Greetings to you all, and thank you for the invitation to speak at this important gathering.

The Network of African National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), and all African National Human Rights Institutions, are vital partners in advancing human rights – including in the context of business, trade and the economy, the focus of this conference.

My Office has been working with your Network to raise awareness about the opportunities and human rights risks in the implementation of the African Free Continental Trade Agreement [AfCFTA].

This is more than just an economic treaty.

It could open new avenues for trade and development across the African continent, supporting efforts to realize the right to development and to address inequalities.

Our joint advocacy planted the seeds for the resolution adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in March, outlining a human rights-based approach to the implementation of the Trade Agreement.

This resolution calls on African Union Member States to promote and protect human rights while the Agreement is implemented, and to ensure that businesses do the same.

NHRIs have a critical role, and I invite you to work closely with my Office to support the African Commission in implementing this resolution.

I also encourage you to seek ways to participate in the design of national implementation strategies for the Trade Agreement, and their follow-through.
Your expertise and commitment will be invaluable to ensure that the Agreement’s benefits are equitably distributed, and that human rights are upheld, every step of the way.

Colleagues,

As we witness a surge in trade and investment in Africa, it is important to ensure that business entities fulfil their human rights obligations.

The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights is a crucial tool to support this.

Significant progress has been made. In recent years, African governments, NHRIs, civil society, and businesses have increased their action to promote responsible business conduct.

As of today, three National Action Plans on Business and Human Rights have been adopted in the continent – in Kenya, Uganda and earlier this year, in Nigeria – and more than ten African countries are currently developing similar plans.

NHRIs can make fundamental contributions to advancing corporate accountability for human rights. By providing legal assistance to affected communities, and raising awareness about rights and remedies. By accepting complaints, investigating abuses, conducting public inquiries, mediating or conciliating disputes, and making remedial recommendations.

My Office will provide continued support to these efforts.

I take this opportunity to recognise the work being done by the 28 ‘A’ status NHRIs across Africa.

Your work not only strengthens the human rights landscape within your respective countries; it also contributes greatly to the global human rights agenda.

To those NHRIs that hold ' B ' Status, and institutions that are yet to be accredited, I encourage you to take meaningful steps toward achieving full compliance with the Paris Principles.

My Office is ready to provide support to strengthen existing institutions, and to establish new ones.

As you know, this year marks the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the 30th anniversary of the Paris Principles.

Our Human Rights 75 initiative aims to rekindle the spirit and promises of the Universal Declaration.

I hope that you will all join this initiative by making pledges to advance the cause of human rights – and that you will encourage your Governments to commit to new pledges.

We need to redouble our efforts to uphold human rights, ensuring that they become lived realities for people everywhere.

Thank you for your support.