News

ACCA SC Members Convene in Nairobi for the First ACCA SC Members Meeting

Details: Category: Latest Developments; Published: Thursday, 31 March 2016 09:00

Prior to the ACCA Steering Committee (SC) meeting, the ACCA SC members had brainstorming sessions on how best to drive the Coalition forward. Using these sessions as a backdrop, it was decided to kick-start this ambitious project by hosting the first-ever ACCA SC in-person meeting. Planning for the meeting began in January of this year which led to the convening of ACCA SC Members in Nairobi, Kenya, from 15 – 16 February 2016.

A word from the editor (March 2016)

Details: Category: Latest Developments; Published: Thursday, 31 March 2016 09:00

It is a pleasure to write to the members of the African Coalition for Corporate Accountability (ACCA), at the start of what promises to be a busy and productive year for ACCA. While we have a number of key events to come, the first quarter of 2016 has gotten off to a good start for the ACCA, with several events and important meetings taking place across the continent and elsewhere already.

Applying the UN Guiding Principles by Business and Extractive Industries Remains Problematic in the DRC

Details: Category: Member News; Published: Thursday, 31 March 2016 02:00

The 4^th UN Forum on Business and Human Rights took place in Geneva, Switzerland from 16^th to 18^th November 2015; an initiative of the UN Counsel of Human Rights under the leadership of the Working Group on Business and Human Rights. The organisation Justice Pour Tous attended the event and presented a paper on the respect of the UN Guiding Principles by Extractive Industries.

7th Global Conference in Lima, 23 to 26 February 2016: From Reports to Results

Details: Category: Member News; Published: Thursday, 31 March 2016 01:00

The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative’s (EITI) flagship event in extractive resource governance, which takes place every two years, was held from 24^thto 25^th February in Lima, Peru. EITI is a global standard that seeks to promote open and accountable management of natural and extractive resources. It brings together business, government, civil society organisations and community based organisations. This was the 7^th EITI Global Conference. The EITI Global Conference was preceded by the Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Global Assembly that was held from the 22^nd to 23^rd of February 2016.

Alternative Mining Indaba: "Making Natural Resources Work for the People – Leaving No One Behind”

Details: Category: Member News; Published: Thursday, 31 March 2016 00:00

Civil society organisations, academics, Faith Based Organisations, the media, community based organisations, Pan-African networks and organisations, mining-affected communities and international partners convened for the 7th Alternative Mining Indaba (AMI) under the theme “Making Natural Resources Work for the People, – Leaving No One Behind” which took place from 8^th to the 11^th of February 2016 in Cape Town, South Africa. This year’s event attracted more than 350 participants. Since its inception in 2010, the AMI has become a platform where mining-affected communities, in particular, and relevant parties involved shared experiences, strategies to mobilise, advocacy and continuous development of strategic tools to challenge the powers that be in the extractive sector.

Press Release: ACCA Steering Committee Members Convene in Nairobi from 15 to 16 February 2016 for the first ACCA SC Meeting

Details: Category: ACCA News; Published: Tuesday, 01 March 2016 00:00

From 15 – 16 February 2016, ACCA Steering Committee (SC) Members convened in Nairobi, Kenya. This marked the first in‐person SC Meeting since the SC members were elected, and provided the Steering Committee members with the unique opportunity to collectively engage with the ACCA Coordinator.

A word from the editor (December 2015)

Details: Category: Latest Developments; Published: Thursday, 10 December 2015 09:00

This year brought some interesting developments for ACCA. As the Coalition’s first full-time coordinator, I quickly realised that I had big shoes to fill. The support from our colleagues both on the African continent and abroad is most promising, and interest in our work is steadily increasing. Indeed, the ACCA has the potential to become a truly continental coalition working towards corporate accountability in African, and an influential voice in the international arena.

AFREWATCH

Details: Category: Member News; Published: Thursday, 10 December 2015 08:00

African Resources Watch (AFREWATCH) is a non-governmental organisation which was established on 5 December 2013 following years of social degradation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). AFREWATCH was established by a multidisciplinary team of experts whose goal was to guarantee transparency in the extraction of natural resources in Africa as a means of ensuring socioeconomic development of the people of Africa.

The Environmental Impact of Mining and Logging Projects by Chinese Investors in East Kasai, DRC

Details: Category: Member News; Published: Thursday, 10 December 2015 07:00

In line with the “China-Africa project for the improvement of governance and forest resource governance” headed up by the International Institute for Environment and Development DRDC (IIED), and established by the WWF together with the Natural Resources Network, a multiparty stakeholder workshop was held from 8th to 9th August 2015 at the Regional Counsel of Non-Governmental Organisations for the development of the East Kasai (CRONGD)’s offices. The purpose of the workshop was to share the results of the study and discuss the current situation regarding Chinese investment and trends in land usage in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

People’s Forum on Business and Human Rights

Details: Category: Member News; Published: Thursday, 10 December 2015 06:00

The International Network for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR-net) and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) organised the 4^th People’s Forum on Business and Human Rights which took place from 26^th to 28^th October, at the Sarova Panafric Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. A total of 43 participants from all corners of the globe converged in Kenya with the overarching objective of reviewing the progress made, collectively defining new strategies in addressing issues of human rights abuses by TNCs, and establishing a common agenda between the members of the network and its partners for 2016.

Oil Companies Crisis: the Root Cause of Youth Unrest in Nigeria

Details: Category: Member News; Published: Thursday, 10 December 2015 05:00

This article seeks to shed light on the crisis in the Niger Delta region in Nigeria, the root causes of youth unrest within the region, and to advocate for the establishment of a workshop in the post peace-building phase.

ZAMI 2015: Advancing New Thinking on Engagement for Sustainable Mining

Details: Category: Member News; Published: Thursday, 10 December 2015 04:00

Over 250 delegates participated in this year’s Zimbabwe Alternative Mining Indaba (ZAMI) which took place in Bulawayo from 23rd – 24th September 2015 at Holiday Inn Hotel. The annual gathering, which was organised by the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA), Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) and Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD), has become the first alternative space in which communities, civil society organisations, mining companies, legislators and the executive of government engaged in real conversations on events shaping mineral resource governance in Zimbabwe.

ACCA Statement: Annual UN Forum on Business and Human Rights (2015)

Details: Category: ACCA News; Published: Monday, 30 November 2015 00:00

ACCA commends the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights (Working Group) for convening the 4^th Annual Forum on Business and Human Rights in Geneva (Forum), from 16 – 18 November 2015. 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 opportunity to hear from all key stakeholders.

Exploring Business and Human Rights in Malawi

Details: Category: Member News; Published: Friday, 13 November 2015 04:00

As business in Africa experiences exponential growth and attracts foreign investors to the continent, so are the expectations of its citizens for greater accountability and transparency from both their government and businesses operating within their respective borders. Southern Africa’s abundance of natural resources attracts both international and national companies to Malawi’s borders. This explains, in part, why the topic of business and human rights is quickly becoming a focal point within the sub-region.

ACCA Issues Statement on the Development of a BHR Treaty (2015)

Details: Category: Latest Developments; Published: Friday, 30 October 2015 12:00

Several members of the African Coalition for Corporate Accountability (ACCA) have been involved in discussions around a treaty on business and human rights, as introduced by UN Human Rights Council resolution 26/9.

Insight on Damian Oakes

Details: Category: ACCA News; Published: Monday, 17 August 2015 15:13

By way of introduction, my name is Damian Oakes. I completed my undergraduate studies in International Relations and French. Thereafter, I completed an Honours degree in French. During my post graduate studies, I completed a language immersion programme in France during which I worked as a language assistant teaching English as a foreign language at Lycée Gabriel Fauré in Annecy, France. I completed my Masters’ degree in Interpreting and Translation (French to English) whilst focusing on international relations and human rights related issues.

A word from the editor (August 2015)

Details: Category: Latest Developments; Published: Monday, 17 August 2015 12:00

Since my years as an undergraduate university student in the field of International Relations and French, I have always dreamt of working in the field of international development in Africa. Working for the ACCA has provided me with the necessary opportunity to transform this dream into reality.

ZELA Appeals for Corporate Accountability in Zimbabwe

Details: Category: Member News; Published: Monday, 17 August 2015 04:00

The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) is a public interest organisation that promotes the rights of marginalized and vulnerable communities in areas rich in natural resources through ensuring good governance in the environmental and natural resources sector. Since ZELA’s inception, its primary focus has been the advancement of community rights through legal instruments.

Justice For All

Details: Category: Member News; Published: Monday, 17 August 2015 03:00

Justice For All (Justice Pour Tous) is a Congolese organisation created on 7^th April 1995. Its main office is located in Bukavu, in the South Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Justice for All’s raison d’être seeks to accompany vulnerable and marginalised communities through empowerment programmes for peace-building, restoration of socio-economic rights, access to basic healthcare services, sustainable protection of the environment and natural ecosystems, working towards the sound management of natural resources along with the fight against poverty.

Synopsis on the Roundtable on Diamond Mining in the Kasai region

Details: Category: Member News; Published: Monday, 17 August 2015 02:00

In line with the goal of promoting economic and social justice and improving mining governance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Kasai region, more specifically, the Regional Council of Development NGO’s le Conseil Régional des Organisations Non Gouvernementales de Développement (CRONGD) with the support of the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA), arranged a roundtable discussion on diamond mining in the Kasai region.

Report on the Second Meeting of the ACCA

Details: Category: Latest Developments; Published: Wednesday, 17 December 2014 12:00

In late September, almost 60 participants coming from 19 African countries representing 45 civil society member organizations, funders and friends of the African Coalition for Corporate Accountability (ACCA) met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for the Second Meeting of the ACCA. We are delighted to share with you the full report of that meeting.

ACCA Members gather in Geneva and release statement (2014)

Details: Category: ACCA News; Published: Tuesday, 09 December 2014 15:13

We are delighted that several ACCA members were able to participate in the UN Forum on Business and Human Rights last week in Geneva, and they have released the following statement with their reflections and call for action:

ACCA issues statement about African Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights

Details: Category: ACCA News; Published: Thursday, 09 October 2014 11:16

More than 60 ACCA Members gathered in Addis Ababa for Regional Meetings

Details: Category: Member News; Published: Tuesday, 23 September 2014 00:00

After a number of internal discussions following the African Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights, the 88-member African Coalition for Corporate Accountability (ACCA) issued a statement outlining its impressions of the Forum that was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Sept. 16 to 18.More than 60 people representing about 45 civil society organizations of the African Coalition for Corporate Accountability (ACCA) were gathered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia last week to bring grassroots issues to a United Nations meeting at the African Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights, and to lay the structural foundation for the ACCA at its Second Meeting hosted by Global Rights.

ACCA Getting Ready for its Second Meeting Next Week in Addis Ababa

Details: Category: Latest Developments; Published: Thursday, 11 September 2014 12:00

The African Coalition for Corporate Accountability (the ACCA) is delighted to be holding its second meeting next week in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from 18 to 20 September.

ACCA Coordinator Global Rights Hosts Side Event at UN African Regional Forum

Details: Category: Latest Developments; Published: Tuesday, 26 August 2014 09:00

In response to interest from ACCA member organizations, Global Rights is co-hosting a practical training session on “What to do when project impacts are in dispute? Seeking solutions through participatory monitoring and joint fact-finding with companies, communities, CSOs, and government.” This is a side event of the African Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights on September 16 from 9:30 to 1 pm.

Human rights leaders John Ruggie and Motoko Aizawa praise ACCA in open letter

Details: Category: Latest Developments; Published: Thursday, 07 August 2014 08:00

In an op-ed this week, John Ruggie, a Harvard professor and influential leader on issues related to business and human rights, identified the importance of the open letter written by members of the Global Rights-sponsored African Coalition for Corporate Accountability (ACCA).

NPR Interviews ACCA Member From Ethiopia at US-Africa Leaders’ Summit

Details: Category: Member News; Published: Thursday, 07 August 2014 02:00

Activist Teklemariam Berhane of the ACCA member organization HRCO-Ethiopia was interviewed by the public radio network NPR in a segment about human rights issues surrounding the US-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington this week.

Four ACCA Members in the Great Lakes Region Call on President Obama to Protect Virunga National Park

Details: Category: Member News; Published: Tuesday, 05 August 2014 02:00

Four ACCA member organizations from the Great Lakes Region have joined in an open letter calling on President Obama to act to protect Virunga National Park: Centre de Recherche sur l’Environnement, la Démocratie et les Droits de l’Homme (CREDDHO); Réseau pour la Conservation et la Réhabilitation des Ecosystèmes Forestiers (Réseau CREF); Actions pour les Droits, l’Environnement et la Vie (ADEV); and Global Rights Alert (GRA).

ACCA Member Organisation Speaking on Panel in Washington DC During US-Africa Leaders’ Summit

Details: Category: Member News; Published: Friday, 01 August 2014 02:00

We’re delighted that one of our own ACCA member organizations, Human Rights Council-Ethiopia, will be speaking on a side event panel in Washington, DC on August 5 during the US-Africa Leaders Summit.

Former UN Special Representative for Business and Human Rights John G. Ruggie Voices Support for the ACCA

Details: Category: Latest Developments; Published: Wednesday, 30 July 2014 09:00

John G. Ruggie has come out in support of the ACCA, writing in a letter to Global Rights:

Save-the-Date: African Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights 16-18 September 2014, Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)

Details: Category: Latest Developments; Published: Wednesday, 30 July 2014 08:00

The United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights is convening the African Regional Forum on Business and Human Rights, due to be held from 16 to 18 September 2014 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

African Civil Society Calls for Investment that Protects Human Rights at U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit

Details: Category: Member News; Published: Thursday, 24 July 2014 02:00

In the run-up to the first-ever U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, 52 African civil society organizations have sent an open letter to U.S. President Barack Obama and the 50 invited African heads of state asking to participate and have local business and human rights priorities included in a forum that focuses on U.S. trade and foreign investment in Africa.

Invitation to attend the Second ACCA meeting

Details: Category: Member News; Published: Monday, 07 July 2014 02:00

The second meeting of the African Coalition for Corporate Accountability will be held from 18 to 20 September 2014 in Addis Ababa, immediately following the United Nations African Regional Forum on Business & Human Rights.

African Coalition for Corporate Accountability Launched with Support of Global Rights

Details: Category: Latest Developments; Published: Wednesday, 22 January 2014 08:00

The first African regional civil society convening on human rights and business concluded with the launch of a new African Coalition for Corporate Accountability (ACCA). The meeting was held in late November 2013 in Accra, Ghana and hosted by Global Rights: Partners for Justice, with participants from civil society organizations from Sub-Saharan Africa. The ACCA members came together in solidarity to address similar, corporate-related human rights harms they face in their work supporting African communities and individuals who are impacted daily by the work of corporations, both multi-national and domestic.