Shell pays out $15.5m9 July 2009
After legal battles lasting nearly 14 years, oil giant Royal Dutch Shell has been forced to pay US $15.5 million in an out-of-court settlement.
This settlement is seen by many as an admission of responsibility for human rights abuses committed in the Niger Delta against the Ogoni people in the 1990's.
These human rights abuses included the execution of writer and activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and 8 others.
With this settlement, Shell is seeking to keep the overwhelming evidence of its crimes away from the scrutiny of a jury trial.
Paul de Clerck, Friends of the Earth International
The settlement includes establishment of a Trust to benefit local communities in Ogoni.
A victory only on paper
This settlement will not put an end to the daily struggles faced by people throughout the Niger Delta.
Despite this victory, Shell continues it's activities in the region.
Justice will not be served in Ogoni, and throughout the Delta, unless:
- Gas flares are put out
- Oil spills are cleaned up
- The military serve the people and not just the oil companies.
On-going struggle
Shell faces further legal actions in the Netherlands for repeated oil spills.
These will be brought by residents of the Niger Delta, with support from Milieudefensie (Friends of the Earth Netherlands) and Environmental Rights Action (Friends of the Earth Nigeria).
Communities, human rights lawyers and activists will continue to demand justice with the same determination and hope shown by Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni people.
Anne van Schaik, Milieudefensie
Press for change
Stop gas flaring in Nigeria
Urge Shell's new CEO to end gas flaring.
© Elaine Gilligan/ Friends of the Earth
