November 29, 2023
From: Diane Wilson
2023 Goldman Environmental Prize Winner
Executive Director
San Antonio Bay Estuarine Waterkeeper
Email: wilsonalamobay@aol.com
Tel: (361) 218-2353
Website: www.sanantoniobaywaterkeeper.org
To: Mr. Jason Lin
Chairman of Formosa Plastic Group Corporation
No. 100, Shuiguan Rd., Zhuhou Vil., Renwu Dist., Kaohsiung City 81465 Taiwan (R.O.C.)
886-2-2712-2211
C/O: Mr. Ken Mounger / Executive Vice President
Subject: Urgent Demands for Justice and Accountability Regarding the Central Vietnam Environmental Disaster
Dear Mr. Lin,
We, the undersigned organizations representative of XX individuals, are deeply concerned about the ongoing effects of the 2016 environmental disaster in central Vietnam caused by Formosa Ha Tinh Steel, a subsidiary of Formosa Plastics Group.
Diane Wilson, 2023 Goldman Environmental Prize winner, has taken the initiative to express her concerns through a hunger strike and encampment in front of the Formosa Plastics Point Comfort facility in order to draw attention to the urgent need for justice and resolution for the victims in central Vietnam. Diane has been joined in this hunger strike by more than 250 people in 12 countries, including Canada, Thailand, Taiwan, France, Australia, Norway, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Vietnam, and the United States.
Recognizing the rapid deterioration of Diane’s health 30 days into this hunger strike, and keeping in mind that she is 75 years old, medical professionals have made it clear that she must end the hunger strike or risk losing her life. As such, we will be ending the hunger strike today even as we continue the 24/7 encampment.
We ask that you immediately address the situation by ensuring the following conditions are met:
1. Formosa Plastics Group should appoint a representative to meet with Nancy Bui and her Vietnamese partners, American and Taiwanese attorneys for the plaintiffs, and representatives of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit (collectively the Vietnamese Group).
2. The representative should have decision-making power, and should not be a mid-level manager.
3. All Formosa Plastic Group companies with shares in Vietnam Steel should be entrusted to the present representative.
4. The meeting should take place for two days in Taiwan in December 2023 or January 2024 with suggestions from the Vietnamese Group (above) as to specific dates.
5. Formosa Plastics Group should pay the round-trip travel and lodging costs of the Vietnamese Group flying to and staying in Taiwan for this meeting.
6. Formosa Plastics Group should agree to first listen to a presentation about the demands of the Vietnamese Group, and then respond during the same two-day meeting with a concrete plan to address the grievances.
By engaging with the activists and affected communities in this way, Formosa Plastics Group can take meaningful steps towards rectifying the consequences of the environmental disaster and rebuilding trust with the victims.
Please remember that Diane Wilson, Nancy Bui, and Sharon Lavigne – co-founders of the International Formosa Alliance (IMFA) – have been asking for this meeting since May 30, 2023, when you all met during the Formosa Plastics Group 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Taipei, and discussed the environmental disaster caused by the Formosa Ha Tinh Steel Corporation in Vietnam, including proposals for a just solution that would include fair compensation for the victims, thorough cleanup, independent survey, and medical examinations.
Please also remember that IMFA also sent a letter to you outlining these demands on September 1, 2023.
We will continue the 24/7 encampment until we receive a constructive response.
We appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[List of organizations]
