"Protecting the Basic Human Rights of Communities Impacted by the Sorowako Nickel Development in Indonesia! - Request Submitted to Major Shareholders of Vale for Appropriate Action to Prevent Complicity in Human Rights Abuses (endorsed by 104 organizations from 23 countries over the world)", 18 August 2023

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[...] FoE Japan, together with the Indonesian Environmental Forum (WALHI) South Sulawesi and others, submitted a letter to the major shareholders of its parent company, Vale (Capital Group, Previ, Mitsui & Co., BlackRock), and PTVI (Sumitomo Metal Mining, Government of Norway). In the letter (endorsed by 104 organizations, including those working at international and regional levels plus organizations working nationally in 23 countries) , we request for engagement with PTVI to take prompt and appropriate measures to protect the human rights of local communities affected by Sorowako Nickel Project.

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Since the PTVI has caused serious impacts on the community’s livelihood and water source, the community have been raising their voice to PTVI. However, the company has failed to take appropriate and immediate action to address these issues to date. The involvement of Indonesian authorities, including the police and military, in attempts to silence the community, is also greatly concerned and a serious violation of human rights.

For local communities affected by the Sorowako Nickel project to be able to continue farming, to maintain a healthy life, and to freely express opposition and concern – all of these are basic human rights. Vale and PTVI’s major shareholders must take responsible action in accordance with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights to ensure that they are not complicit in human rights abuses.