1st International Conference on Business & Human Rights in Africa

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, Nigeriabvf

has urged employers to respect human rights in business practices which is critical for risk management and the accomplishment of business sustainability.

Ambode noted that globalisation has given businesses the avenue to operate freely around the world which has major impacts on human rights both positively and negatively.

The governor who was represented by solicitor-general of the state, Mrs Funmilola Odunlami, made this disclosure at the first International Conference on Business and Human Rights in Africa organised by Institute of Human Rights and Business at the University of Lagos, Centre of Human Rights and supported by Ukaid.

He affirmed that human rights best practices in corporate business culture is no more a matter of choice, but has increasingly become a necessity and conscious effort must be made to develop internal capacity within corporations to promote, prevent and protect rights within their operating environment.

On the state's commitment towards ensuring a conducive environment to attract local and international businesses, the governor stated that the mechanism is in place and is constantly being monitored and the judiciary and other alternate dispute resolution process are capable of ensuring law and human rights maintenance.

''The relationship between business and human rights has become an issue that states and businesses worldwide cannot ignore. Businesses can help advance human rights by offering access to decent work and higher living standards, and conversely, businesses can also hinder human rights as underpinned by recurring reports from around the world, he said

“As globalisation is accelerated around the world, it has become increasingly clear that businesses whether local or multinational, publicly or privately operated have major impacts on human rights both positively and negatively.

“The primary duty for protecting human rights from abuses involving businesses also lies with governments. This was made clear in the United Nations guiding principles on business and human rights unanimously endorsed in year 2011.

He added: “More states and businesses have been taking steps to put into practice its three pillars which are; the state's duty to protect human rights, the corporate responsibility to respect human rights and and the right of victims to access an effective remedy.

“I am also aware that there are other International Laws, regulations, standards and practices that have also placed additional pressure on global leaders as well as human rights advocates to search for the appropriate paradigm within which businesses would not only stop having an adverse impact on human rights, but will, in fact protect and promote them”.