CEU Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2024
| Author | Baldeh, Jariatou |
|---|---|
| Title | Corporate Accountability Unmasked: Legal Perspectives on the Ogoniland v Royal Dutch Shell |
| Summary | The Ogoni people (Ogonis) are an ethnic group in Nigeria - West Africa, primarily residing in the Niger Delta region, specifically in Ogoniland, which is located in the southern part of the country. The Ogonis, primarily farmers, and fishermen, have faced severe environmental degradation and human rights abuses due to decades of oil extraction activities on their land by corporate activities particularly the operation of Royal Dutch Shell. Despite Shell’s suspension of operations in Ogoniland in 1993, the community still suffers from untreated oil spills, health impacts, and scarcity of resources, highlighting the enduring consequences of corporate harm. This thesis evaluates the adequacy of compensation provided in the 2021 judgment by the Court of Appeal of The Hague and identifies gaps in the existing literature. Through a socio-legal approach, this research aims to uncover the multifaceted impacts of the Ogoni oil case. The primary research questions address the environmental and human rights violations caused by Shell’s operations, examining the immediate impacts of it on the environment and local communities. Additionally, the study explores the legal and regulatory responses to the case, assessing their effectiveness in holding corporations accountable. Despite the passage of time, genuine solutions remain elusive, highlighting the need for deeper understanding and meaningful action. The study concludes that restoration stands as the optimal form of remedy for this case, given its capacity to address the root cause of the prevailing situation. Through rigorous analysis of the case, the research aims to inform policy decisions, empower affected communities, and promote sustainable practices prioritizing human and environmental well-being. |
| Supervisor | Lukas Karin |
| Department | Legal Studies LLM |
| Full text | https://www.etd.ceu.edu/2024/baldeh_jariatou.pdf |
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