As I write this blog post, Shell went on trial in New York accused of playing a role in the killing of Nigerian writer and activist Ken Saro-Wiwa. This civil case, which apparently took 14 years to come to trial, will push the idea that companies can be held liable for human rights abuses committed by others abroad. I’m sure that is a tough thing for many companies to swallow.
You can read more about this particular case that was covered in-depth in the Ethical Corporation magazine. They’ll be talking about the alleged evidence that will be presented in Manhattan federal court, of the contact Shell had with the military government of Nigeria’s Sani Abacha before he ordered the execution of nine activists, including Saro-Wiwa, in 1995.
This is not a great position for Shell or any company to be in for that matter.
So how would you handle it? How would you handle publicity of any human rights violation?
What about if your company was involved in an environmental issue? How would you handle that and work to regain the trust and integrity you once had with your customers?
Email me at cchandler@marketing-insider.com your thoughts and I might just feature them in my next blog post. Until then, please read my next post that continues our discussion.
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Colette Chandler
