Human rights and the oil industry

The accelerating globalisation process poses new challenges for the realisation of human rights worldwide. The process is largely driven by transnational corporations with resources and economic power, which by far outstrip those of many states. The petroleum industry is at the forefront of these corporations and many now recognise their responsibility and are seeking to develop new policies. This study is a description and analysis of the role and policies of these corporations with regard to human rights. Written by leading experts and practitioners in the field. The book explores the nature of the challenge major petroleum companies are facing, the demands set by the international community, and the responses from the corporations. The studies in this book are likely to play a role in the emerging debate on how the large corporates can meet their social responsibility for human rights in their countries of operation and how they can be held accountable to the international community.