E21: The Lundin–Aker BP Merge and the OECD Case in Norway
In this episode, we explore a process in Norway that could help victims secure compensation.
Just before the trial started in Sweden, Lundin merged with Norway’s largest oil and gas producer, Aker BP, effectively moving substantial financial resources out of Sweden. What remained is a small energy company called Orrön Energy, an entity without significant assets, which would likely be unable to pay compensation to the victims of war crimes.
As soon as the merger was announced civil society organisations tried to alert shareholders and stop Lundin’s attempt to divert all its oil assets away from Sweden and the court. Since Lundin had made a fortune in Norway with profits made in Sudan the organizations filed a complaint with the National Contact Point (NCP) for OECD in Norway.
After three years NCP came to a decision in which they largely agreed with the NGOs’ claims: Aker BP had not conducted a due diligence of alleged human rights abuses within the Lundin Energy assets before the merger nor did they investigate if Orrön had enough funds to compensation plaintiffs in the event of a guilty verdict.
Participants:
– Raymond Johansen, Secretary General at Norwegian People’s Aid
– Egbert Wesselink senior advisor at the Dutch peace organization PAX
Host:
– Kajsa Sörman
Background:
This is the Lundin War Crimes Trial, brought to you by Pax and Global Idé. The music in this podcast is made by the artist JJ Kang and edited by Roos Boer, producer and editor Kajsa Sörman. Visit unpaiddebt.org for more background and updates from the trial. There you may also listen to more interviews with victims and experts, read expert analysis, an interactive map of attacks in Lundin’s concession area and access background information about the case.
