Note: Liberian NGOs are calling for comprehensive agricultural reform in the face of human rights abuses committed by agribusiness giant Sime Darby, which produces 6 % of the world’s crude palm oil. Sime Darby is accused of failing to protect the rights of communities, allowing involuntary replacement of communities that impede their palm oil plantation operations, and violating several international processes and guidelines. Visit Friends of the Earth International for more information.
-The GJEP Team
February 1, 2013. Source: Friends of the Earth International
Palm oil companies are grabbing more than 1.5 million acres of land in Liberia and are violating human rights of local communities, warn Liberian NGOs including Friends of the Earth Liberia (SDI – Sustainable Development Institute), Save My Future Foundation (SAMFU) and Social Entrepreneurs for Sustainable Development (SESDev).
On the eve of a United Nations meeting in Liberia, that will discuss a new global development framework, Friends of the Earth International is backing the local NGOs’ demands – including renegotiation of contracts for land concessions and a reassessment of the Liberian agricultural development strategy on which these concessions are based.
Malaysian palm oil giant Sime Darby and Indonesian Golden Veloreum have entered into long term land leases with the Liberian Government. Investigations into Sime Darby’s operations reveal that communities located in the areas allocated to the company had little warning or consultation of this land grab. Many of the inhabitants, especially women, say they have lost their farms and food sources, livelihoods, as well as culturally sacred sites to oil palm plantations.
An analysis of the contracts between the Liberian Government and the Asian companies demonstrates they are likely to be violating several Human Rights conventions ratified by Liberia.
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Christy Rodgers
Global Justice Ecology Project
hallieb
Jeff Conant
