Rights violations by mining and oil companies

The delegation made up of representatives of 50 organizations, coordinated by the international NGO Amazon Watch, wants to draw attention to the rights violations suffered by indigenous peoples and other communities in nine countries of the region by at least 34 Canadian companies , mainly mining and oil. . .

Although Canada is not the only country whose companies are involved in this type of looting, the delegation wants to take advantage of the fact that this country will soon be subject to the universal periodic review of its respect for fundamental freedoms, next November before the United Nations. Human Rights Council.

The organizations denounce, for example, that many companies act without the express consent or consultation of the indigenous peoples of the territories, or harm the fragile local ecosystem by contaminating it.

The example of Putumayo

Colombian Brayan Mojanajinsoy, secretary general of the Association of Indigenous Councils of Villagarzón Putumayo, explains how these divisive tactics work in his town, where the Canadian oil company Gran Tierra Energy operates, which has caused serious contamination of Putumayo, an important tributary of the Amazon.

“We have been singled out and stigmatized by non-Indigenous communities in the region, and our leaders have been threatened or persecuted”, after the Canadian company offered non-Indigenous jobs and local investments such as sports fields .

Canadian double standards

The delegation also wants to show the double standard of a country, Canada, whose external image is that of a state that is progressive in the face of the climate crisis and protective of the environment and indigenous peoples, which, according to officials of this mission. it takes place more behind closed doors than outside.

“We want to highlight the contradictions of Canada when applying its economic diplomacy in the countries of the South,” added Mauricio Terena, legal coordinator of the Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil.

At least nine countries where rights have been violated

The delegation considers that Canadian companies have violated their international obligations in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru and the Dominican Republic, in particular in 37 projects, including 21 dedicated to the mining gold, 11 silver and eight oil.

The delegation hopes that its visit to Geneva will not only contribute to denouncing the behavior of Canadian companies, but also to demonstrate the need for a global treaty obliging all multinationals to respect certain human rights obligations, regardless of where they live. operate.

They call for a global corporate due diligence treaty

“The testimonies of the communities show that it is necessary to have an international standard that applies to all States, because otherwise there is competition and the levels of protection are lowered to attract investment, in a sort of of ‘dumping’ human rights”, assured the representative of FIAN.

Also European, Chinese or American companies

Although on this occasion the main object of the complaint, multinationals from other origins such as the United States, Europe or China are also denounced for abuses in their operations in Latin America.

Indeed, a similar delegation will also travel to Geneva at the end of the year to similarly denounce the abuses committed by Chinese companies in Latin America, taking advantage of the fact that in December China will also be subject to scrutiny. periodical of Humanity. UN Human Rights Council.

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