Shell has a murky history in Nigeria, where it has a practical monopoly on the country’s oil.
The multinational's environmental infractions in Nigeria are well documented, with spill after spill ruining ecosystems and people's lives.
There have been over 2,000 oil spills in the Niger delta, many extremely serious. Clean up and compensation has been scanty, when it exists at all.
In a US court case, the corporation is also accused of "aiding and abetting" gross human rights violations. The UK Government has decided to intervene in the case on Shell's behalf, based on a very narrow (but convenient) interpretation of international law.
This interpretation of international law is a deeply suspect act on the part of the UK Government. Tell the UK Government that it should not be trying to help multinationals get away with human rights violations and to withdraw its support immediately.
We the undersigned stand with Amnesty International and the CORE coalition in asking that the UK Government withdraw its intervention in Kiobel v Shell.
This intervention is based on a narrow interpretation of international law, which was not intended to help businesses get away with gross violations of human rights.
Trying to find a way to stop justice on human rights taking place in other countries is not something the UK Government should be doing and we ask that you withdraw your tacit support for Shell's misconduct immediately.
Thank you for your attention.
