New Study: Scrutiny of South Sudan’s Oil Industry:
Scrutiny of South Sudan’s Oil Industry:
Community Relations, Labour Practices and Impact on Land Use Patterns
PAX, the lead agency for the European Coalition on Oil in Sudan (ECOS), is launching a new study “Scrutiny of South Sudan’s Oil Industry.” Based on fieldwork conducted from 2010 to 2012, it analyses community- oil company relations, labour practices in the sector, and impact of the industry on local land use patterns in South Sudan. The objective is to inform government policies and regulations, and suggest improvements for petroleum sector practice in order to reduce tensions between the oil companies and local communities.
In the current conflict in South Sudan, the fight for control over the oil fields and key towns in the petroleum-producing states has once again cost many innocent lives and continues to inflict immense human suffering. Additionally, the insecurity caused oil production to fall dramatically. This jeopardises future production and the viability of the sector, and with that, the economic viability of the entire country. Petroleum revenues should be used to develop the country and build a viable, democratic South Sudan.
Another round of peace negotiations is currently being held in Addis Ababa. When the conflict is brought to an end, the petroleum sector again forms the backbone with which to build a viable state. That state is then responsible for ensuring the sector is managed for the benefit of the people. This report provides guidance on specific social aspects on how to realise that objective.
The report is available online at:
www.ecosonline.org/reports/2014/Scrutiny_of_South_Sudans_Oil_Industry.pdf