We are deeply concerned that clauses of the legal aid, sentencing and punishment of offenders bill will have a devastating effect on access to justice for the overseas victims of human rights abuses by UK multinational companies...We have seen how the victims of alleged illegal toxic waste-dumping in Ivory Coast sought justice through the UK courts. The company concerned, Trafigura, eventually agreed to settle with the victims out of court...It is vitally important that the victims of such abuses are able to access justice and obtain redress – a failure to do so would not only deny these victims a remedy, but would fuel a cycle of impunity as the risk of civil litigation acts as a deterrent. [Also refers to Monterrico Metals].