There is a strong connection between emerging countries' dependence on the export of raw materials on one side and a low growth rates, maladministration and internal armed conflicts on the other. There is also a strong connection between economic growth and the absence of armed conflict. Quite inappropriately, private companies are rarely assigned a role in curtailing armed conflict. They represent an enormous and neglected potential for peacebuilding.

 

IKV Pax Christi works toward a situation in which economic actors promote sustainable peace and in which oil, gas and mining companies contribute to peace and respect for human rights. Due to the scope and duration of their investments, oil, gas and mining companies exert considerable influence on their surroundings and are best served by stability. Furthermore, IKV Pax Christi tries to contribute to the restriction of illegal economic space in conflict areas by promoting economic and financial transparency and targeted public enterprise.

 

Within this framework, IKV Pax Christi adds greatly to the international Fatal Transactions and Publish-What-You-Pay campaigns The issues around oil in Sudan is an important part of this programme. Pax Christi also coordinates the European Coalition on Oil in the Sudan, a network of more than fifty NGOs in Europe. ECOS, the European Coalition on Oil in Sudan, tries to draw attention to the human rights situation in oil-producing areas and to stimulate the oil industry to operate in such a way that it contributes to peace and prosperity in Sudan.