kong, Thailande, Cambodge, Core, Japon, Chine Populaire, Philippines, Inde, Sri Lanka, Russie, .) en Europe de lEst (Belarus, Bulgarie, hongrie, etc) ainsi que pour des missions de reprsentations pour mon secrtaire confdral et gnral (M.BLONDEL), je ne manquais pas de lui faire part de mes impressions de ces tournes syndicales.
Il mavait encourag et flicit pour mon rapport sur la crise asiatique de 1997 vu du ct syndical et jtais fier de sa sincrit quil nhsitait jamais complter par des critiques toujours constructives et fraternelles.
Je lui avais fait part de ma colre et de mon enthousiasme pour nos camarades cambodgiens avec lesquels javais ralis une sance indite de formation syndicale la ngociation. Certains dentre eux ont t emprisonns ou assasins quelques annes plus tard.
Je lui parlais toujours avec indignation et enthousiasme de ce que javais vu clandestinement en Chine Populaire dans la Z.E.E. de Zhuhai et Shenzen et combien jtais effar par la visite de la frontire entre les deux coresSans omettre le Belaruset ma visite comme dlgu franais lors de lAssemble Gnrale de lONU en 1997 ainsi qu lO.I.T. .
Si nous avons rapidement sympathis, cest sans doute parce que nous partagions un grand rservoir dindignation qui nous poussait ragir en militants dtermins pour dfendre lessentiel et ce quil y a de plus noble dans lHomme: lamour de la justice sociale et de la libert comme du progrs.
Anecdote dont je suis le plus fier: javais souhait travailler pour le dpartement des droits humains et syndicaux de la C.I.S.L. ses cts et ensemble tout avait t parfaitement prpar. Quil mait soutenu et fait confiance fut pour moi une grande joie autant quune grande responsabilit: celle de ne pas le dcevoir.
Si cela ne sest pas ralis, cest cause dun diffrent dans la ngociation avec mon employeur (la SNCF). Janek avait obtenu laccord du Secrtaire Gnral de la CISL complt par la soutien de mon secrtaire gnral confdral.
Aujourdhui, il naurait sans doute pas voulu que je pleure.
Il maurait peut-tre dit quil y a encore beaucoup de combats mener, des syndicalistes , des travailleurs sortir de prison, dfendre leurs droits sociaux. Il maurait peut-tre dit que la vie est un passage et quil faut le vivre le mieux possible , se battre pour des ides telles que luniversalisme des droits humains, quil faut se mettre la place de celles et ceux qui souffrent et porter leurs voix quand ils ne peuvent le faire eux-mmes
Le plus bel hommage que lon puisse lui rendre cest de poursuivre le combat syndical, le combat pour les droits humains avec la mme dtermination quil a eu toute sa vie.
Nul doute que je ne toublierais jamais et que de temps autre je me dirais ou demanderais comment janek aurait-t-il ragi?
Merci mon Frre davoir ainsi marquer mon engagement militant syndical et pour les droits humains.
A toi, et ta famille et tous tes amis qui aujourdhui pleurent avec moi
Rmi AUFRERE
Secrtaire Fdral FO cheminots (France)
Europe-International- Poltique des transports
(ancien assistant confdral FO secteur Europe International en charge Asie et notamment PECO normes OIT).”
April 14th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
il y a quelques mois lors de notre mission en GUINEE que nous nous sommes mieux connus partageant ta determination a oeuvrer pour une liberte d.expression dans ce pays.ton investigation nous a permis de voir en toi un farouche combattant pour la liberte et le respect des droits humains pour lesquels tu as consacre ta vie si courte sur cette terre.nous les africains qui avons besoin de cet espace auronsgarde un souvenir de toi pendant ce laps de temps.que ta famille et tous les amis de la csi trouvent ici notre compassion nos condoleances les plus attristees
repose en paix
April 14th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Com profunda dor e tristeza, que recebemos no Brasil a noticia do falecimento do nosso querido companheiro Janek Kuczkievicz, Diretor Internacional dos Direitos Humanos e Sindicais da CSI – Central Sindical Internacional, ocorrido no dia 7 de abril de 2008 em seu domicilio em Bruxelas.
A UGT – através do departamento dos Direitos Humanos solicitou a todos os sindicatos filiados, para reforçarmos, em memória de nosso amigo, a sua luta em defesa dos Direitos Humanos e sindicais.
Janek era um companheiro que não media esforços para defender os Direitos Humanos em todos os continentes, ações estas que sempre foram do interesse do movimento sindical mundial e do sindicalismo brasileiro.
Despeço-me consternado e com o compromisso de levar adiante seu exemplo de luta para tornar o mundo melhor.
Atenciosamente.
MAURO SILVA
Secret.Adj.Direitos Humanos
UGT brasil
April 14th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
L’UGT tient à exprimer à la CSI son profond émoi en s’associant á ça tristesse que le décès prématuré de Janek Kuczkiewicz a causé à tous ceux qui ont eu la chance de le connaître et de travailler avec lui. En effet, outre la qualité humaine de Janek Kuczkiewicz nous ne pouvons pas oublier l’excellence du travail développé en tant que Directeur du Département des Droits Humains et Syndicaux.
Nous voulons transmettre nos condoléances à la famille en deuil.
João Proença
Secrétaire Général de l’UGT-P
April 14th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Realmente esa noticia causa un dolor muy grande a quienes conocimos a este gran dirigente, cuyas cualidades humanistas fueron claramente demostradas y de su enorme espíritu de lucha de trabajo nos vimos privilegiados con su su apoyo pemanente.
El día de hoy nuestro Consejo Nacional integrado por el Ejecutivo de CTRN y los Secretarios Generales de las organizaciones afiliadas guardamos un minuto de silencio en honor a este gran compañero que ho nos deja
Atentamente
Rodrigo Aguilar,
April 14th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Janek…
On se voyait plus qu’une fois l’an, lors des semaines des medcos, à Bruxelles.
Mais c’était toujours avec plaisir de se souvenir des années quand j’étais au siège, et que tu passais chaque mois au 7ième ciel
pour assister avec toute ton énergie et ta foi MSFienne aux débats houleux du CA!
Ton départ nous laissera un vide!
Je chercherai ta chaise roulante lors de la fête de l’AG!
Merde…
Sache en tous cas que ta flamme continuera à brûler dans l’organisation et que les anciens continueront à enseigner toute la subtilité de ce qu’est MSF non seulement dans les actes, mais aussi dans les coeurs!
Très affectueusement,
Marc
Medco Mozambique
April 14th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
With all of his extraordinary talents, with all of his overwhelming energy, and with all of his varied fields of interest, Janek chose to devote practically the whole of his professional life to the international trade union movement.
I don’t think, and Janek never thought, that there was anything inevitable about that. In fact, at the beginning at least, this was something of a chance encounter, brought about by what was happening in his beloved Poland in the 1980’s, and his desire to play his part in it.
But it was a relationship which lasted over a quarter of a century. Janek found in trade union internationalism a vehicle for his deep commitment to his fellow human beings, their freedom and their rights, and to social justice.
And we got a colleague who gave more than anybody could be reasonably expected to give, who did more than we could find it in our own capacities to do ourselves, and yet at the same time helped us all to contribute a little more and a little better.
Janek changed the way we felt, the way we behaved, the way we were. Nobody who worked with Janek could fail to be affected by the experience. Indeed I can’t believe that anybody who spent time with him was not changed and improved. That was quite simply impossible.
But what is truly extraordinary is the fact that millions of people – and it is no exaggeration – from all parts of the world who never knew Janek had their lives touched by what he did. They don’t know that he has gone, because they never knew that he was there. But like us they have cause to share in our gratitude and to join with us in celebrating his life.
Janek’s force came from his refusal to accept what he found unacceptable. He would not tolerate what he thought was intolerable. He would not compromise on what he saw as a matter of principle. He would not answer “yes” when he knew that the only right answer was “no”.
He was emotional and he was practical. He was irreverent yet respectful. He
was demanding of his colleagues as he was of himself, yet always supportive and generous. And he was courageous beyond measure, even in the face of adversity that would lead many among us to give up.
And he was obstinate and unreasonable. I feel sure that there is not a single one of his colleagues who did not have an argument with him at some time. I have to say that it was not always with undivided pleasure that I would see Janek appear at the door, and roll into my office, more often than not at the end of a long day when it was time to go home. Because I had a good idea of what our “exchange” would have in store over the next half hour, or hour, or two.
Janek also had frustrations in life and he spoke often about them. They were that there was never enough time to do everything that needed to be done. There were not enough colleagues to complete all of the work that had to be completed. And there were too few resources to undertake every activity which he assured us was absolutely vital to undertake.
In the end, for him, twenty-four hours in a day were not enough. Seven days in a week were not enough. And as we all know today, and despite the intensity with which he lived them, fifty-one years were far too few.
And yet when we closed the door of the office on Monday evening, for the very last time as it turned out, and went to have a drink together, it was not about work that we talked. Rather, and amid much laughter, it was about his plans for the future. His many projects. The places he was going to visit and the things he was going to do. He was going to learn to ski – that was the latest. He talked about the joys that life was bringing him. When we parted, he was in good spirits. He was looking forwards with optimism. “See you tomorrow”. But we didn’t.
All of this was a reminder of how much Janek loved life. And as together we now celebrate his life, a reminder too that his life was a celebration of life itself, and an expression of the solidarity for which he always worked.
Thanks Janek. Goodbye.
Guy Ryder
ITUC General Secretary
————
Fort de tous ses talents exceptionnels, de son énergie débordante, et de ses domaines d’intérêt divers, Janek a choisi de consacrer pratiquement l’ensemble de sa vie professionnelle au mouvement syndical international.
Je ne pense pas, et Janek ne l’a jamais pensé, que cela ait été inévitable. En réalité, du moins au début, c’était en quelque sorte le fruit du hasard, compte tenu de la situation qui régnait dans sa Pologne bien-aimée dans les années 1980, et de son désir d’y jouer un rôle.
Cette relation a toutefois duré plus d’un quart de siècle. Janek a trouvé dans l’internationalisme syndical un véhicule de son profond engagement en faveur de ses camarades, de leur liberté et de leurs droits, ainsi que de la justice sociale.
En tant que collègue, il a donné plus que quiconque aurait pu donner d’une manière raisonnable, a agi plus que nous aurions pu en puisant dans nos propres capacités, et, dans le même temps, nous a tous aidés à contribuer davantage et mieux.
Janek a changé la manière dont nous nous sentions, dont nous nous comportions et dont nous étions. Quiconque a travaillé avec Janek n’a pu manquer d’être touché par cette expérience. En effet, je ne peux pas croire que quiconque ait passé du temps avec lui n’ait pas changé et n’ait pas progressé. Cela était sans aucun doute impossible.
Ce qui est réellement extraordinaire est le fait que des millions de personnes – sans exagération – des quatre coins du monde qui n’ont jamais connu Janek ont vu leur vie touchée par ses actions. Ils ne savent pas qu’il nous a quittés, car ils n’ont jamais su qu’il était là. Toutefois, comme nous, ils ont une raison de prendre part à notre reconnaissance et de se joindre à nous pour rendre hommage à sa vie.
Janek puisait sa force dans son refus d’accepter ce qu’il jugeait inacceptable. Il ne tolérait pas ce qui lui semblait intolérable. Il ne compromettait pas ce qu’il considérait comme une question de principe. Il ne répondait pas « oui » lorsqu’il savait que la seule réponse correcte était « non ».
Il était sensible et pragmatique. Bien qu’irrévérencieux, il était respectueux. Il était exigeant envers ses collègues tout comme il l’était envers lui–même, et était néanmoins toujours d’un grand soutien et généreux. Il était de surcroît courageux outre mesure, même face à l’adversité, laquelle découragerait un grand nombre d’entre nous.
Aussi était-il obstiné et déraisonnable. Je suis certain que tous ses collègues sans exception se sont disputés avec lui à un moment ou à un autre. Je dois reconnaître que je n’éprouvais pas toujours un plaisir sans réserve lorsque j’apercevais Janek sur le seuil de la porte pour se diriger dans mon bureau, la plupart du temps à la fin d’une longue journée lorsque l’heure était venue de rentrer chez soi. J’étais positif quant à ce que notre « échange » pouvait nous réserver pendant la demi-heure, l’heure, voire les deux heures suivantes.
Janek était également confronté à des frustrations dans la vie dont il parlait souvent, notamment le manque de temps pour réaliser toutes les tâches nécessaires. Le nombre de collègues était également insuffisant pour mener à bien l’ensemble du travail. De plus, les ressources étaient trop limitées pour mener toutes les activités qui, d’après lui, étaient absolument fondamentales.
En fin de compte, il considérait que vingt-quatre heures dans une journée n’étaient pas suffisantes. Sept jours dans une semaine ne l’étaient pas non plus. Et comme nous le savons tous à l’heure actuelle, et malgré l’intensité avec laquelle il les vivait, cinquante-et-un ans étaient bien trop peu nombreux.
Cependant, lorsque nous avons fermé la porte du bureau lundi matin, qui s’est avéré être la dernière fois, et avons été boire un verre ensemble, nous n’avons pas parlé de travail mais bien, au milieu de rires, de ses plans pour l’avenir, de ses nombreux projets, des endroits qu’il comptait visiter et de toutes les actions qu’il voulait entreprendre. Il voulait apprendre à skier – telle était la dernière. Il a parlé des joies que la vie lui offrait. Lorsque nous nous sommes quittés, il était de bonne humeur. Il envisageait l’avenir avec optimisme. « A demain ». Mais nous nous sommes plus revus.
Tout ceci rappelle combien Janek aimait la vie. Tout comme nous rendons à présent hommage à sa vie, nous rappelons également que sa vie était une célébration de la vie elle-même et témoignait de la solidarité pour laquelle il a toujours œuvré.
Merci Janek. Adieu.
Guy Ryder
Secrétaire général CSI
——-
April 14th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
We extend condolences to the international union movement for the loss of Janek Kuczkiewicz, the longtime director of human and trade union rights at the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). This from the AFL-CIO Solidarity Center:
Kuczkiewicz died suddenly at his home in Brussels on April 8, 2008. A staunch defender of the International Labor Organization’s core labor standards, especially freedom of association, he worked closely with the Solidarity Center on worker rights issues and was an expert consultant on several Solidarity Center country worker rights reports. Under his direction, the ITUC published its annual survey of trade union rights violations.
Says Solidarity Center Executive Director Ellie Larson:
Every year, thousands of men and women all over the world are jailed, beaten, and killed for their union activities, tens of thousands lose their jobs for trying to organize a union, and millions are forced to work against their will. Brother Kuczkiewicz fought for all workers whose rights are under attack. We will miss him.
April 14th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Nous sommes consternées et profondément tristes d’apprendre, via votre site web le décès de Janek.
Nous voulons transmettre un message de soutien de notre part à ses proches et collègues.
Marie Caraj et Pascale Boosten
Protection International
April 14th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
c’est une bien triste nouvelle, je n’avais rencontré Janek qu’une seule fois, lors d’un forum des droits de l’homme à Paris et nous avions tout de suite sympathisé, j’ai aussitôt beaucoup admiré son engagement , sa générosité et son courage. Avec son humour, il savait mettre les autres à l’aise, établir immédiatement le contact, et partager un idéal d’abnégation et de dignité dont il était l’exemple même, Bien amicalement,
Emmanuel Decaux
April 14th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
I just want to send you my deepest sympathy on hearing the sad, sad news this week about Janek. I’ve learned a bit more about him over the past few days and he truly was one of our heroes. This must be so hard for those of you who worked closely with him.
Deborah Greenfield
Associate General Counsel
AFL-CIO
April 14th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Camarade Secrétaire Général,
La nouvelle n’est pas réjouissante, mais bouleversante. J’ai du mal à y croire. Hélas, je suis bien obligé de l’accepter. Je me rappelle encore de la dernière fois que j’ai eu à travailler avec lui. C’est en juillet 2007. Il tenait à m’entendre, en tant que responsable congolais venant fraîchement de Kinshasa, sur la réalité des droits syndicaux en RDC. Quelle perspicacité? quelle intelligence? quel engagement pour les droits syndicaux? Je pense qu’il nous faudrait pérenniser sa mémoire. En donnant son nom à une activité, un programme, je ne sais quoi encore, en rapport avec les droits syndicaux.
Toutes mes condoléances à vous tous du secrétariat de la CSI, à sa famille et surtout à sa fille.
Modeste Amédée Ndongala N’sibu
Secrétaire Exécutif aux Relations Extérieures
Union Nationale des Travailleurs du Congo
April 14th, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Please accept my sincere condolences.
I am a moderator for Democracy_for Burma@yahoogroups.com.au and I
am confident the Burmese people feel the same as me.
His contribution to the Burmese democracy cause, including the forced labour issue is widely acknowledged worldwide.
Yours sincerely,
Neill Staurland,
Norway.
A moderator for D4B
Member of The Burma Campaign UK
Member of Amnesty International
Member of LO and Fellesforbundet - union in Norway
April 14th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
C’est avec une profonde tristesse que j’ai appris ainsi que les membres de l’Association Mohamed Ali - ACMACO et les syndicalistes tunisiens, le décès soudain et prématuré, le 8 avril, de notre cher grand ami le camarade regretté Janek Kuczkiewicz, Directeur du Département des Droits Humains et Syndicaux, à son domicile à Bruxelles.
Les syndicalistes Tunisiens ainsi que les membres de l’ACMACO, gardent de Janek Kuczkiewicz, l’image d’un militant syndicaliste exemplaire, fortement engagé pour les causes nobles du syndicalisme international notamment la défense des droits syndicaux et humains.
Je présente à vous , ainsi qu’à sa famille et à tous ses proches, l’expression de mes condoléances profondément attristées .
Habib GUIZA,
Syndicaliste Tunisien
et président de l’Association Mohamed Ali de la Culture Ouvrière
April 14th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
siento no haber visto a Janek los ultimos anos a pesar de haber coincidido con el en varios lugares. Es una de las personas con las que mantuve el contacto, la amistad y un buen recuerdo del tiempo que trabajamos juntos.
Muchos recuerdos en estos momentos tan tristes.
April 14th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Condolence letter on the passing away of our beloved
and respected Brother.
The Federation of Trade Unions – Burma (FTUB) sends our most heartfelt condolences to the family of Janek Kuczkiewicz who throughout our long struggle was a close friend and stalwart ally of the cause of the Burmese working people. We cannot even know where to begin to express our profound sorrow at his untimely passing, except to remember him as he would surely like to be remembered – as a labour rights activist first and foremost whose work and life has huge impacts in helping thousands of workers across the world, from Burma to Colombia to the Philippines and wherever else the lives of unionists were threatened and their organizations attacked.
Whether Janek was at international meetings aimed at building international solidarity campaigns; or at the ICTU responding to urgent calls for assistance from besieged trade unionists; or among the delegates at the ILO; or with the FTUB conducting trade union rights trainings for our underground unionists who had slipped out of Burma to the Thai border – we always knew Janek was with us with his entire heart, body, and soul.
The many instances that Janek assisted the FTUB and the working people of Burma are simply too numerous to recount, but let me just mention a few because they marked historical points of advance in our fight for labour rights and restoration of democracy in Burma. For example, Janek played a critical role in planning and providing continuous support for the international trade union movement strategy to bring the Burmese military regime to account before the ILO for its blatant and systematic use of forced labour, and for its denial of freedom of association. The support of Janek and the ITUC has allowed representatives of the FTUB to directly confront the regime’s representatives in the halls of the ILO, before the assembled international community. Janek’s support for the first international trade union conference on Burma, held in Kathmandu, Nepal, and the successive conferences helped solidify trade union support behind the FTUB and the cause of the workers of Burma, effectively
ending efforts by the regime and its minions to split the international trade union movement in its policy towards Burma.
And Janek came to Thailand train our members from inside Burma, to work shoulder to shoulder with us as we developed new FTUB leaders inside the country who organize the workers continuing resistance against the Burmese military junta. From the ITUC Trade Union Rights Department, Janek continued the long fight for the release of all our FTUB leaders and members in prison in Burma, including FTUB Central Executive Committee member Myo Aung Thant.
These are a few of the big tasks that Janek helped us shoulder and move forward on over the years of our solidarity, but there are so many other instances of support, both large and small, that we cannot recount them all. Suffice to say that he was a true friend, always prepared to listen and counsel us, to support us, and build increased solidarity for the struggle of Burmese workers. His work ethic is something that all FTUB members will remmember and live by.
Janke’s understanding of the Burma democracy movement is unbelievely extensive.
He is an irreplaceable friend who we will miss dearly!
At the advent of Thingyan, the Buddhist New Year celebrated in mid-April every year in Burma, the respected leaders of our communities are honored with ceremonies the involve the pouring of lustral water on the shoulder as a sign of respect and love. This year, the FTUB will organize a special Thingyan ceremony for our dear brother, Janek Kuczkiewicz. It is a fitting tribute to him, we think – but it will never be enough to express our thoughts for Janek, who we always expected would be with us in the future in the streets of Rangoon, when we finally celebrate our victory over Burmese military tyranny and injustice. We salute you now, dear Janek, and we will remember you now, and on and on into the future.
From Maung Maung, all members of FTUB and the Burma democracy movement.
April 14th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I am extremely sad to hear the untimely passing of Mr. Janek Kuczkieweicz, Human and Trade Union Rights.
Last year I was at the ILC trying to get the message across about the Japan’s violation of ILO Convention 29.
Although our group has been participating in ILC nearly ten years, we have been shut out of the workers’ meeting recent years.
So my only chance was to grab ten minute’s break or a lunch break. But it was very hard to get the attention of anybody important
Within ten minutes because they are so busy and everybody wanted to talk to them. But he gave me the chance to talk to
Him and accepted videos and brochures for the cause of the military sexual slavery which I was entrusted with by women’s
Groups in Japan. I had to keep my promise from woman to women. I asked him if he would like to have them in his mail box,
He said “No. give them to me.” This was the warmest moment of my stay in Geneva. My sincere condolences to his family and his
Colleagues.
Keiko Yasuahra
April 14th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Chers camarades de la Confédération Syndicale
Internationale - CSI
C’est avec une profonde tristesse que les militants et militantes de la Confédération Générale Tunisienne du Travail - CGTT, ont appris le décès soudain et prématuré, le 8 avril, de notre cher grand ami le camarade regretté Janek Kuczkiewicz, Directeur du Département des Droits Humains et Syndicaux, à son domicile à Bruxelles.
Les syndicalistes Tunisiens ainsi que les militants et militantes de la CGTT, gardent de Janek Kuczkiewicz, l’image d’un militant syndicaliste exemplaire, fortement engagé pour les causes nobles du syndicalisme international notamment la défense des droits syndicaux et humains.
Je présente à vous , ainsi qu’à sa famille et à tous ses proches, l’expression de mes condoléances profondément attristées .
Pour le comité de liaison de la CGTT
Souad KEDDACHI
April 14th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Sad to hear that news. May he rest in peace.
On that same date, 08 April, Bro. Ramon Jabar also passed away. He is 78.
For you info, also.
Sincerely,
Necie Lucero
April 14th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
With the sorrow and sadness, be informed that Janek Kuczkiewicz, the Director of Workers and Human Rights Department at the International Trade Union Confederation, 52, passed away on April8, 2008.
Janek defended workers fundamental rights all around the world, including Iran, until the last minutes of his life: supporting workers to establish independent trade unions, trying to free Mansour Osanloo, president of the Executive Board of the Syndicate of workers of Vahed Company, sending welcome messages for Mahmoud Salehi’s release, and protesting against the summons on the members of the Syndicate’s Executive Board to the Court of Revolution. He left us while his last effort was defending workers’ rights in Iran.
The Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburban Bus Vahed Company expresses condolences to his honored family, International Trade Union Confederation, Global Unions, human rights activists and global labor movement especially workers rights activists in Iran.
His Soul Stays Happy and in Peace, and His Dream Comes True
Syndicate of Workers of Tehran and Suburban Bus Vahed Company
April 8, 2008
April 14th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
Janek Kuczkiewicz, ITUC Director of Human and Trade Union Rights, died suddenly on 8th April at his home in Brussels.
At the ITF we were greatly shocked and saddened by his death. The ITF first got know Janek well in around 1995. The ITF and the ICFTU dealt with the “Arcadia” case – in which eleven Chinese seafarers in Italy approached the ITF for help and were detained on their return to China. Three of these seafarers spent more than a year in custody, but their ultimate release was thought to have been in the main due to the ILO complaint Janek helped to submit, in the course of which he impressed us hugely with his characteristic energy and rigour.
This was just one of the many contributions Janek made to freedom and justice for trade unionists all over the world – the cause he so passionately believed in, and to which he appeared to dedicate virtually all his waking hours. A steadfast colleague whose willpower and determination was equalled only by his sharp wit and quick humour, Janek was an extraordinarily vital man.
The ITF had been working closely and fruitfully with Janek for the last couple of years on the case of Mansour Osanloo, the imprisoned Iranian bus driver. We were with him in Guatemala in January, and this week many of us were talking to him by email about the release of Mahmoud Salehi, another persecuted Iranian trade unionist. Despite his untimely death, he leaves a real legacy of work on behalf of such workers.
April 14th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Amnesty International is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Janek Kuczkiewicz who passed away at his home in Brussels on 7 April. Amnesty activists and especially those working on the human rights of trade unionists join us in mourning this loss. Just last week he attended the Amnesty UK Trade Union Conference in Nottingham to encourage us to improve the Amnesty-Union collaboration for human rights.
“Janek was a great friend to the Trade Union Network in the UK and he saw our work as a model for global collaboration between unions and Amnesty - an aim that he was unremittingly commited to in his quest for maximum impact for human rights activism. Our best tribute to him would be to pay attention to the wisdom and ambition of his vision for partnership. In his life, Janek made a difference for human rights. His commitment and enthusiasm and drive have inspired many across the four corners of the world. We will miss him sorely.”
Tom Hedley,
Chair of Amnesty International UK’s Trade Union Network
April 14th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
con profundo dolor recibí esta noticia .Su aporte constante en defensa de los Derechos Humanos dejará en todas/todos nosotros una enseñanza de vida . Saludo con profundo dolor a nuestro Secretario General Guy Ryder y todas/todos el equipo de la CSI.
fraternalmente,
Noemi Menéndez Ruiz-
Secretaria de Igualdad de Oportunidades y Género CGTRA
April 14th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
What a loss, no words.. I am shocked.
My deepest condoleances to all those close to Janek
Krysia Bogdanowicz- Bindert
April 14th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Chère famille, chers proches,
C’est au nom de l’Association Suisse-Birmanie que, par ces quelques mots, nous aimerions vous présenter nos sincères condoléances pour le départ, trop tôt, de Janek.
Nous avons eu le bonheur de rencontrer Janek lors des réunions EBN. Son charisme et son professionnalisme nous ont toujours impressionné et nous garderons un souvenir radieux de Janek.
Profondément attristés, nous vous réitérons nos meilleurs messages de soutien dans ces moments si difficilement supportables.
pour l’ASB/nb
April 14th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
I was shocked to hear about the sudden death of our brother Janek. It is indeed a great loss for the Burmese democracy movement. We will never forget about his tireless efforts to obtain effective action against the practice of force labor in Burma and restoration of democracy in our country.
Although he is no longer with us, he will continue to be our role model in our fight for human rights and labor rights.
Thaung Htun
The National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma (Burmese Government in Exile)
April 15th, 2008 at 1:46 am
It was with such sadness that I learned of your passing, Janek, from our good friend Elsa Ramos in Bangkok. I know from the many years of work with you and our friends in the FTUB on Burma how much you passionately cared for all those workers struggling against injustice and I know how important it was to all of us working in Thailand to know that we always had a stalwart ally back in Brussels, ready to help strategize and campaign for the next phase of the struggle — whether it be against forced labor in Burma, for the rights to freedom of association in Burma and Cambodia, against the SELRA which had stripped the Thai state enterprise workers of their rights to unions, the list goes on and on. The camaraderie and compassion was always present, even being so far away as Brussels and Bangkok — and even with the time differences, odds were that we could likely find you in your office — which was hugely helpful in times of crisis, of which there were many during the Thai crackdowns on Burmese democrats between 2001-2003. It was a great pleasure working for you on the Asia-Pacific sections of the ITUC Annual Survey in 2006 and 2007, when I got an even further idea of the long hours that you put in — first hand! But it was always worth trying to produce the best report possible because you both expected it and deserved it. Farewell my friend — “Next Year in Rangoon” — Phil Robertson
April 15th, 2008 at 8:46 am
C’est avec une profonde tristesse que je t’envoie ce message de condoléances que je te prie de bien vouloir transmettre également à la famille et aux amis de notre regretté Janek.
Avis de condoléances,
Depuis quelques semaines j’étais en contact régulier avec le camarade Janek qui suivait avec beaucoup d’attention et de vigilance les nombreuses violations de la liberté syndicale et des droits syndicaux dont est coupable le gouvernement du Tchad. Après les événements survenus début février au Tchad et les menaces qui pèsent sur leaders politiques, les défenseurs des droits de l’homme et les syndicalistes dont moi-même, nous avions convenus de nous retrouver au siège de la CSI à Bruxelles afin d’examiner cette grave situation et d’arrêter les mesures à proposer aux instances compétentes de la CSI et de l’OIT. C’est ainsi que je fus invité à Bruxelles où nous devions avoir une séance de travail, Janek, Isabelle Hoferlin et moi-même le mardi 08 avril 2008.
A mon arrivée au siège de la CSI ce matin du 08 avril, j’ai la désagréable surprise d’apprendre que le camarade Janek non seulement n’était pas arrivé au bureau mais qu’on pouvait pas le joindre malgré tous les efforts déployés dans ce sens. Après une brève concertation que nous avions eue avec Isabelle et Mamounata Cissé, il avait été décidé de dépêcher une équipe à son domicile afin de vérifier ce qu’il en est car Janek était un homme méthodique et bien organisé par conséquent, il nous paraissait très surprenant qu’il ne puisse pas venir au bureau et qu’il n’en informe pas ses collègues. C’est ainsi nous devons apprendre par la camarade Mamounata, la terrible nouvelle du décès du camarade Janek. Ce rappel, c’est juste pour démontrer combien j’ai été particulièrement affecté par ce qui vient d’arriver à notre camarade et ami Janek que j’ai connu depuis de nombreuses années.
J’appréciais particulièrement sa disponibilité, son engagement ainsi que son dévouement à la défense de la cause syndicale. En effet, il s’est totalement investi à l’action syndicale. Il n’avait ménagé ni son temps ni son énergie pour cette noble cause. Je lui resterait indéfiniment reconnaissant. En outre, en tant que croyant, je pense que le Bon Dieu l’accueillera sans hésiter en son Paradis. En tout cas, je prie ardemment pour cela.
Quant à sa famille, ses amis et à tous les camarades syndicalistes de la CSI et du reste du monde qui l’ont connu et ont apprécié comme moi son action, je leur adresse, au nom de l’Union des Syndicats du Tchad et à mon nom personnel, mes sincères condoléances.
Cher Ami Janek, que ton âme repose en paix.
Djibrine Assali Hamdallah
secrétaire général
UST
April 15th, 2008 at 10:19 am
The Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions expresses our deep sorrow at the sudden death of our good friend and great supporter, defender and promoter of human rights and trade union rights within the global trade union movement. Janek was a fighter all his life - fighting for the rights of the workers in this world, fighting against injustice and unfair treatment, fighting for the right to organize and always express the free opinion of workers wherever they are in this world.
Personally I worked closely with Janek at the ICFTU, the ITUC and at the yearly ILO conferences in the Committee of Application. We did not always agree on different matters, but we were always good friends and had good and fruitful discussions. My regards to Janeks family. We shal always remember this strong man, who always stood up for the rights of the world’s working people
April 15th, 2008 at 10:44 am
Anche se da un piccolo punto di vista, mi sento molto parte di questa nostra organizzazione internazionale, in questo mondo fatto di tutta gente che si batte per gli altri. Come mi sento molto triste per la perdita di Janek.
Laura Santilli
Cisl
International Dept
April 15th, 2008 at 10:44 am
Chers Camarades et Chers Amis,
Grand merci pour les courriels nous faisant part du décès de notre cher collègue Janek.
Janek a été en effet un ami. J’ai eu l’opportunité de le cotoyer depuis les années 90 au cours des différentes rencontres organisées par la CISL ou la CSI de nos jours : a Bruxelles, dans les Ardennes, à Nairobi, à Conakry, etc…
Durant toutes ces années de part ses actions (écrits et comportements), il m’a impressionné par son engagement constant, sa détermination et sa volonté inébranlable face à toutes les situations pour défendre et faire respecter, somme toute, Les Droits Humains en Général et ceux des travailleuses, des travailleurs et des plus démunis en particulier Janek aura été un bel exemple. JANEK DORS EN PAIX
QUE LE TOUT PUISSANT AI PITIE DE SON ÂME
QUE LA TERRE LUI SOIT LEGERE
QU’IL SOIT PARMI LES ELUS DU PARADIS
Coordialement
Oumar DICKO
Ancien Représentant de la CISL en Afrique
April 15th, 2008 at 10:46 am
Dear Sister,
We wish to extend to you our deepest condolences for the passing away of Brother Janek Kuczkiewicz .
kindly convey our deepest condolences to his family and to all BWI family.
MAY HIS SOUL REST IN ETERNAL PEACE
April 15th, 2008 at 10:54 am
estoy muy sorprendida y apenada con la noticia que he leido en la plataforma solicomm, ya que estoy siguiendo un curso a distancia sobre seguridad social y en la portada han colocado un link sobre la noticia.
Mis sinceras condolencias y pesar por lo ocurrido, el compañero Janek demostró en el corto tiempo que compartimos ser una persona excelente con valores y convicciones muy firmes. Lamento profundamente lo sucedido. Deja un gran vacío efectivamente pero también un camino trazado que estoy muy segura que seguiremos todos los que lo conocimos.
La vida suele darnos este tipo de sorpresas que no nos gusta recibir ni aceptar, pero solo te puedo decir que Dios se lleva una gran persona, solo queda continuar con su trabajo, eso me parece es el mejor homenaje que le podemos brindar.
Sandra Cruz
CUT PERU
April 15th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Janek,
What a very sad news ! But what a very impressive resumé and list of friends you leave behind. We will continue the battle for human rights and try to do it with as much energy than you had !
Daniel.
April 15th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
I have many memories of Janek. He was a rare human being, one I am proud to have called my colleague and good friend. Over many years we shared ideas, stories, documents, workloads, phone calls, meals, tears and laughter. In fact long before we ever met, we worked together from opposite sides of the world. I remember taking turns at pushing Janek up the hill in Hong Kong in a WTO rally; searching for dinner late at night in Geneva; setting up and cleaning up at parties; sending or receiving text or Skype messages about emergency cases at any time of day or night – no matter what time zone he was in, and even from his camp site during his summer holidays; drafting documents and reports together; participating in meetings in four or more languages where Janek could translate for everyone there.
His untimely death is a source of great sadness to me. His life, a source of inspiration.
He brought authority, dedication and passion to his work. His commitment and compassion touched many people’s lives. Many others, human rights activists and defenders, will have never met him nor know of the efforts he took to protect or promote their rights.
Janek was a champion of human rights in every sense of the word. Not only did he devote his working life to the rights of workers all over the world, he was inclusive, encouraging and respectful of the contribution of others in their work.
The world is a better place for having had the contribution of Janek Kuczkiewicz.
I am proud to have known Janek and will always hold a special place for him in my heart.
I mourn for the loss his beloved Alice, Francoise and other family members will be feeling. But for all those who knew him, colleagues and friends, we will also feel his absence deeply. He was such an outstanding demonstration of living life fully and passionately.
With love and admiration.
Alison Tate
Australian Council of Trade Unions.
April 15th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Only briefly met Janek at AIUK AGM a few days before his untimely death and was most impressed with his contribution and especially his ability to be constructively critical about the home truths we all need to address. His inspiration will, I’m sure, be long lasting.
April 15th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Quelle tristesse d’avoir perdu,quel bonheur d’avoir rencontré une personnalité d’une telle dimension!
Le vide sera grand lors des futures réunions chez Natacha et Benoit.
Une petite flamme de cet”homme de feu” sera à nos cotés,dans nos coeurs,surtout dans celui de Nikita, et continuera à donner un sens à l’action de Natacha, de ses collaborateurs dans leurs luttes à venir.
Peut-etre sera-t-elle ravivée par la présence de Françoise,sa compagne?
Le vide serait moins grand et sans doute plus doux à vivre.
Que cette flamme puisse aussi réconforter sa fille Alice et tous les membres de sa famille.
April 15th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Ce fut avec tristesse que j’ai appris le décès inopiné de Janek, un collègue et camarade et cher à nous tous. C’est une grande perte pour le mouvement syndical où il imposait le respect et l’admiration de tous ses camarades par son engagement et sa lutte infatigable en faveur des travailleurs.
Mes condoléances à sa famille et aux camarades.
Assane Diop
Directeur exécutif
Secteur de la Protection sociale
Bureau international du Travail
April 15th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
To Janek’s family and loved ones, his children and stepchildren, my deepest condolences. Thank you for sharing Janek with us for these past years: the international trade union family is diminished by this great loss and we are grieving with you.
I write now, my dear brother Janek, after your funeral at which, through our tears, we celebrated and gave thanks for your life with us and sought to say our farewells. What more can I add to the tributes others have paid to your professional integrity, your courage and tenacity, your dedication to free trade unionism and your love of universal human rights? You were a colleague and a mentor, a leader and a servant. You were a pluralist who detested those who used force to impose their will – yet you could be forcefully convincing yourself; you were dedicated to reason - yet on occasion you could be pretty unreasonable.
You shaped us, Janek. Next week we meet to prepare the ILO Conference Standards Committee. You won’t be there physically, but you will be deep in our hearts. The professional loss for us all is immeasurable - in the ITUC, the ILO, for workers everywhere and especially those touched most profoundly by the fire in your soul – not least in Belarus, China, Colombia, Iran, Zimbabwe, and in your beloved Poland and Burma. “From every mountainside, let freedom ring!”
Like so many others who knew and loved you, I shed even more tears because I had the privilege of your friendship. That friendship – and your wicked humour and joie de vivre - made your impatience and tendency to blunt criticism both valuable and bearable. In recent years our careers developed parallel paths - you were six months younger than me and we confided our plans for the future. I will cherish memories of working with you in Geneva, Brussels, Colombia and, most recently, in Guatemala where we ate dinner together before you left to visit Tikal – though I warned you that, unlike Machu Picchu or the tracks of Petra, you wouldn’t be able to climb the wooden ladders up the Mayan pyramids “on your arse”. We shared interests in ancient civilisations and in music, but I fail to understand that we never discovered our shared love of sailing – how great it would have been to have sailed on Lake Geneva under Captain Janek! You were a Mensch who knew that life should be lived to the full!
But my enduring images of you, apart from that beautiful portrait we all now have of you afloat, wearing a film-star smile and your (Russian) master’s cap, will be twofold, bathed in warm sunshine and overlooked by the Jura and the Alps. First, you hauling yourself out of the pool in Ferney before coming for dinner à deux and another discussion, late into the night, about how to defend un sindicalismo civilista y democrático – though we never drank enough vodka together because one of us always had to drive. And second, on the terrace of the R3 coffee bar at the ILO – you rolling out for a smoke, the tubes of your wheelchair conveniently uncapped for use as a mobile ashtray and hearing your stentorian tones issue that affectionate and familiar greeting “Cześć gruby!”
Do widzenia, dear brother Janek; shalom; bon vent! You can never know how much we miss you, but I hope you knew how much we loved you.
Simon Steyne
TUC Senior International Officer; Worker member, ILO Governing Body
Et par le pouvoir d’un mot
Je recommence ma vie
Je suis né pour te connaître
Pour te nommer
Liberté Paul Eluard, 1942
April 15th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
ce matin, 15 avril 2008 j’écoute radio première de la rtbf. Un billet de Béatrice Delvaux. Elle parle de Janek Kuczkiewicz. Il a été enterré samedi. IL est mort… Cette nouvelle me glace. Me terrasse.
Printemps 1967. Quatrième primaire. On nous présente un jeune Polonais. Jean-Jacques. Les deux jambes soutenues d’attelles de cuir.
Tout de suite ça biche entre nous.
Il m’invite chez lui, 89 avenue Aimé Smekens. Je vais devenir, avec d’autres potes, membre du club qu’il a fondé. Son sens de l’organisation est déjà marquant: nous devons tous passer un rite initiatique. Nous recevons une carte de membre. Avec le cachet de cire sur notre photo.
Surtout, pour moi, Janek est synonyme de musique: la première fois que je suis entré chez les “Kouch’”, comme nous appelions la famille (anne,casoar, jurek qui deviendrait le journaliste que l’on sait…), j’ai vécu la plus grande révélation de ma vie: un disque diffusait une musique de rêve. Le lendemain j’achetais les 6 brandebourgeois de js. J’avais 12 ans. Cette expérience a fait basculer ma vie. Bach m’accompagnera jusqu’au bout. Ce n’est que tout récemment que j’ai pu mettre un titre sur le morceau que j’entendis alors…(Concerto pour clavecin)
Son frère Michel a joué un rôle important également: faisant le baise-main à maman, il la persuade de m’inscrire chez les scouts, que je ne devais quitter qu’à 24 ans…
Puis, ce fut la fac. Les cours à l’ISP à Leuven (Taminiaux)
Jusqu’à ce jour où, bercés par le carillon de la “Ladeuzeplein”, nous fûmes plusieurs à apprendre la terrible nouvelle: notre casse-cou national avait eu l’accident que l’on sait. Quand un événement important arrive (l’assassinat de JFK, p.ex.), on se souvient très clairement de ce que l’on était en train de faire à ce moment: ce soir-là, nous suivions un cours de linguistique historique anglaise (1978-79)
A St-Luc, il critiquait la clinique: les conduites étaient terriblement bruyantes (sous les draps il était en train, en me parlant, de remplir son …urinoir)
Oui. C’était ça, Kouch’: celui qui mettait à l’aise. Celui qui remontait le moral aux autres. Kouch’, tu as toujours été un modèle pour nous. De courage, de simplicité, de “self-derision”. Très British, ce Polak finalement.
Très discret aussi. Sur le rôle de tes parents à Varsovie…
Un jour nous l’avons, Inès & moi, croisé à l’inno. Il achetait des peluches pour Alice (c’est bien Alice, non ?)
La dernière fois que j’ai eu le plaisir de le revoir plusieurs jours de suite, c’était place Rouppe (délégué comme lui, nous étions en formation. Au café, il me demande de l’accompagner au joc. Celui-ci est trop étroit. Il se hisse sur les bras pour pouvoir plier sa chaise. “Pousse-moi, maintenant. Pas trop fort. Pas envie de voler avec ma caisse dans la cuvette !”
Voilà. Je garde de toi, Janek, l’image d’un type extra. Qui mettait à l’aise tout de suite. Oui, c’est ça. On se sentait bien en ta compagnie.
Tu ne m’as pas laissé le temps de te dire combien tu m’as marqué.
Mais tu étais si fin, que je suis certain que tu écoutes ce que je te livre.
Et puis tu n’es pas mort, parce que chez chacun d’entre nous tu as semé du bon.
Repose-toi bien, après tout le bien que tu as fait parmi nous.
michel de rongé
April 16th, 2008 at 3:12 am
Jasiu,
Siedze w srodku nocy…czytam te teksty o tobie, do ciebie, co rusz puszczaja mi sluzy…
Nie da sie chyba juz napisac czegos czego by inni nie napisali, nie wyrazili, nie wyplakali…
Zyles pol wieku, ale de facto, przy twoim tempie, bylo tego z dwa zycia jak nic !
Chciales wszystko ogarnac, wszystkich zobaczyc, z kazdym wypic kielicha, pokochac wszystie dziewczyny na swiecie, wyciagnac wszystkich zwiazkowcow z ciupy, oplynac wszystkie oceany…
Jeszcze nie tak dawno, u Wlocha, zjedlismy razem kolacje. Dyskusja skupila sie na ludziach ktorzy w taki czy inny sposob naznaczyli XX-y wiek.
Wyslales mi potem sms’a z lista dziesieciu top’owych osobistosci ! Obiecalem sobie ze przy nastepnej okazji do niej powroce, bo naprawde ‘nie kupuje’ Onassis’a i Callas, ale niech ci tam !
Dzis, plyniesz pewnie gdzies w przestworzach, na bezgranicznych oceanach, a Dosia siedzi ci na kolanach, i co rusz kradnie ci czapke zeby sie nia nakryc !
Plyncie wiec sobie spokojnie, i czasem rzuccie na nas okiem, i sprawdzajcie czy idac waszym tropem, nie zbaczamy z drogi !
A jak przyjdzie i na nas kolej, przygotujcie nam pizze i kielicha Chianti, zebysmy znow razem bedac, milo sobie powspominali ‘dawne casy’ na ziemi !
Bywaj braciszku !
April 16th, 2008 at 3:34 am
Dear friends and colleagues,
It came as a great shock and sadness to all of us to learn about the passing of our Dear Brother Janek Kuczkiewicz. On behalf of all the members of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU), I would like to extend the sincerest condolences to the co-workers in the ITUC and the bereaved family of Brother Janek.
His abiding commitment to fundamental workers’ rights, human rights and international trade union movement will be remembered forever by all who have known him. His firm dedication to justice, democracy, dignity and human rights will never be forgotten. It is a great loss for us all and he will be remembered by all trade unionists and workers around the world.
May his soul rest in peace!
In Solidarity,
Jang Seok-chun
President
Federation of Korean Trade Unions (FKTU).
April 16th, 2008 at 8:17 am
I am greatly shocked and deeply saddended by Brother Janek’s early departure. I still remember his visit to ICFTU-APRO office in Singapore around year 2000, when I worked for the office there. Ever since that encountering with him, even though it was not the first time, my views changed and I came closer to his work and struggle in the ICFTU and ITUC as an unyielding fighting icon for the causes of international trade union movement and an exemplary figure for the trade union activists. Words can not be enough to express our feelings of big loss. We will miss him a lot and remember him for long. Deep condolences to beloved family members.
Kim, Sung Jin
Executive Director
Korea International Labor Foundation(KOILAF)
April 16th, 2008 at 10:58 am
I only meet Janek on a couple of occasions - that is my loss - I wish I had known him better. In such a brief encounter I was impressed by his commitment to a movement that continues to struggle for working people throughout the world. Everyone who knew him will carrier something of him forward into the future. His work lives on.
Allan Graveson
Senior National Secretary
Nautilus UK
April 16th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
C’est avec tristesse et consternation que les militants de la Confédération Syndicale des Travailleurs du Togo (CSTT) ont appris le décès de leur Cher et Regretté, frère JANEK, Chef du Département des Droits Humains et Syndicaux de la CSI - BRUXELLES.
Le frère JANEK a été, durant sa vie, un grand lutteur pour la cause des travailleurs et un grand défenseur des droits humains, partout où ils sont menacés. Sa disparution constitue un coup dur pour le monde du travail.
La CSTT présente ses condoléances les plus attristées à la CSI et à la famille éplorée. Que la terre lui soit légère et que le Seigneur Tout Puissant l’accueille dans son Royaume.
Pour le Bureau Confédéral
Le Secrétaire Général,
Adrien Bêléki AKOUETE
April 16th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Dear Janek,
Your demise is still a shock - it was much too early that you left us. We will miss you not only as our guide an coordinator in the application committee and as a fighter for labour rights, but also as a beloved friend.
Wait for us wherever you are now. Until we see each other again, we send you these words by Hermann Hesse.
Bianca & Jürgen
STUFEN
Wie jede Blüte welkt
und jede Jugend dem Alter weicht,
blüht jede Lebensstufe,
blüht jede Weisheit auch und jede Tugend
zu ihrer Zeit und darf nicht ewig dauern.
Es muss das Herz bei jedem Lebensrufe
bereit zum Abschied sein und Neubeginne,
um sich in Tapferkeit und ohne Trauern
in and’re, neue Bindungen zu geben.
Und jedem Anfang wohnt ein Zauber inne,
der uns beschützt und der uns hilft zu leben.
Wir sollen heiter Raum um Raum durchschreiten,
an keinem wie an einer Heimat hängen,
der Weltgeist will nicht fesseln uns und engen,
er will uns Stuf’ um Stufe heben, weiten!
Kaum sind wir heimisch einem Lebenskreise
und traulich eingewohnt,
so droht Erschlaffen!
Nur wer bereit zu Aufbruch ist und Reise,
mag lähmender Gewohnheit sich entraffen.
Es wird vielleicht auch noch die Todesstunde
uns neuen Räumen jung entgegen senden:
des Lebens Ruf an uns wird niemals enden.
Wohlan denn, Herz, nimm Abschied und gesunde!
Stairs
As every flower fades and as all youth
Departs, so life at every stage,
So every virtue, so our grasp of truth,
Blooms in its day and may not last forever.
Since life may summon us at every age
Be ready, heart, for parting, new endeavor,
Be ready bravely and without remorse
To find new light that old ties cannot give.
In all beginnings dwells a magic force
For guarding us and helping us to live.
Serenely let us move to distant places
And let no sentiments of home detain us.
The Cosmic Spirit seeks not to restrain us
But lifts us stage by stage to wider spaces.
If we accept a home of our own making,
Familiar habit makes for indolence.
We must prepare for parting and leave-taking
Or else remain the slaves of permanence.
Even the hour of our death may send
Us speeding on to fresh and newer spaces,
And life may summon us to newer races.
So be it, heart: bid farewell without end.
April 16th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Ante la lamentable noticia del fallecimiento del Compañero Janek Kuczkiewicz- Director del Departamento de Derechos Humanos y Sindicales de la CSI, la CENTRAL DE TRABAJADORES DE LA ARGENTINA (CTA) quiere manifestar su profundo dolor, saludando respetuosamente a la Confederación Sindical Internacional, a familiares, amigos y compañeros, ante esta irreparable pérdida.
Rescatamos y valoramos la larga trayectoria de lucha del Compañero Janek Kuczkiewicz en defensa de los intereses de los Derechos Humanos y en especial el de los trabajadores. Esto reafirma nuestro compromiso de mantener en alto las banderas que levanto permanentemente nuestro amigo y compañero.
Acompañándolos en este difícil momento.
Hugo Yasky - Secretario General
Adolfo Aguirre - Secretario de Relaciones Internacionales
Central de Trabajadores de la Argentina - CTA
April 17th, 2008 at 8:50 am
10 April 2008
Brother Guy Ryder
General Secretary
International Trade Union Confederation
5 Boulevard du Roi Albert ll, Bte l
1210 Brussels
Belgium
Dear Sir,
Condolence Message on the Death of Brother Janek Kuczkiewicz
We heard with deep shock and grief the news of the death of our friend and brother, Janek Kuczkiewicz, Director of Human and Trade Union Rights in the ITUC head office. I wish to convey the condolences of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and my personal commiseration over this sad loss.
He was so passionate and knowledgeable in relation to his work, in a way that inspires and encourages all of us. Janek was a General, who earned his stripes in designing and executing pro-worker campaigns against corporate despotism and State tyranny. His death would leave a big vacuum.
Please, convey our commiseration to Janek’s family and to our colleagues in the ITUC family.
May his soul rest in peace, Amen.
Yours sincerely,
John E. Odah, mni
General Secretary
April 17th, 2008 at 11:54 am
It is with deep regret that I’ve just heard about the untimely passing of Janek. My heartfelt sympathy goes to his family and friends. I will remember him.
Titania Vandevelde
April 18th, 2008 at 9:25 am
This is sad and deeply touching news. I had the opportunity of working with Janek during my secondment to Geneva and I always enjoyed his presence, deep commitment and knowledge, but his humour and willingness to make the best of his life as well. I feel grieve not to be able to meet him again, we will miss him and his work. My condolence to his family, friends and colleagues.
Erfried Adam
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
Prague
April 18th, 2008 at 9:35 am
I received the news of Janek’s death with shock and great sadness. Janek’s work was a major contribution to the defense of trade union rights everywhere, and the Annual Survey of Violations of Trade Union Rights which he directed has become probably the most influential publication of the ICFTU and then of the ITUC.
My deepest condolences to his family and his co-workers.
Dan
Global Labour Institute
Switzerland
April 18th, 2008 at 9:37 am
Después del Congreso de Panamá y de una misión en Madrid para reunirme con el compañero Pedro Pablo Alvarez, he conocido la lamentable noticia del fallecimiento del compañero Janek Kuczkiewicz, Director del Departamento de Derechos Humanos y Sindicales de la CSI.
Nos ha sorprendido y entristecido su fallecimiento, siempre le recuerdo activo, militante, entregado a los derechos humanos y sindicales con mucho entusiasmo tanto en Bruselas, en Washington, como en Guatemala.
Te expresamos y a través tuyo a todos los compañeros de la CSI y a sus familiares, nuestra solidaridad en estos momentos por la pérdida de este ser humano que además fue un dirigente activo y tan entregado a las luchas por los derechos humanos y sindicales.
En el corto tiempo que hemos trabajado en conjunto, desde la fundación de la CSI hasta ahora, a través de la CLADEHLT y de la CLAT, hemos apreciado el valor de este compañero.
Junto con mis condolencias recibe un fraternal saludo de tu amigo y compañero
Eduardo García Moure
CLAT CENTRAL
April 18th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Friend of a friend on an eventfull and great birthday party - 2 years ago? Thank you for your contribution to this world - thank you for your friendship to my friend and rest in peace. Irma.
April 20th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
I never met Janek in person. Yet, I suspect like many hundreds around the world who also never met him face to face, I felt he was my friend and colleague. As a Solidarity Center representative in Indonesia and Thailand, I often felt helpless when receiving a report of a trade unionist arrested, imprisoned, or assaulted. But then the first step was to “Let Janek know.” And through him, the networks were alerted, the contacts begun, the pressure applied, and - more times than I could expect - the victory won. Janek worked tirelessly for the rights of trade unionists in Indonesia, both under the dictatorship of Soeharto, and as companies attempted to maintain their privileges after Soeharto’s downfall. And as stated by Brother Maung Maung, Janek was a leader in calling the world’s attention to forced labor and violation of worker rights in Burma.
The ironic fact is that many workers who are now walking free from jail and assault, or are organizing free and independent trade unions, do not even know about the role Janek played directly in applying pressure to those who had them arrested or tried to bust their organizing campaigns. But I’m sure Janek accepted their freedom as reward enough for his efforts.
Janek’s death makes us all stumble and fall for a moment, and we will miss him in the days and years to come. But as he would have wanted, we will continue his fight for worker and trade union rights. I know his dedication will make us all work a bit harder for those things that he valued. I know we can learn from him how to build our solidarity on behalf of working people everywhere.
Rudy Porter
Thailand Office Director
Solidarity Center, AFL-CIO
April 21st, 2008 at 11:31 am
My heartfelt condolences to Alice, Francoise, and all the Kuczkiewicz family. Allow me to take this opportunity to say my own farewell to this inspiring, incredible man.
Dear Janek,
I have known you for over 25 years, as a colleague, as my boss, and above all my friend. I had taken my distance from you, slightly, by leaving the ITUC, but we remained friends. And you were going to move on too, but only to Geneva, we thought. Now you are so far out of reach.
We spent six years working closely together in the Human and Trade Union Rights Department. You shaped the HTUR work of the ITUC, and far beyond. You towered over it. As a boss you were caring, inspiring, maddening. You guided and encouraged your staff, but were always a little frustrated and puzzled that others were not always prepared to stay until after midnight, to work through their weekends, or their Christmas holidays.
You liked to say I was your deputy and the other half of your brain. If only I could claim to have one tenth of your intellectual capacity, your strength, your commitment. Instead I tried to be the voice of reason. What a waste of time that was. “But who should I say no to?” you would ask. “Don’t say no, share it out.” But you wanted, needed, to be at the centre of things, and you were, in so many ways. And now you are gone, there is a huge great big gap.
Time will help heal the loss. Others will take over the work. But there will never be another Janek.
Goodbye my friend.
Sara
April 21st, 2008 at 12:31 pm
En nombre propio y de la CUSG, estoy haciéndole llegar mis condolencias a la CSI , por el lamentable fallecimiento del compañero Jannek Kuczkiewicz. Creo que fue un compañero muy valioso para el movimiento sindical y en particular una de las piezas claves durante la Conferencia de la CSI en Guatemala.
Carlos Mancilla,
Secretario de Trabajo y conflictos de la CUSG
April 21st, 2008 at 12:34 pm
El Comité Ejecutivo de la Confederación General del Trabajo CGT, lamenta profundamente el fallecimiento del compañero JANEK KUCZKIEWICZ, Director del Departamento de Derechos Humanos y Sindicales de la Confederación Sindical Internacional.
Nos entristece enormemente la desaparición del compañero JANEK, por cuanto en vida fue un gran defensor de los derechos humanos de los trabajadores, el departamento que dirigió actúo siempre en forma oportuna y eficaz en la denuncia y reclamación ante la vulneración a los derechos de los trabajadores aglutinados en organizaciones afiliadas a la CSI.
Al compañero Guy Ryder Secretario General de la CSI, demás integrantes de la conducción política y funcionarios de la nueva y poderosa Confederación, así como a sus familiares les expresamos nuestras más sentidas condolencias.
April 21st, 2008 at 3:33 pm
J’ai rencontré Janek à Londres, lors d’une discussion sur la Colombie. Dans la salle, un Colombien qui soufrait encore des consequences des paramilitaires. Janek a toute suite compris, ne disait rien et bassait la tête devant autant d’atrocité contre l’humanité. Cette image d’un etre humain qui comprend toute de suite m’as fortement ému, mais reste un bon souvenir…
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:21 am
برای آنان که از حقوق کارگران دفاع می کنند
به اتحادیه بین المللی کارگران
هفته گذشته یانک کو ژکیویسکز، فعال حقوق بشر اتحادیه های کارگری درگذشت. دفاع او از حقوق کارگران در سراسر جهان همواره ستودنی و به یاد ماندنی است.
تلاش او برای آزادی منصور اسانلو و محمود صالحی و فعالین کارگری در ایران خستگی ناپذیر بود.
این فعال طبقه کارگر تا آخرین روزهای زندگی از یاد کارگران غافل نبود و همه توانش را برای دفاع از آنان به کار برد.
ما مرگ او را به همه فعالین کارگری سراسر جهان تسلیت گفته و برای همه آنان که در جهت احقاق حقوق کارگران کار می کنند، آرزوی موفقیت داریم. به امید روزی که همه کارگران از حقوق انسانی خود برخوردار شوند.
هیات تحریریه مجله راه آینده
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:37 am
Mr. Guy Ryder
Secretaire general,CSI
ITUC, Brussels
Monsieur le Secretaire general,
Au nom du Secteur Syndical Haïtien (SSH), du Secrétariat confédéral de l’OGITH et en mon personnel, je présente toutes mes sympathies à toutes les militantes et à tous les militants de la Confédération Syndicale Internationale et aux familles des camarades défunts respectivement Ibrahim Mayaki (ACTRAV) et Janek Kuczkiewicz (CSI).
Je connaissais personnellement le cd Janek Kuczkiewicz et je travaillais avec lui sur plusieurs dossiers syndicaux sur le cas d’Haïti lors de ma participation à la 2eme Réunion du Comité Mondial des droits humains et syndicaux de la CISL en 1993 à Bruxelles, au 16eme Congrès de la CISL suivis de différents courriels sur la situation syndicale haïtienne.
Je suis profondément touché de sa disparition, car, nous devons subir cette épreuve en tant que passager sur cette terre.
Paix à leur âme et condoléances à toutes et à tous !
Patrick NUMAS
Secrétaire général, OGITH
Coordonnateur du SSH
Delmas 11, 121 Bis, Port-au-Prince, Haïti
Tel : 509-3-457 5725
May 8th, 2008 at 5:56 am
I am a member of FTUB and worked with brother Janek for years on Burma’s forced labour and TUR issues. We, Burmese people, will never forget what you did for Bumra. I was shocked when I heard terrible news about you.
May you rest in peace brother Janek.
Fraternally,
ASM
May 9th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
I worked with Janek in the late 90’s on a course in Romania on violations of trade union and human rights. Three things stand out in my memory:
his patience with the often warring trade union delegations present, reminding us all that we had a vital job as fighters for justice who could not afford to indulge in pettiness;
how supportive he was to a new acquaintance going through a devastating emotional crisis;
him bopping happily in his wheelchair at our disco.
Vincero.
Love, Jannettja
May 20th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
От имени филиала профсоюза железнодорожников Республики Казахстан «Аппарат Национальной Компании «Казакстан темiр жолы» выражаю глубокое соболезнование семье и близким по поводу тяжелой утраты – кончиной выдающего деятеля международного профсоюзного движения Janeka Kuczkiewicza.
Человек живет столько, сколько о нем помнят. Помня мы, продлеваем жизнь ушедшим от нас людям. Пусть земля будет пухом.
Абиюр Джумаев,
председатель филиала
May 23rd, 2008 at 11:36 am
La Embajada de Colombia en Bélgica quiere expresar un sentido pésame a los familiares y compañeros del señor Kuczkiewicz.
The Embassy of Colombia in Belgium wishes to express its most sincere condolences to the family and colleagues of Mr. Kuczkiewicz.
Embassy of Colombia
July 4th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
It is extremely shocking to note that Janek passed away in April 2008.I have just learned about it when i was googling about the great men and women in the history of trade unionism and janek struck my mind as one of the outstanding characters of the modern times in the struggle for social justice. I am left at a big loss, for Janek shaped my understanding of human and trade union rights issues in Africa and the world at large. Janek was an angel on earth for those who new him like me. My few times of interaction with him at brussels and at various international foras left me more educated and knowlegeble on HTUR issues. He was a mentor, teacher and a fighter.
On behalf of my family and own behalf i express my my sincere condolences to his family, ITUC brussesls and to all his dears and nears.May his soul in eternal peace.
Peter M Mathuki formerly of ICFTU-AFRO(incharge of human and rights deptt)
July 29th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Je n’ai pas rencontré souvent Janek; quelques fois en fait par l’entremise de sa soeur et mon amie Hanka. Assez seulement, pour apprécier ce grand homme accueillant, ouvert, généreux, engagé et souriant! Les départs des grands comme il était est toujours triste parce qu’on voudrait qu’ils vient éternellement et pas seulement dans nos souvenirs ou leurs réalisations. Mais il semble bien que ce n’est pas ainsi que cela marche sur cette terre!