Violence in Buenaventura and the role of European companies

Subject: Violence in Buenaventura and the role of European companies

According to the Commission, the presence of European companies ensures development and creates jobs, all the while respecting human rights, including environmental rights. According to a report submitted by PBI and Oidhaco on Buenaventura (Department of Valle del Cauca), this does not really seem to be the case. Rather, the situation in Buenaventura seems to be defined by discrimination, violence and racism. It is one of the most violent cities in the country and the level of extortion by illegal armed groups is widespread, affecting all businesses. Multidimensional poverty indices are twice as high as the national average. That said, there are many undertakings operating there (ports, logistics, road construction).

1. What concrete actions is the Commission taking to ensure that companies operating there do not directly or indirectly, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, benefit from this context of systematic violence – or have done so in the past?

2. To what extent have the communities affected by the social and environmental impacts of these businesses been involved in the Commissions monitoring activities regarding the actions of European undertakings?

3. How can the European Commission, in the face of situations such as this, propose a directive that weakens the directives we have in terms of due diligence, corporate responsibility and taxonomy?

Submitted: 2.4.2025