GeoPark rejects false accusations and reiterates its respect for the law and human rights - GeoPark
Go Back

Bogota, Colombia. – GeoPark is aware of a guest opinion article published in The New York Times and signed by representatives of two non-governmental organizations, that accuses GeoPark subsidiary La nueva Amerisur of being linked to threats that criminal organizations involved in drug production have made against human rights defenders in Putumayo, Colombia.

Since we began operations, we have been committed to promoting and respecting all internationally recognized human rights, we have made a public commitment to that end signed at the highest level of the company, and we have a human rights policy that ensures all our actions are responsible.

Because of this and because of our respect for national and international laws regarding connections with criminal groups and any illegal activity, we categorically reject and deny any suggestion or direct accusation connecting GeoPark and its La nueva Amerisur subsidiary with threats that criminal organizations make against human rights defenders.

Moreover, GeoPark has an internal due diligence protocol that contributes to the enjoyment, respect and protection of the human rights of communities, and human rights defenders in particular. This protocol is activated whenever the company becomes aware of a possible impact or serious effect on the human rights of a person in the community. As part of this protocol, on several occasions and as stated in our public documents and especially on the La nueva Amerisur website, we have quickly and strongly repudiated any threat to the life, dignity and integrity of human rights defenders. We have also demanded, both in writing and in frequent interactions with national and local authorities, that effective measures be taken to protect those who do this work.

We know that our commitment to human rights requires constant attention, which is why since 2020 we have been working with a prominent human rights and business think tank to strengthen our human rights due diligence process.

GeoPark is an open-door company that firmly believes that coordinating work with stakeholders is the basis for respecting and contributing to the effective enjoyment of human rights, in accordance with the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. As such, the Company invites all interested parties to express their concerns by writing to co.info@geo-park.com or mcalero@geo-park.com. Replies will be made as soon as possible.

For more information about the responses that GeoPark has provided to unfounded allegations, see our public statements:

For more information on GeoPark’s sustainability management, see the SPEED/ESG 2020 Report at https://sustainabilitygeopark.com or the ‘Good Neighbors’ blog at www.goodneighbors-la.com.


ABOUT GEOPARK

GeoPark is a leading Latin American oil and gas exploration and production company with assets in Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Brazil and Argentina that since 2014 has listed on the New York Stock Exchange. It is the second-largest oil producer in Colombia with almost 8% of total production in the country. Since its foundation, GeoPark has had an Integrated Values System called SPEED, which encapsulates the Company’s commitment in five critical areas: Safety, Prosperity, Employees, Environment and Community Development. SPEED has been GeoPark’s key to attracting the best talent, being the partner of choice, the best neighbor and developing a successful, safe and sustainable operation.

For more information:

conexiones@geo-park.com

SEE PDF