Petroperu: Stop Using Children to Clean up Your Oil Spill!

  • by: Susan V
  • recipient: Petroperu President German Velasquez
Amazon regions of Peru have suffered several catastrophic oil spills since January this year. And due to Petroperu's failure to contain the spills, at least 3,000 barrels of oil have polluted two important rivers. According to Oil Change International, the Chiriaco and Morona rivers have been plagued by at least 11 oil spills since 2010.

These rivers are crucial sources of water and livelihood for the local community. Eight indigenous tribes depend on these rivers for water, and the pollution is depleting the fish supply as well. The pollution is jeopardizing the indigenous community's health — causing vomiting, nausea, and dizziness, but the community members are further jeopardized as they assist in cleaning up the crude oil, sometimes without proper protective wear and equipment.

Even worse, children have been hired by Petroperu employees to collect the oil for just pennies a bucket. The children were not provided with protective wear, and a 12-year-old boy has been injured and transported to Piura for treatment. PanAm Post reports this is not the first time Petroperu has exploited children in this way.

The indigenous communities have suffered enough. Tell Petroperu to take full responsibility for their actions and stop using children to clean up their oil spill!
To Petroperu President German Velasquez:

I'm deeply concerned about recent reports that your company has been grossly negligent in maintaining its pipeline. Oil spills from your pipeline have polluted the two rivers in Peru, which are crucial sources of water and livelihood for eight indigenous tribes.

800 people live in the affected area, and they suffer from dizziness, nausea, and vomiting from the oil fumes. Even worse, they are assisting in the clean-up of the oil spill, sometimes without the proper protective gear.

Several news outlets have reported that Petroperu employees paid children to clean the oil up for a measly soles per bucket. These children aren't provided protective gear, and a 12-year-old boy is now being treated at the hospital after he fell ill. While you deny that your company paid children to collect oil, you've also admitted to considering firing four company officials, and offered to pay for the 12-year-old's medical bills.

[your comment here]

I strongly urge you to take full responsibility for the oil spills in the Peruvian amazon, and stop using children to clean up the mess.

Sincerely,

[your name]
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