Indigenous leaders from the Wampis Nation in Peru have traveled to the U.K. to advocate for a ban on international banking support for oil activities that harm their rainforest. They have raised alarm over numerous oil leaks from Petroperu and stressed the need for legislation that holds foreign corporations accountable for environmental destruction affecting Indigenous rights.
Indigenous leaders from the Wampis Nation in Peru have journeyed to the United Kingdom to advocate for stringent restrictions on international banking support of oil activities in the Amazon rainforest, which they argue severely threaten their ancestral lands. At the House of Commons, they highlighted the role of prominent banks like HSBC, JPMorgan Chase, and Santander in financing the state oil company Petroperu, responsible for numerous oil leaks along a pipeline extending through their territories.
The leaders, including Pamuk Teófilo Kukush Pati and Tsanim Evaristo Wajai Asamat, reported that these oil activities have led to significant pollution of their fishing waters, placing their livelihoods in jeopardy. They emphasized the historical stewardship of their lands, stating, “We’ve been conserving our forest for over 7,000 years.” They articulated their concerns, noting that their situation has become increasingly dire due to environmental degradation caused by oil extraction practices.
The banks’ involvement in a $1 billion bond issuance for Petroperu’s refinery upgrades has raised alarms among environmental activists and Indigenous groups. Despite the banks asserting adherence to environmental regulations, the Wampis leaders contend that financial backing for such projects undermines their communities and ecosystems, highlighting a consistent pattern of oil spills and inadequate accountability from Petroperu.
In addition to seeking to protect their habitat, the Wampis leaders, accompanied by delegations from other nations, urged the U.K. government to adopt legislation that would criminalize environmental harm by British businesses abroad, thereby enforcing ethical corporate behavior in overseas operations. They shared firsthand accounts of adversities faced due to mining and logging activities exacerbated by international corporations, asserting that despite their corporate responsibility back home, these companies often neglect Indigenous rights and environmental standards in their operations in Latin America.
The article discusses a recent mission by Indigenous leaders from the Wampis Nation in Peru who traveled to the U.K. to highlight the detrimental impact of oil extraction activities supported by international banks, particularly in the Amazon rainforest. The Wampis community, known for declaring an autonomous government to protect their territory, has been facing ecological threats from operations led by Petroperu, exacerbated by ongoing pollution from oil leaks. The discussion touches upon legislative efforts aimed at regulating the corporate practices of foreign businesses affecting Indigenous lands.
In conclusion, the visit by Wampis leaders to the United Kingdom serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous communities in safeguarding their environments from exploitative practices. Their appeal to U.K. lawmakers underscores the need for greater accountability from international financial institutions and a commitment to protecting human rights and environmental integrity. As they seek changes in legislation, their voices highlight the urgent threats posed by corporate activities, which necessitate a more ethical and responsible approach on the part of global businesses.
Original Source: apnews.com
