WHAT IS THE ROLE THAT AFRICAN CIVIL SOCIETY SHOULD PLAY AT THE UN FORUM?
14 – 16 NOVEMBER 2016
The African Coalition for Corporate Accountability (ACCA) congratulates the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights (Working Group) on successfully convening the 5th Annual Forum on Business and Human Rights in Geneva (Forum), from 14 – 16 November 2016. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) serves as the global convener on human rights issues, and to this end, ACCA sees the Forum as an important platform for dialogue for all key stakeholders.
ACCA acknowledges the Working Group’s earnestness to include stakeholders from across the globe. With this in mind, ACCA calls upon the Working Group to investigate why African participation appeared to be extremely weak at this year’s Forum, and to actively work on removing barriers and addressing challenges to ensure future participation of African stakeholders. ACCA would be willing to engage and work with the Working Group to that end.
ACCA calls on the organisers of the Forum to commit to creating a larger space for African civil society, and communities whose lives are adversely affected by the activities of corporations, both multi-national and domestic alike, to enable these stakeholders to voice their opinions and let their expectations be heard by all stakeholders who attend this Forum.
During ACCA’s 3rd General Assembly which took place from 6 - 7 July 2016, two thematic Working Groups were formed to focus on: (a) access to Remedy; and (b) Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). ACCA is delighted that ‘access to remedy’ has been tabled as the theme for next year’s UN Forum on Business and Human Rights.
ACCA commits itself to advocating for greater African participation, including the participation or representation of affected communities from Africa, and enhanced involvement in debates around business and human rights. ACCA welcomes engagement on the issue from interested parties.
For more information on ACCA and media requests, please contact Damian Oakes,