Created in partnership with the Helpdesk on Business & Human Rights
Repsol — a Spanish petrochemical company — details various types of engagement it has pursued in South American countries regarding its relationship and management of indigenous peoples’ rights. The company has established a Human Rights and Community Relations division within its Sustainability segment of the business. Within this division, Community Relation Officers are charged with the responsibility of being a bridge between indigenous communities and the business. The purpose of the officers is to establish dialogue, trust and inform the business on potential negative impacts a project may have on a particular community. Each officer is responsible for respecting the degree to which each indigenous population is in contact with the majority culture of the operating environment and adapting to the cultural characteristics of each community.