Economic Justice, Business and Human Rights Programme

The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) which are a guide to ensure that Governments and Businesses protect and respect human rights. It is based on three pillars namely, States’ duty to protect human rights; corporate responsibility to respect human rights; and access to remedy. The UNGPs apply to all States and to all business enterprises, both transnational and others, regardless of their size, sector, location, ownership, and structure.

We recognize the violation of economic rights and the profound impact that businesses can have on communities. It is for this reason that the EACHRights’ Economic Justice, Business and Human Rights Programme has been designed to work around economic rights and also address the complex intersections between business activities and human rights. The programme is dedicated to fostering responsible economic and business practices that promote ethical conduct and safeguard human rights in the Eastern Africa region.

The Economic Justice, Business and Human Rights Programme operates as a key pillar of EACHRights’ commitment to a Rights-Based Approach. The programme seeks to:

1. Raise Awareness: We strive to raise awareness about the human rights implications of business activities, encouraging a collective understanding of the responsibility that businesses bear toward the communities they operate in.
2. Undertake Advocacy and Policy Reform: Through strategic advocacy, we engage with policymakers to influence and shape regulations that promote and protect human rights in the business sphere. We believe that a strong legal framework is essential for holding businesses accountable for their impact on human rights.
3. Promote Community Engagement: Our program actively engages with communities affected by business operations. We empower community members to understand their rights, voice concerns, and actively participate in decision-making processes that involve businesses operating in their regions.
4. Create Partnerships: Collaboration is key to creating sustainable change. We build partnerships with businesses, governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, and local communities to collectively work towards a harmonious balance between business development and human rights protection.
5. Conduct ESG: Collaboration is key to creating sustainable change. We build partnerships with businesses, governmental bodies, non-governmental org

Key Focus Areas

1. Labor Rights: We advocate for fair labor practices, workers’ rights, and the elimination of exploitative working conditions. Through our initiatives, we aim to create workplaces that prioritize the well-being and dignity of employees.
2. Environmental Impact: Recognizing the environmental challenges associated with business activities, we work towards promoting sustainable practices that mitigate environmental harm, protect natural resources, and ensure the well-being of local ecosystems.
3. Community Well-being: Our program focuses on the overall well-being of communities affected by business operations. This includes addressing issues related to displacement, access to essential services, and the overall quality of life for community members.
4. Access to Justice: We advocate for mechanisms that provide affected individuals and communities with access to justice in cases of human rights violations linked to business activities. This includes supporting legal remedies and ensuring accountability.