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The 3rd African Business and Human Rights Forum (ABHRF), held from October 8 to 10, 2024, released the “Nairobi Declaration on Business and Human Rights: Voices from the African Business and Human Rights Forum.” This outcome represents the discussions and views of representatives from African governments, the private sector, civil society, development partners, and other key stakeholders, and explores the complex intersection of business operations and human rights on the continent. was investigated.
My lord. Dr. Lisa Musimi-Ogana, Chair of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and Vice-Chair of the Working Group on Extractive Industries, the Environment and Human Rights Violations, expressed the following concerns: Corporate governance in Africa’s peer review mechanisms, the absence or weakness of national regulatory regimes governing business entities on the continent, and inadequate compliance with human and people’s rights, environmental and transparency standards; Business operations are in a difficult situation. The increase in companies often raises a variety of human rights concerns.
The Nairobi Declaration therefore urges African governments to align their domestic laws with international human rights frameworks, promote the development and implementation of National Action Plans (NAPs) on business and human rights, and encourage vulnerable and marginalized groups to We are calling on the government to prioritize the protection of , including women, children and indigenous peoples.
Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General and CEO of the United Nations Global Compact, said more than 90 per cent of the Sustainable Development Goals are directly linked to international human rights standards. While global inventories show that not enough companies are translating their commitment to human rights into action, businesses in Africa are committed to responsible and ethical practices in line with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. This increases its reliability and competitiveness in the global market.
Through the Forum, companies operating on the African continent will need to adopt rights-respecting practices that promote socio-economic development and ensure accountability to the workers and communities most affected by their activities. highlighted in the discussion. By putting human rights at the heart of economic growth, we also reflect a shared vision and clear path for business practices. This highlights the need for fair, inclusive and rights-based business practices, especially in global supply chains, green transitions and conflict-affected regions.
In her keynote address, Ms. Dorcas Oduor, Attorney General of Kenya, recognized the growing awareness across Africa of the critical intersection of business activities and human rights protection. He highlighted Kenya’s unwavering commitment to embed human rights considerations into business and business operations to ensure that economic development does not come at the expense of human dignity and justice. He noted that Kenya was the first African country to develop a national action plan on business and human rights.
Africa is critical to shaping global responsible business practices and fostering continued cooperation between governments, civil society and international partners. Participants called for integrating human rights into business strategies, promoting corporate accountability, and protecting vulnerable people through access to redress mechanisms and innovative approaches that empower affected communities. I asked for it.
Dr Zeinu Oumah, Director of the UNDP Africa Resilience Hub, said the continent’s rapid economic growth rate ranged from 3.8% to 4.2%, making it the second fastest growing region in the world. But to have a significant impact on society as a whole, economic and social progress must be ethical, inclusive, and fair.
Civil society representatives are calling for a rethink of how policies and laws are developed to ensure the protection of people and the environment, not profits, and that the voices of indigenous peoples, women, children and workers must be at the center of policy-making. He emphasized that it must be done. Implementation — It’s not an afterthought.
Marcel Akpobo, Regional Representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, said that advocating for change, strengthening legal frameworks, improving enforcement, supporting victims of human rights violations, and promoting responsible business operations and transparency: He stressed that cooperation among all stakeholders is essential. in the supply chain.
As countries develop and implement their national action plans on business and human rights, we recognize that children’s rights must be fully integrated to improve child rights development and strengthen child rights protection in Africa. It is important to recognize and confirm.
Etleva Kadiri, UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, said ensuring the inclusion of children’s rights meets regulatory requirements as governments develop laws and restructure trade relationships around responsible business conduct. He said it is important not only to make a meaningful contribution, but also to make a meaningful contribution. Contributing to the sustainable development of African society.
A solid foundation for integrating human rights into regional development efforts, provided by the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Joint AU-UN Framework for Peace, Security, Development and Human Rights in Africa, is based on responsibility. It can encourage certain corporate behavior and corporate accountability. The Nairobi Declaration on Business and Human Rights urges African businesses and governments to take advantage of emerging technologies and opportunities, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth and to take responsibility. It calls for promoting certain business practices and securing trade and investment. In Africa, this is done in a way that respects human rights and the environment.
Read the full text: Nairobi Declaration on Business and Human Rights: Voices from the African Business and Human Rights Forum.
