Oil conference urges Sudan to adopt transparent system

By Manyang Mayom

Nov 10, 2006 (JUBA) — An oil conference urged Sudan to adopt a transparent and accountable system in oil management it also asked to enforce adopted mechanism of equitable oil distribution.

The Sudan Oil Conference, held in Juba on 1-2 November, recommended to Federal and South Sudan governments to implement law and policies related oil industry. The National Petroleum Commission (NPC) is seen as “the most important mechanism towards the realization of equitable oil distribution and revenue utilization”.

The conference urges to use Oil revenue in the realization of people-driven projects.

“Governments are responsible to expedite compensation and resettlement of affected communities”, the conference stated.

Regarding the oil companies, the conference requested the respect of local communities and their cultures. “Ought to operate in strict compliance with international environmental standards and best practices” the conference added.

The two-day conference was jointly organized by the European Coalition on Oil in Sudan (ECOS) and the New Sudanese Indigenous NGOs Network (NESI).

The conference was very successful in achieving its objectives by addressing government policies, the perspectives from local communities, the role of the business community, and the contribution that civil society can make in ensuring that oil and its revenues will underpin the objectives of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and contribute to peace and equitable development in Sudan.

The vice-president of the government of Southern Sudan Riek Machar and Ms Angelina Teny, the state minister of Energy and Mining in the federal government participated in the conference.

Following the conference, civil society participants convened and agreed on forming a Civil Society Taskforce to ensure a joint follow-up.

Below a Statement on the conference by the participants to the civil society meeting.

(ST)

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PREAMBLE

We, Sudanese and international civil society organizations having met for three days in Juba, on the occasion of the 1st Oil and the Future of the Sudan Conference;

Appreciative of the high level of commitment and participation of the Vice President of the Government of Southern Sudan, H.E. Dr. Riak Machar.

Acknowledging the participation of H.E. Ms. Angelina Teny, State Minister, Ministry of Energy and Mining the Government of National Unity;

Recognizing the participation of various cabinet and state ministers, members of Parliament, governors and commissioners from the Government of Southern Sudan;

Appreciative of the participation of national, regional and international civil society representatives, national and international NGOs, the United Nations agencies, members of the academia, the private sector, oil companies, the media and professional groups and scholars.

Appreciative of this Conference’s initiative organized by New Sudanese Indigenous NGOs Network (NESI) and European Coalition on Oil of Sudan (ECOS);

Cognizant of the fact that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement offers an excellent framework for a just and equitable distribution and management of the oil sector in the Sudan;

The delegates having discussed honestly and constructively Oil exploration in the Sudan, its impact on the Sudanese people, the environment, the economy, the sustainability and success of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

Noting with deep concern the above, therefore we hereby request for the following:

Government of National Unity and the Government of Southern Sudan:

– The National Petroleum Commission (NPC) is the most important mechanism towards the realization of equitable oil distribution and revenue utilization. We strongly urge its operationalization. Furthermore, other commissions provided for within the CPA such as the Land commission should be immediately made effective.

– We urge both Governments to embark on an open door policy and consultative approach in the formulations of the Oil sector management including its vision, policies, guidelines and contracts.

– Oil revenue should be geared towards people-driven projects.

– Both governments should respect their commitments made in the CPA and the two constitutions to promote and protect human rights.

– Laws and policies pertaining to the oil industry must steer away from secrecy. We demand for transparent and accountable systems in oil management and all other levels of governance.

– Join the Extractive Industries Transparency International (EITI) and make all payments from the oil sector to the State publicly available.

– Both governments must systematically consult with local communities, civil society organizations and other stakeholders.

– Enact and enforce laws to ensure social corporate responsibilities are complied with by oil companies.

– Governments are responsible to expedite compensation and resettlement of affected communities.

Oil Companies:

– Must practice international corporate business responsibilities.

– Must respect and cooperate with local authorities and systems of governance.

– Should respect local communities and their cultures.

– Must listen to and consult with local authorities, the communities, civil society in social development.

– Ought to operate in strict compliance with international environmental standards and best practices.

– Must respect and strive to implement international labour laws.