Archived press release

Shell Faces Community Rebellion at AGM

28 June 2005

Communities living next door to the oil giant Shell will be at the company's annual general meetings (AGM) in London and the Hague today (Tuesday 28^th June) to protest at Shell's record of human rights abuses and environmental damage around the world [1]. The protest comes 10 years after the execution of the Nigerian writer Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others who had all campaigned against Shell's polluting operations in the Niger Delta [2].

Ten years on, communities say that despite many promises, Shell has done little to improve the situation for people locally and many live with the daily impact of pollution from refineries, leaking pipelines and oil spills, which damage their health and the environment. Their cases are illustrated in a new report, launched today (Tuesday), with Friends of the Earth [3].

"Lessons Not Learned", the third alternative Shell report, catalogues how despite commitments made in previous years, Shell still shows a total disregard for the environment and the rights of the people living near its operations in many parts of the world.

Representatives from Brazil, Nigeria, the Philippines, Sakhalin Island, South Africa and the United States are travelling to London and the Hague to raise their concerns in front of shareholders and directors [4].

Friends of the Earth's Executive Director Tony Juniper said:

"Shell's environmental legacy in these communities exposes the reality behind the company's greenwash claims. When will the UK Government face up to its responsibilities and make UK companies accountable for the damage they do overseas? If Shell operated to these standards in western Europe, there would be an outcry. So why is it acceptable for companies to operate like this overseas?"

Felix Majabague is in London from Manila in the Philippines where Shell runs an oil depot in the densely-populated area of Pandacan. Monitoring by the community has revealed high levels of toxic gases in the atmosphere when trucks are being loaded at the depot. A medical study by the local university suggested residents were exposed to toxins which could cause damage to the nervous system.

Patrick Naagbanton is in London, representing communities in the Niger Delta who with the support of Friends of the Earth, are currently taking legal action against Shell over gas flaring. Flaring has been prohibited under Nigerian environmental regulations since 1984 but Shell continues to burn gas in the Delta. Flaring releases a cocktail of toxic substances including benzene and particulates, exposing Niger Delta communities to severe health risks and property damage, as well as violating their human rights.

Monique Harden speaking for the US group Advocates for Environmental Human Rights said:

"These communities have travelled a long way to seek justice from Shell. At past meetings, Shell has listened to their concerns, but has then failed to act on its promises. Communities deserve to have their voices heard and their concerns addressed - Shell hasn't done this. It is time to hold Shell accountable and force the company to take action."

Elena Lopukhina is coming to the AGM from Sakhalin Island in the Russian Far East, where Shell is expanding its operations with a new offshore gas platform and pipeline running across the island. Shell has already been forced to re-route the pipeline following conservation concerns about its proximity to the breeding grounds of the Western Pacific Grey Whale. But residents on the island are also concerned about the impact of pipeline on their livelihoods. Many depend on fishing, but pollution from pipeline construction is contaminating salmon spawning grounds and damaging the unique habitat of their island.

Notes

[1] Friends of the Earth will be hosting the following visitors:

Siziwe Kanali, groundWork, from Durban, South Africa
Desmond D'Sa, South Durban Community Environmental Alliance, South Africa
Felix Majabague, United Front to Oust Oil Depots, the Philippines
Margie Richard, Concerned Citizens of Norco, USA
Patrick Naagbanton, Niger-delta Project for the Environment, Human Rights and Development, Nigeria
Tashica Miles, Community In-power Development Association, USA
Valdenir da Cruz Santos, Coletivo Alternative Verde, Brazil
Elena Lopukhina, Sakhalin Environment Watch, Sakhalin Island, Russia
Monique Harden, Advocates for Environmental Human Rights, USA (group co-ordinator)

The Shell AGM takes place at ExCeL, 1 Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London, E16 1XL, on Tuesday June 28, 2005 commencing at 11:00 am

[2] For more information about the life of Ken Saro-Wiwa, see
www.remembersarowiwa.org/

[3] www.foe.co.uk//resource/reports/lessons_not_learned.pdf (PDF)

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust