Corporate Respect for Human Rights: a challenge for multi national companies operating in Africa? What do you think? In June 2011, the United Nations Human Rights Council endorsed the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights presented to it by the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General, Professor John Ruggie. This move established the Guiding Principles as the global standard of practice that is now expected of all States and businesses with regard to business and human rights. While they do not by themselves constitute a legally binding document, the Guiding Principles elaborate on the implications of existing standards and practices for States and businesses, and include points covered variously in international and domestic law. In September 2014, an African Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The aim of the forum was to promote multi-stakeholder dialogue and cooperation on business and human rights and on the implementation of the Guiding Principles, provide capacity-building opportunities for practitioners and civil society, identify material issues and challenges on business and human rights in the region, identify emerging innovative practices designed to manage corporate impacts, and reinforce synergies between global efforts and initiatives at the regional and local levels. Key issues that that were addressed at the African Regional Forum include challenges and opportunities for implementing the Guiding Principles related to: • National action plans • Access to effective remedies (both judicial and non-judicial) • Investment in natural resources (extractive industries and land) • The important role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the informal sector • Ways of promoting the prevention and mitigation of business-related human rights risks • Capacity building • Sharing experiences and lessons from other regions In the weeks ahead, as the West African Civil Society Forum plans their 2015 international conference, we will be reviewing the challenges of corporate respect for human rights in Africa therefore would welcome contributions from all stakeholders, human rights advocates and the general public. I believe this is a good moment to bring this discussion to the public and create awareness. Please, invite your friends to join our group (Institute of Human Rights and Business Africa) and contribute so that together we will make a difference. Africa is ours!! Eustace Onuegbu Email: ihrbafrica@gmail
Posted on: Sun, 18 Jan 2015 23:27:26 +0000
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