#Human Rights #UN Global Compact #Lusaka #Zambia #African Union

Advancing Human Rights in Africa: Insights from the 4th African Business and Human Rights Forum

The 4th African Business and Human Rights Forum (ABRH) recently concluded in Lusaka, Zambia, with over 600 participants engaged in discussions on implementing the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) across Africa. Co-organized by the African Union, the UN Global Compact, and other significant organizations, the Forum served as a pivotal gathering for leaders from businesses, governments, civil society, Indigenous Peoples, and national human rights institutions.

Held under the theme "From Commitment to Action: Advancing Remedy, Reparations, and Responsible Business Conduct in Africa," the event focused on actionable steps to enhance remedy frameworks and promote ethical business practices within the continent's evolving regulatory landscape. This year's discussions were synchronized with the African Union’s theme of promoting justice through reparations, emphasizing the need for shared responsibility between states and businesses.

Key Discussions and Priorities

Over three days, the Forum showcased high-caliber panels, roundtables, and specialized clinics, fostering a platform for dialogue between governments, business leaders, and rights holders. Some focal points included:
1. Enhancing Access to Remedies: Participants discussed how to improve policies and judicial mechanisms to ensure victims of human rights violations related to business activities receive adequate support and remedy.
2. Advancing Reparations: The shared obligations of states and businesses to rectify historical injustices were emphasized, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts to address ongoing inequalities.
3. Promoting Responsible Business Practices: Leaders examined the integration of human rights due diligence throughout business operations, aligning with frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
4. Increasing Transparency and Accountability: The discussions highlighted the importance of digital tools and enhanced reporting to ensure that business commitments to human rights are effectively monitored and fulfilled.

Voices from the Forum

Hervé Lado, the Africa Head of the UN Global Compact, stressed the urgency of incorporating human rights into business operations. He stated, "The theme of this year is a call to action for effective remedies, encouraging businesses to lead by example. Our goal is to equip more companies in Africa with the knowledge to uphold human rights and implement remedies effectively by 2030."

Issaka Garba Abdou from the African Union Commission echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for a business approach grounded in African culture and realities. He noted that an African Guidance on Business and Human Rights is currently under review, aiming for a more localized strategy.

Building on Previous Forums

This recent assembly builds upon the foundations laid in previous forums held in Ghana, Ethiopia, and Kenya, and marks a year of reviewing the Nairobi Declaration 2024, which set the stage for advancing business and human rights initiatives throughout Africa. The Forum has cemented itself as a key platform for translating high-level commitments into practical measures that can lead to significant progress against human rights abuses in business contexts.

The Path Forward

With a strong foundation established through regional cooperation and a commitment to ethical practices, responsible business conduct in Africa is set to gain momentum. Notably, adherence to global frameworks such as the UNGPs and the AU Strategic Action Plan remains crucial for ensuring businesses operate in ways that uphold human rights and contribute to sustainable development across the continent.

In conclusion, the 4th African Business and Human Rights Forum has reignited discussions and actions necessary for embedding human rights into the core of Africa’s business landscape, signifying a collective movement towards justice and ethical responsibility in business practices.