EAST AFRICA — On May 23, 2025, Michel Forst, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Environmental Defenders, urged TotalEnergies to address recent allegations of human rights abuses linked to its operations in Uganda. The concerns focus on the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and the Kingfisher oil development site. The appeal comes as TotalEnergies holds its annual shareholder meeting.
Background and Investor Response
According to Reuters, the allegations originated from a Just Finance International report citing human rights violations at the project sites. In response, Union Investment, a German asset management firm, removed TotalEnergies’ bonds and shares from its sustainable investment funds and called for an independent investigation into the claims.
UN Rapporteur’s Statement
Forst criticized TotalEnergies for dismissing the accusations and stressed the company’s obligations under the Aarhus Convention to protect environmental defenders. He supported Union Investment’s push for an independent investigation and recommended that any findings be made public and followed by concrete actions.
TotalEnergies’ Response
TotalEnergies reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy toward violence against human rights defenders. The company said it works with Ugandan authorities to ensure detainees’ rights are protected and that its local security teams monitor detainees’ welfare and guarantee access to legal support.
Context
The EACOP project, which runs through Uganda and Tanzania, is designed to transport crude oil from Uganda’s Lake Albert region to the Tanzanian coast. Environmental and human rights organizations have long raised concerns about the project’s impact on local communities and sensitive ecosystems. The Kingfisher site is part of Uganda’s wider plan to develop its oil resources.
Final Thoughts
The UN’s call for TotalEnergies to address human rights concerns highlights growing scrutiny of multinational companies operating in developing regions. The situation underscores the need to uphold international human rights standards and the reputational risks companies face if they fail to do so.
