The Deputy Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Diana Asonaba Dapaah, has underscored the need for the general public to be sensitized on human rights in the line of work.

According to her, educating the public on their rights and privileges is the first step to combating indecent labour and abuses meted out to some employees by employers. 

Speaking at the Business and Human Rights Forum organized by the African Union in collaboration with UNDP, and other relevant UN agencies,  Asonaba Dapaah  stated that a national action plan which will ensure a sustainable working environment is expected to be launched by the close of the year.

 “Some of these abuses start with a report or a complaint by the individual and that is why there is a need to sensitize the public. There is no way that there will be a complaint and nothing will be done about it. “

 “So once employers and customers become aware of their rights they can insist and demand of businesses to do the needful. Once businesses become aware of this advocacy for human rights then they will order their affairs accordingly. So the first step is for every citizen to be aware and then it goes to businesses followed by enforcement”.

The Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace And Security of The African Union Commission,  Bankole Adeoye, in his speech delivered by Mr. Issaka Garba Abdou acting Head, Governance and Human Rights Division highlighted the need for the event saying, such engagements will enrich the AU Draft Policy on Business and Human Rights.

 “Let me underscore the importance of this event by indicating that it is not only timely but also appropriate in the sense that it will contribute to the effort of the AU to popularize and build support for the AU Draft Policy on Business and Human Rights and to draw support for its adoption by AU Member States.

“This Forum is a response to the concern raised and will significantly contribute to supporting the Continental Business and Human Rights Agenda,“ he said.

He also added that the forum will create awareness of the need for businesses to pay attention to Human Rights issues in their value chain and to ensure that all member States are fully engaged in its implementation guided by the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).

The Business and Human Rights Forum, which was hosted in Ghana, is the first of many platforms to engage African leaders and policy makers on the need to protect human rights and ensure a sustainable working environment.

It was organized by the African Union in collaboration with UNDP, and other relevant UN agencies,  the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, GIZ and other relevant UN agencies.