Indigenous communities in southern Chile have filed a complaint against Norwegian energy firm Statkraft, regarding human rights due diligence in connection with hydropower projects in Mapuche Williche territory.
The complaint, which was submitted by the Aylla Rewe del Ngen Mapu Kintuantü, an organisation representing more than 150 communities in the Pilmaiquén River basin and surrounding areas, asks the Norwegian Consumer Authority to investigate whether Statkraft complied with its human rights due diligence obligations concerning its Rucatayo plant and Los Lagos hydropower project.
The communities have raised concerns over ‘free, prior and informed consent, cultural and spiritual rights, the safety and integrity of women, children and human rights defenders, and the risk of irreversible harm linked to the possible flooding of culturally significant territory’.
SustainabilityOnline has reached out to Statkraft for comment.
‘Call to protect life’
“This complaint is not only a legal action; it is a call to protect life, memory and our sacred territory,” commented Machi Millaray Huichalaf, Mapuche spiritual authority and representative of the Aylla Rewe. “We ask Norway to listen to our word and to act before the damage becomes irreversible.”
As Statkraft, which is one of the largest generators of renewable energy in Europe, is wholly owned by the Norwegian state, the complainants are asking for the Norwegian Consumer Authority to prioritise its review, as well as assess how the country’s state owned companies operate abroad.
Knut Hurum, who previously represented the Sami people in a case against Fosen Vind wind farm projects, is acting as legal adviser to the complainants in Norway. Mapuche Williche representatives, including Machi Millaray, are set to travel to Norway next month for meetings with representatives.
The complaint was submitted by the Aylla Rewe del Ngen Mapu Kintuantü alongside support from ProDESC and the Initiative for Transnational Justice (IJT). [Photo: Pablo E. Pivovano]
