GeoPark emphasises its commitment to the respect for human rights

Puerto Asis, Putumayo – Regarding statements published by the Amazon Frontlines, Amazon Watch and Healing Bridges NGOs[1] asserting that GeoPark has committed human rights and environmental crimes in the Amazon rainforest, GeoPark emphasises that it recognizes that respecting human rights is a corporate duty that it assumes it with the utmost responsibility and seriousness. The Company also states:

1. GeoPark condemns any act that involves threats, harassment or attacks that endanger the life and integrity of anyone, particularly leaders of community action groups and human rights organizations. The Company values and highlights the work of human rights organizations as well as that of community leaders and legal representatives of communities neighboring its operations, who are fundamental actors in decisions regarding development in their territories.

2. GeoPark furthermore respectfully and strongly rejects any claim that there are links between the Company and armed groups to achieve its aim of reaching operational feasibility.

3. Absolutely aware of the social dynamics in the territories in which it operates and as part of its commitment to the implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, GeoPark is strengthening its corporate due diligence process in human rights. Furthermore, it has publicly stated its commitment to respect human rights (see here) and has urged relevant authorities to protect social leaders when threats against their life and safety have become clear.

4. Respect for human rights at GeoPark is reflected in the Company’s socio-environmental standards that are applied in the different territories in which it operates. All GeoPark employees, contractors and suppliers know the importance of obtaining and maintaining a real social license that is built collectively, integrating the concerns and proposals of neighbors in an approach of full respect for human rights according to national and international regulations on the subject. To this end, GeoPark continuously promotes and leads citizen participation and dialogue processes, which are based on trust and the principle of good faith as essential pillars for creating good neighborliness. In line with the Guiding Principles, through its Cuéntame program GeoPark receives, records and responds to all requests and complaints from people and communities that may be affected by its activity. The Company aims for the program to be an authentic relationship mechanism that helps to create respectful dialogue.

To continue implementing international human rights standards, GeoPark will continue to work on strengthening its due diligence process, promoting sustainable development and the well-being of its neighboring communities.

[1] See for example: “Civil Society to the United Nations Development Programme: Sever Ties to the Oil Industry”, available at: https://www.amazonfrontlines.org/chronicles/undp-sever-ties-to-the-oil-industry/

ABOUT GEOPARK

GeoPark is a leading independent Latin American oil and gas explorer, operator and consolidator with operations and growth platforms in Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, Chile and Argentina. As part of its mission to “Create Value and Give Back” the company develops sustainable social investment programs in conjunction with the State and local authorities and communities, which aim to promote positive changes in the areas in which it has activities.

For more information:

Andrea Zuleta
azuleta@geo-park.com

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