Chris O'Connell
@chris-oconnell.bsky.social
Pinned
⚠️The CSDDD explained in 45 seconds⚠️
Minister Peter Burke, take a stand and defend human rights and the environment over corporate profits before it's too late!
@chris-oconnell.bsky.social
Minister Peter Burke, take a stand and defend human rights and the environment over corporate profits before it's too late!
@chris-oconnell.bsky.social
My short video explaining the importance of protecting #CSDDD from the #Omnibus attacks. Minister Peter Burke has a simple choice: defend people and the planet, or side with corporate polluters and human rights abusers. #NotoOmnibus
Essential reading: What's happening to European democracy? Who's driving the agenda? Answers all here and they're not good... an unholy coalition of climate change drivers, genocide enablers and human rights abusers setting the rules that suit them. Very important work by @somoamsterdam.bsky.social
🚨Exposed: how a secretive alliance of US companies is working to tear down the CSDDD.
They:
- Aimed to get “the most extreme position” in the European Parliament
- Worked to mobilise pressure from non-EU countries
- Paid for a think tank report
Full analysis: www.somo.nl/the-secretiv...
They:
- Aimed to get “the most extreme position” in the European Parliament
- Worked to mobilise pressure from non-EU countries
- Paid for a think tank report
Full analysis: www.somo.nl/the-secretiv...
December 5, 2025 at 10:43 AM
Essential reading: What's happening to European democracy? Who's driving the agenda? Answers all here and they're not good... an unholy coalition of climate change drivers, genocide enablers and human rights abusers setting the rules that suit them. Very important work by @somoamsterdam.bsky.social
My short video explaining the importance of protecting #CSDDD from the #Omnibus attacks. Minister Peter Burke has a simple choice: defend people and the planet, or side with corporate polluters and human rights abusers. #NotoOmnibus
⚠️The CSDDD explained in 45 seconds⚠️
Minister Peter Burke, take a stand and defend human rights and the environment over corporate profits before it's too late!
@chris-oconnell.bsky.social
Minister Peter Burke, take a stand and defend human rights and the environment over corporate profits before it's too late!
@chris-oconnell.bsky.social
December 4, 2025 at 12:03 PM
My short video explaining the importance of protecting #CSDDD from the #Omnibus attacks. Minister Peter Burke has a simple choice: defend people and the planet, or side with corporate polluters and human rights abusers. #NotoOmnibus
Reposted by Chris O'Connell
Sovereignty? Democracy? Sorry, but we can't afford those anymore. We'll be sued if we try to defend them.
This week's column is about a massive but scarcely-covered scandal.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
This week's column is about a massive but scarcely-covered scandal.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Hello, foreign oligarchs and corporations! Please come and sue the UK for billions | George Monbiot
The case of a planned Cumbrian coalmine shows how governments around the world are being threatened by litigation in shadowy offshore courts, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
www.theguardian.com
December 1, 2025 at 10:12 AM
Sovereignty? Democracy? Sorry, but we can't afford those anymore. We'll be sued if we try to defend them.
This week's column is about a massive but scarcely-covered scandal.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
This week's column is about a massive but scarcely-covered scandal.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
This statement by @social-democrats.bsky.social on the EU's drive to weaken protections for workers, consumers, affected communities and the planet - and Ireland's craven role in it - really hits the nail on the head. www.socialdemocrats.ie/ireland-must...
Ireland must fight EU attempts to erode environmental and human rights protections - Social Democrats
Ireland must fight EU attempts to erode environmental and human rights protections after the European Parliament voted to exempt more companies from green reporting rules, according to the Social Demo...
www.socialdemocrats.ie
November 28, 2025 at 9:56 AM
This statement by @social-democrats.bsky.social on the EU's drive to weaken protections for workers, consumers, affected communities and the planet - and Ireland's craven role in it - really hits the nail on the head. www.socialdemocrats.ie/ireland-must...
Reposted by Chris O'Connell
Last week's vote on Omnibus I dismantled the CSDDD and took the side of rich multinational companies and the far right over at-risk communities, workers and human rights defenders.
The EU Ombudswoman has now found that the process was rushed, opaque and corporate-driven.
This is unacceptable!
The EU Ombudswoman has now found that the process was rushed, opaque and corporate-driven.
This is unacceptable!
🚨 The EU Ombudswoman confirms it: the Commission committed maladministration on #Omnibus I.
Rushed, opaque, corporate-driven lawmaking is not acceptable.
With more Omnibus packages coming, the message is clear: the EU cannot dismantle rights behind closed doors
corporatejustice.org/news/joint-p...
Rushed, opaque, corporate-driven lawmaking is not acceptable.
With more Omnibus packages coming, the message is clear: the EU cannot dismantle rights behind closed doors
corporatejustice.org/news/joint-p...
JOINT PRESS RELEASE EU watchdog slams Commission’s undemocratic environmental rollbacks - ECCJ
corporatejustice.org
November 27, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Last week's vote on Omnibus I dismantled the CSDDD and took the side of rich multinational companies and the far right over at-risk communities, workers and human rights defenders.
The EU Ombudswoman has now found that the process was rushed, opaque and corporate-driven.
This is unacceptable!
The EU Ombudswoman has now found that the process was rushed, opaque and corporate-driven.
This is unacceptable!
Deregulation is not the answer, despite what some billionaires (!!!) say. Not in planning, not for environmental protection, and not for human rights. But there is a concerted push to present this tried & failed approach as a new, high-tech innovation. It isn't.
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
Lorcan Sirr: Judicial reviews are not the problem – and deregulation is no answer
We have seen before how cutting ‘red tape’ leads to disaster, especially in planning and housing
www.irishtimes.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:32 AM
Deregulation is not the answer, despite what some billionaires (!!!) say. Not in planning, not for environmental protection, and not for human rights. But there is a concerted push to present this tried & failed approach as a new, high-tech innovation. It isn't.
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2025...
Reposted by Chris O'Connell
Today’s vote in the @europarl.europa.eu drives a stake 🗡️ through the heart of the EU's #sustainability agenda.
The adopted #Omnibus compromise destroys key sustainability rules, putting short-term profits over the well-being of people & planet.
Our full reaction👉 shareaction.org/news/europea...
The adopted #Omnibus compromise destroys key sustainability rules, putting short-term profits over the well-being of people & planet.
Our full reaction👉 shareaction.org/news/europea...
European Parliament sides with far right and dilutes key…
(Thursday, 13th November) Today, the European Parliament voted for a watered-down version of the Omnibus I proposal backed by the European People’s Party…
shareaction.org
November 13, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Today’s vote in the @europarl.europa.eu drives a stake 🗡️ through the heart of the EU's #sustainability agenda.
The adopted #Omnibus compromise destroys key sustainability rules, putting short-term profits over the well-being of people & planet.
Our full reaction👉 shareaction.org/news/europea...
The adopted #Omnibus compromise destroys key sustainability rules, putting short-term profits over the well-being of people & planet.
Our full reaction👉 shareaction.org/news/europea...
Reposted by Chris O'Connell
Secondly, it was achieved by the EPP after breaking down the firewall with the far right to:
- shut down compromise with the centre left
- get their way
This alliance is putting the writing on the wall for other omnibuses ➡️ bulldozing protections for citizens & the environment
3/3
#Omnibus #CSDDD
- shut down compromise with the centre left
- get their way
This alliance is putting the writing on the wall for other omnibuses ➡️ bulldozing protections for citizens & the environment
3/3
#Omnibus #CSDDD
November 13, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Reposted by Chris O'Connell
The've officially done it – the centre-right EPP has voted with the far-right to cut protections for human rights & nature, all to boost corporate profits
This is an extremely worrying sign for upcoming proposals to strip away more protections for climate, labour rights, privacy and more
#omnibus
This is an extremely worrying sign for upcoming proposals to strip away more protections for climate, labour rights, privacy and more
#omnibus
The adopted omnibus is pure deregulation on the EU's human rights, environmental and climate law.
Brought to you by the center right EPP turning away from pro democratic parties and working with the far right.
Brought to you by the center right EPP turning away from pro democratic parties and working with the far right.
November 13, 2025 at 11:21 AM
The've officially done it – the centre-right EPP has voted with the far-right to cut protections for human rights & nature, all to boost corporate profits
This is an extremely worrying sign for upcoming proposals to strip away more protections for climate, labour rights, privacy and more
#omnibus
This is an extremely worrying sign for upcoming proposals to strip away more protections for climate, labour rights, privacy and more
#omnibus
Reposted by Chris O'Connell
🗞️on the #CSDDD
The Parliament’s position is a slap in the face of affected communities, human rights & our environment.
All sacrificed on the altar of ‘simplification’ & ‘competitiveness’ – now openly used as synonyms for deregulation by Ursula VDL
www.sustainableviews.com/editors-note...
The Parliament’s position is a slap in the face of affected communities, human rights & our environment.
All sacrificed on the altar of ‘simplification’ & ‘competitiveness’ – now openly used as synonyms for deregulation by Ursula VDL
www.sustainableviews.com/editors-note...
Editor’s note: MEPs vote to slash sustainability rules
The latest edition of our Sustainable Views newsletter Dear reader,
www.sustainableviews.com
November 13, 2025 at 12:55 PM
🗞️on the #CSDDD
The Parliament’s position is a slap in the face of affected communities, human rights & our environment.
All sacrificed on the altar of ‘simplification’ & ‘competitiveness’ – now openly used as synonyms for deregulation by Ursula VDL
www.sustainableviews.com/editors-note...
The Parliament’s position is a slap in the face of affected communities, human rights & our environment.
All sacrificed on the altar of ‘simplification’ & ‘competitiveness’ – now openly used as synonyms for deregulation by Ursula VDL
www.sustainableviews.com/editors-note...
Reposted by Chris O'Connell
🚨For the first time, @europarl.europa.eu has adopted a legislative mandate thanks to an alliance between conservatives & the far right
This vote marks a dangerous turning point for EU democracy. When anti-EU forces & lobbies write the rules, accountability dies
corporatejustice.org/news/press-r...
This vote marks a dangerous turning point for EU democracy. When anti-EU forces & lobbies write the rules, accountability dies
corporatejustice.org/news/press-r...
PRESS RELEASE European Parliament’s far-right alliance adopts position on Omnibus I: Corporate capture on full display, written for the few not for people or planet - ECCJ
corporatejustice.org
November 13, 2025 at 11:26 AM
🚨For the first time, @europarl.europa.eu has adopted a legislative mandate thanks to an alliance between conservatives & the far right
This vote marks a dangerous turning point for EU democracy. When anti-EU forces & lobbies write the rules, accountability dies
corporatejustice.org/news/press-r...
This vote marks a dangerous turning point for EU democracy. When anti-EU forces & lobbies write the rules, accountability dies
corporatejustice.org/news/press-r...
Reposted by Chris O'Connell
The #EuropeanCommission today presented its #democracyshield proposal and a Strategy for Civil Society - despite noble intentions, it sounded like ‘operation cognitive dissonance’ 😥🧵
The EC talks urgency and says democracy being under attack, but mostly presented existing & non-binding initiatives!
The EC talks urgency and says democracy being under attack, but mostly presented existing & non-binding initiatives!
November 12, 2025 at 3:17 PM
The #EuropeanCommission today presented its #democracyshield proposal and a Strategy for Civil Society - despite noble intentions, it sounded like ‘operation cognitive dissonance’ 😥🧵
The EC talks urgency and says democracy being under attack, but mostly presented existing & non-binding initiatives!
The EC talks urgency and says democracy being under attack, but mostly presented existing & non-binding initiatives!
Reposted by Chris O'Connell
🚨 NEW joint statement
It's time: the EU’s credibility on human rights & climate is on the line.
Ahead of the #Omnibus I vote, 140+ EU & non-EU CSOs urge MEPs to back a strong, fair deal that protects workers, communities & our planet, not corporate interests.
corporatejustice.org/publications...
It's time: the EU’s credibility on human rights & climate is on the line.
Ahead of the #Omnibus I vote, 140+ EU & non-EU CSOs urge MEPs to back a strong, fair deal that protects workers, communities & our planet, not corporate interests.
corporatejustice.org/publications...
JOINT STATEMENT Call for European Parliament to deliver a credible and ambitious approach on Omnibus I - ECCJ
corporatejustice.org
November 4, 2025 at 3:38 PM
🚨 NEW joint statement
It's time: the EU’s credibility on human rights & climate is on the line.
Ahead of the #Omnibus I vote, 140+ EU & non-EU CSOs urge MEPs to back a strong, fair deal that protects workers, communities & our planet, not corporate interests.
corporatejustice.org/publications...
It's time: the EU’s credibility on human rights & climate is on the line.
Ahead of the #Omnibus I vote, 140+ EU & non-EU CSOs urge MEPs to back a strong, fair deal that protects workers, communities & our planet, not corporate interests.
corporatejustice.org/publications...
Reposted by Chris O'Connell
#TBT to last week in Geneva 🇨🇭
CIDSE pushed for a binding #UNtreaty that puts human rights above corporate power.
After 12 years, affected communities need this instrument to end corporate impunity.
Progress is coming, now we need political courage ✊
🔗https://buff.ly/QZWGnwG
CIDSE pushed for a binding #UNtreaty that puts human rights above corporate power.
After 12 years, affected communities need this instrument to end corporate impunity.
Progress is coming, now we need political courage ✊
🔗https://buff.ly/QZWGnwG
October 30, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Why are organisations like @Trocaire that work toward social and environmental justice calling for a #bindingtreaty on #businessandhumanrights? Here Quelvin Jimenez from our Guatemalan partner @PAPXIGUA outlines the reasons.
“It is a very tortuous process, especially when the victims are the poorest people, those with the least access to resources...”
Quelvin Jiménez, lawyer for the Xinka Parliament, speaks about the struggles for indigenous communities in Guatemala to access justice in the fight to protect their land.
Quelvin Jiménez, lawyer for the Xinka Parliament, speaks about the struggles for indigenous communities in Guatemala to access justice in the fight to protect their land.
October 23, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Why are organisations like @Trocaire that work toward social and environmental justice calling for a #bindingtreaty on #businessandhumanrights? Here Quelvin Jimenez from our Guatemalan partner @PAPXIGUA outlines the reasons.
On Day 4 of the negotiations for a #bindingtreaty for #businessandhumanrights @trocaire.bsky.social partner Udiel Miranda, Director of COPAE Guatemala, called on states to support the Chair's proposals for joint and several liability all corporate actors involved in human rights violations.
October 23, 2025 at 1:15 PM
On Day 4 of the negotiations for a #bindingtreaty for #businessandhumanrights @trocaire.bsky.social partner Udiel Miranda, Director of COPAE Guatemala, called on states to support the Chair's proposals for joint and several liability all corporate actors involved in human rights violations.
"Where is Ireland?" At the end of Day 3 of the negotiations in Geneva for a #bindingtreaty on #businessandhumanrights I asked Brid Brennan of the @tninstitute.bsky.social about Ireland's notable absence from the proceedings.
October 23, 2025 at 8:40 AM
"Where is Ireland?" At the end of Day 3 of the negotiations in Geneva for a #bindingtreaty on #businessandhumanrights I asked Brid Brennan of the @tninstitute.bsky.social about Ireland's notable absence from the proceedings.
Reposted by Chris O'Connell
At UN #BindingTreaty negotiations day 2, I had the opportunity to intervene for @cidse.bsky.social @broederlijkdelen.bsky.social @trocaire.bsky.social. We stressed that the proposed Committee under this instrument must enable affected communities to directly raise cases of #humanrights abuses.
October 21, 2025 at 8:11 PM
At UN #BindingTreaty negotiations day 2, I had the opportunity to intervene for @cidse.bsky.social @broederlijkdelen.bsky.social @trocaire.bsky.social. We stressed that the proposed Committee under this instrument must enable affected communities to directly raise cases of #humanrights abuses.
On Day 3 of the negotiations for a #bindingtreaty on #businessandhumanrights at the UN in Geneva, we heard a powerful intervention by @trocaire.bsky.social partner the Xinka Parliament's legal advisor Quelvin Jiménez.
October 22, 2025 at 12:04 PM
On Day 3 of the negotiations for a #bindingtreaty on #businessandhumanrights at the UN in Geneva, we heard a powerful intervention by @trocaire.bsky.social partner the Xinka Parliament's legal advisor Quelvin Jiménez.
As the negotiations for a #bindingtreaty on #businessandhumanrights heads into Day 3, Susana Hernandez of @cidse.bsky.social summarises the first 2 days of the session, where oil-rich Gulf States have been to the fore in defending trade and investment agreements. @trocaire.bsky.social
October 22, 2025 at 8:13 AM
As the negotiations for a #bindingtreaty on #businessandhumanrights heads into Day 3, Susana Hernandez of @cidse.bsky.social summarises the first 2 days of the session, where oil-rich Gulf States have been to the fore in defending trade and investment agreements. @trocaire.bsky.social
Incredibly proud to be here in Geneva advocating for a #bindingtreaty on #businessandhumanrights in the company of such a strong and committed defender as Margarita. Those who defend life should be celebrated - instead in our upside down system they are attacked and imprisoned. We need a Treaty.
"We are triply discriminated against: for being indigenous, for being women, and for being poor.’
Human Rights Defender, Margarita Domingo is at the UN this week representing the Council of the Mayan People, defending human rights:
www.trocaire.org/news/mother-...
Human Rights Defender, Margarita Domingo is at the UN this week representing the Council of the Mayan People, defending human rights:
www.trocaire.org/news/mother-...
“Mother nature is not a market”: Crunch time for the UN Binding Treaty on Business and Human Rights - Trócaire
www.trocaire.org
October 21, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Incredibly proud to be here in Geneva advocating for a #bindingtreaty on #businessandhumanrights in the company of such a strong and committed defender as Margarita. Those who defend life should be celebrated - instead in our upside down system they are attacked and imprisoned. We need a Treaty.
Reposted by Chris O'Connell
"We are triply discriminated against: for being indigenous, for being women, and for being poor.’
Human Rights Defender, Margarita Domingo is at the UN this week representing the Council of the Mayan People, defending human rights:
www.trocaire.org/news/mother-...
Human Rights Defender, Margarita Domingo is at the UN this week representing the Council of the Mayan People, defending human rights:
www.trocaire.org/news/mother-...
“Mother nature is not a market”: Crunch time for the UN Binding Treaty on Business and Human Rights - Trócaire
www.trocaire.org
October 21, 2025 at 3:39 PM
"We are triply discriminated against: for being indigenous, for being women, and for being poor.’
Human Rights Defender, Margarita Domingo is at the UN this week representing the Council of the Mayan People, defending human rights:
www.trocaire.org/news/mother-...
Human Rights Defender, Margarita Domingo is at the UN this week representing the Council of the Mayan People, defending human rights:
www.trocaire.org/news/mother-...
On Day 2 of the 11th Session of negotiations for a #bindingtreaty on #businessandhumanrights, the delegates heard the powerful opening statement from Margarita Domingo, Mayan indigenous woman representing @trocaire.bsky.social partner the Council of Mayan Peoples, which generated applause.
October 21, 2025 at 9:24 AM
On Day 2 of the 11th Session of negotiations for a #bindingtreaty on #businessandhumanrights, the delegates heard the powerful opening statement from Margarita Domingo, Mayan indigenous woman representing @trocaire.bsky.social partner the Council of Mayan Peoples, which generated applause.
Reposted by Chris O'Connell
Hugely important work Chris. Wishing you every success in getting a binding treaty for human and planetary rights🙏🏼
Happy to be here at the United Nations in Geneva in the company of @trocaire.bsky.social partners from Guatemala for the 11th Session of negotiations for a #bindingtreaty on #BusinessandHumanRights.
October 20, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Hugely important work Chris. Wishing you every success in getting a binding treaty for human and planetary rights🙏🏼
Happy to be here at the United Nations in Geneva in the company of @trocaire.bsky.social partners from Guatemala for the 11th Session of negotiations for a #bindingtreaty on #BusinessandHumanRights.
October 20, 2025 at 10:35 AM
Happy to be here at the United Nations in Geneva in the company of @trocaire.bsky.social partners from Guatemala for the 11th Session of negotiations for a #bindingtreaty on #BusinessandHumanRights.