Sudan: Companies pressured over Darfur

Sudan: Companies pressured over Darfur
Esmerk
229 words
27 December 2007
Esmerk Swedish News
English
Copyright 2007. Esmerk Limited

Dagens Industri, 27 Dec 2007, p.09:-

DI reports that international human rights organisations are exerting pressure on companies operating in Sudan to pull out of the country due to the ongoing conflict in Darfur. It is reported that ABB, Talisman Energy, Rolls Royce and Siemens have decided to cease operating in the country. Swedish oil firm Lundin Petroleum is named as one firm that continues to do business in Sudan.

DI reports that human rights groups argue that companies that do business with Sudan and its government are contributing to the conflict in Darfur. Christine Batruch for Lundin Petroleum argues that by investing in Sudan the company is contributing positively to its development and benefits all interest groups in the country.
“Our operations have nothing whatsoever to do with the conflict in Darfur,” Batruch argues.

It is reported that Chinese oil firms have filled the space left by Talisman Energy and China National Petroleum is now the largest petroleum operator in the country.

It is reported that in Sweden only 2 percent of invested share capital is placed in so-called ethical funds that profile respect for human rights, the environment and social responsibility. According to Sasja Beslik at Banco Fonder, “people invest money on a daily basis without asking any questions at all.”