Amnesty International and Friends of the Earth vs Shell
Case overview
| Date filed | 30 December 2011 |
|---|---|
| Current status | Filed |
| Issue | Human Rights and Environmental violations by Shell Nigeria |
| Summary of the case | Amnesty International & Friends of the Earth International filed a complaint against Royal Dutch Shell for allegedly breaching several OECD Guidelines, including the Human Rights and Environment provisions. The complainants are concerned by the practices and communications of Shell with regard to its in Ogoniland in the Niger Delta. According to the complainants, Shell is in breach of the OECD Guidelines because of the severe pollution it has caused, the companys slow and inadequate response to oil spills, and insufficient control and maintenance of oil infrastructure. The complaint also alleges that the information provided by Shell with regard to these matters is incorrect, misleading and unsubstantiated. The complainants have documented the impact of the oil industry on the environment and human rights in the Niger Delta over many years and also base their complaint on a report recently conducted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) at the request of the Nigerian Government to determine the environmental and health impacts of oil contamination in Ogoniland. Over slightly more than a year the UNEP researchers examined many locations, surveyed kilometres of pipeline, reviewed medical records and engaged people at local community meetings. Oil production in the Niger Delta Area ran from the end of the 1950s until 1993. The UNEP report maintains that even though no oil production has taken place in the region since, the oil field facilities have not been decommissioned. Oil pipelines carrying oil from other parts of the country still pass through Ogoniland but are not being adequately maintained. Consequently, the infrastructure deteriorated due to exposure to natural forces, which caused severe environmental pollution in the Niger Delta area. In addition, the UNEP report documents how Shell failed to adequately clean up oil spills and related contamination, failed to take appropriate action after problems had been identified, and failed to provide for adequate remediation. |
| Developments/Outcome | The complaint was filed simultaneously at the Dutch and the UK NCPs. The complainants are awaiting confirmation of receipt of the complaint by the NCPs. |
| Relevant OECD Guidelines | |
| Case keywords | Extractives / mining sector, Human rights, Environment, Energy sector, Disclosure of information, Multiple NCPs |
NCP Information
| NCP name | National Contact Point Netherlands |
|---|---|
| NCP address | Den Haag, Netherlands |
| NCP website | http://www.oesorichtlijnen.nl/ |
| Other NCPs involved |
Complainants
| NGO |
|---|
Company Information
| Company responsible | Koninklijke Nederlandsche Petroleum Maatschappij |
|---|---|
| Company address | Carel van Bylandtlaan 30 2596 HR Den Haag Netherlands |
| Company website | http://www.shell.com/home/Framework?siteId=home |
| Company in violation | Koninklijke Nederlandsche Petroleum Maatschappij |
| Country of operations | Nigeria |
| Other companies involved |
|
Timeline of developments
| Date | Actor | Action | Description | Document |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 December 2011 | Amnesty International Sectie Nederland | file | Complaint against Shell. | download pdf (543.3 kB) |
