A national baseline assessment of Business and Human rights has revealed that there are some gaps that require urgent attention.
The gaps, is bridged, will enhance Government and Businesses’ protection of human rights and provide a remedy to human rights abuses in Ghana.
The document which was commissioned under the auspices of the Commission on Human rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) evaluates the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in Ghana which was validated in July last year.
Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame at an official ceremony to launch the report disclosed that “the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights will promote a harmonious relationship with which both business and communities can thrive by providing a comprehensive framework for the coordination of multi-sectoral efforts to ensure respect for human rights in business operations.”
According to him, this will also provide guidance to the state and non-state actors on the requirement for all business operations to be conducted in accordance with human rights tenets.
Commissioner for CHRAJ, Joseph Whittal explained that the report revolves around four areas of the country’s economy; labour, petroleum, finance and mining.
He added that the documents also assess the “government’s progress in achieving its obligations to respect, protect, and fulfill human rights and fundamental freedoms, the compliance level of businesses in respecting applicable laws and upholding human rights in the performance of their business functions, and the existence of appropriate and effective judicial and non-judicial remedies accessible to victims when their rights and human rights are breached.”
The National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights amongst a number of findings, pointed out that; “although some government policies, laws, treaties and institutions meet the standards set by the UN Guiding Principles (UNGPs), there remain some gaps that require urgent attention to enhance Government and Businesses’ protection of, and respect for human rights, and remedy to human right abuses in Ghana”.
Source: Blessed Sogah 8 July 2022
