International Week of Action
Rally in New York to mark the opening of the Wiwa v. Shell trial

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For over 50 years, Shell’s operations have brought suffering and environmental devastation to Nigeria. With the opening of the landmark Wiwa v. Shell human rights trial, Shell may finally be held accountable for some of its crimes against the Ogoni people of the Niger Delta. But even if justice is found in the courtroom, Shell continues to flare gas, a practice that poisons communties, devastates local ecosystems and wreaks havoc on the climate. Gas flaring was one of the abuses that Ken Saro-Wiwa and other activists died fighting against.

Shell can choose to stop the flares. But change won’t happen as long as Shell believe that gas flaring is still acceptable.

That’s why we are calling for an International Week of Action to highlight Shell’s crimes and push for an end to its’ gas flaring from 19th - 27th May. Seven days in which to ramp up the pressure on Shell to end its environmental devastation in Nigeria and beyond.

The International Week of Action begins in London and The Hague on 19th May, and will sweep around the world a week before Shell faces a human rights trial in New York for murder in Nigeria on 27th May.

Here are 3 simple things you can do to make a difference:

1. Send a message NOW to Shell’s CEO to demand an end to gas flaring. Before he retires this summer, Shell CEO Jeroen van der Veer can choose a legacy of broken promises and ongoing devastation or leadership and progress to bring the practice of gas flaring in Nigeria to an end once and for all. We’re urgin him to make the right choice.

2. Tuesday 19th May: Come to the Shell Annual General Meeting in London. As shareholders gather to review their profits, we will be highlighting Shell’s ongoing abuses in Nigeria and beyond. Assemble at the Barbican tube station entrance at 8.30am. The performance-protest will last until around 10am. Email richard@remembersarowiwa.com if you plan to come along.

3. Take the DIY option: we can help you create your own action, wherever you are. Get in touch with us for leaflets, stickers, campaign materials and ideas. Email or call +44 207 357 0055 (UK) or +1 917 418 4133 (US)

Send us your pictures or press cuttings and we will upload them to ShellGuilty.com, where they can be seen across the world.

RALLY IN NEW YORK TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE WIWA V. SHELL TRIAL: Wednesday May 27th

On May 27th, the Wiwa v. Shell trial opens in New York– please join our rally to mark this historic day and turn up the heat on Shell!

What: Rally with special guests, speakers and readings of Ken Saro-Wiwa’s inspiring words
Where: Foley Square, downtown Manhattan, across from the U.S. Federal Courthouse
When: Wednesday May 27th, noon-2pm

Why: After more than thirteen years of waiting for justice, the family of Ken Saro-Wiwa and other activists murdered for opposing multinational oil giant Royal Dutch Shell will finally get their day in court. And Shell will finally stand trial for its role in their murders.

On Wednesday, May 27th, a landmark human rights trial will open in federal court in New York City at which Shell must finally answer to charges that it conspired with the Nigerian military to bring about the execution of environmental justice and human rights campaigners. Shell faces a host of other charges for its collusion with the Nigerian military to brutally crush a peaceful and popular movement of the Ogoni people to stand against the environmental devastation and human rights abuses that have accompanied Shell’s operations in their land for decades; crimes against humanity, summary execution, torture, arbitrary arrest and detention, assault and battery, the list goes on.

Make no mistake; this is historic. Please help us highlight this important trial that many said would never make it to court.

Together, we can turn up the heat on Shell.