| Human rights abuses suffered by citizens of southern Sudan have eased in the past several months, says an Alberta human rights advocate. But he is still pushing Calgary-based Talisman Energy to compensate victims for abuses allegedly suffered as a result of their former oil operation in the country.
Mel Middleton of Freedom Quest International says a tenuous ceaesfire in the African nation's civil war and Talisman's withdrawal from its controversial oil project have both worked to quell human rights abuses in the country.
"The situation is still far from good, but it’s a lot better than when Talisman was in there," Middleton says.
"I wouldn’t say it’s all due to Talisman pulling out, but I think it’s a message to the Sudanese government that their actions have repercussions in the international community."
Middleton is still pushing the company to compensate alleged victims of human rights abuses in southern Sudan – abuses that he says were exacerbated by the company’s operations there.
"We believe when you make a mess, hurt people and cause problems, a socially responsible company cleans up and offers compensation to assist (victims) to return to their villages, rebuild villages… and get them back on their feet," he says.
Middleton and members of Calgary’s Sudanese community protested outside Talisman’s annual general meeting in Calgary on May 6, and confronted company president Jim Buckee with demands for compensation during the meeting.
Buckee, however, maintains that its operations in Sudan actually benefited the people of Sudan by providing much needed infrastructure and social programs. During the meeting, Buckee reiterated his hope for peace in the country and said the company has moved on since the sale.
"Talisman is committed to high standards of corporate responsibility," Buckee said. "We have made a three-year commitment to ensure our good work continues in Sudan." |
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