Hussein Julood, a resident near Iraq’s Rumaila oil field, is pursuing legal recourse against British energy giant BP following the tragic loss of his son, Ali, to leukemia. Julood asserts that the gas flaring activities at the oil field contributed to his son’s illness and subsequent demise.
Ali, just 21 years old, battled leukemia, undergoing extensive medical treatments including chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, all of which plunged the family into financial hardship. Despite the immense emotional toll, Julood is demanding compensation from BP to cover his son’s medical expenses and funeral costs, emphasizing his right to seek justice for his son and the broader community affected by the consequences of gas flaring.
Julood’s legal action against BP highlights broader concerns about the health hazards posed by gas flaring, which emits harmful pollutants such as benzene, endangering both human health and the environment. Despite being aware of these risks, gas flaring persists due to its economic feasibility compared to capturing and processing associated gas.
While BP has not responded to requests for comment, it has previously stated that it operates the Rumaila field in partnership with the state-owned Basra Oil Company, receiving compensation in crude oil allocations rather than directly managing operations. The company has expressed concern over the issue and claims to be working with partners to address emissions reduction.
Iraq, home to the second-highest volume of gas flaring globally, has committed to phasing out the practice in favor of utilizing captured gas for power generation. However, local residents like Julood continue to bear the brunt of the health consequences, lacking the means to relocate away from the oil fields.
Julood’s legal pursuit aims not only to seek justice for his son but also to raise awareness about the dangers of gas flaring and advocate for assistance to affected communities. He hopes that his actions will prompt oil companies to prioritize the health and well-being of residents by providing medical aid and support to those impacted by their operations.
