UN experts challenge Saudi Aramco over climate change

UN experts challenge Saudi Aramco over climate change

NNA - UN experts have written to oil firm Saudi Aramco and its financial backers challenging them on allegations that their activities are fueling climate change-related negative impacts on human rights.

A cache of correspondence was published Saturday on a United Nations human rights special procedures website, exactly two months after it was sent.

The letters said UN experts had received information quot;concerning Saudi Aramco#39;s business activities hellip; which are adversely impacting the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change.quot;

The allegations accused Aramco of quot;maintained crude oil production, exploration for further oil and gas reserves, expansion into fossil fuel gas, and misrepresentation of information,quot; the letters said.

quot;Such activities have negative impacts on the enjoyment of the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.quot;

The letters to Aramco and its backers were sent by a number of experts including the UN working group on human rights and transnational corporations, as well as UN special rapporteurs dealing with rights and climate change; a clean and sustainable environment; management of hazardous substances; and on safe drinking water and sanitation.

The UN experts also alleged Aramco#39;s activities appeared to be quot;contrary to the goals, obligations and commitments under the Paris Agreement