...With regards to Human Rights Defenders, TotalEnergies reaffirms in its HRBP 2024 that “It is our view that an open civic space and the role of civil society organizations and other Human Rights defenders are necessary to ensure respect for Human Rights and to voice the concerns of right holders. As part of our activities, we promote dialogue and discussions with Human Rights defenders, as defined in the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders”.

EACOP and Tilenga Projects Human Rights Policies describe theirrespective commitment to the protection of the rights of HRDs: “In particular we recognize the important role of Human Rights Defenders (as defined in the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders of 1998) in the promotion and protection of Human Rights. We do not tolerate any threats, intimidation, harassment or violence against those exercising their Human Rights to freedom of expression to protest peacefully against our business or activities. We take seriously any allegations of reprisals”.

Tilenga Project Human Rights Reports & Documents | TotalEnergies Uganda

In addition, a Statement on HRDs was issued by the General Manager of TEPU in December 2022. This statement emphasizes that TEPU seeks to promote dialogue and exchanges with HRDs in the framework of its activities and outlines the six steps followed when it is alerted of allegations of threats, intimidation, harassment or violence against HRDs in relation to its activities. The statement also reiterates the various channels through which HRDs can make complaints or raise alerts in connection to the Project.

...Also note the statement issued in 2024 (HUMAN-RIGHTS-POLICY-APRIL-2024-V3.pdf) by the managing director of EACOP in which it is emphasized that “EACOP does not tolerate any threats, intimidation, harassment, or violence against those who peacefully promote Human Rights in relation to our activities.”...