Global Justice Group at the Africa Business and Human Rights Forum 2024: A Commitment to Combat Modern Slavery

As we gather for the Africa Business and Human Rights Forum 2024, Global Justice Group seeks to actively engage in critical conversations around modern slavery and responsible business practices. This year’s theme, “Promoting Responsible Business Conduct in a Rapidly Changing Context,” resonates deeply with our mission to combat human rights abuses in Africa, particularly the pressing issue of modern slavery.

Despite being one of the world’s fastest-growing regions, Africa continues to face significant challenges. Many communities, especially the most vulnerable, struggle to enjoy their civil, political, economic, and social rights. Modern slavery—manifesting as forced labor, human trafficking, and child labor—remains a critical concern. As businesses operate in this complex environment, integrating responsible business conduct (RBC) into their practices becomes essential.

At the forum, we seek to understand the emphasize the importance of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) as a framework for accountability to which countries like Kenya, Uganda, and Nigeria are making strides by adopting National Action Plans (NAPs) to promote ethical business practices. However, many businesses and government entities still lack awareness of these vital regulations and even, go ahead and sideline them or ignore them in their entirety.

Throughout the forum, our focus on shall be on several key initiatives, particularly in relation to our work at Global Justice Kenya to combat trafficking in persons and modern slavery. We look to spotlight our program aimed at ending the exploitation, abuse, and killing of women migrating to Saudi Arabia as domestic workers; as well as connect with policymakers to advocate for stronger legislation that addresses human rights and business practices. Our goal is to ensure that NAPs effectively tackle modern slavery and hold companies accountable for violations, especially in contexts where migrant workers are at risk.

As we engage in these discussions, Global Justice Group feels a renewed sense of purpose and determination. By addressing modern slavery within the context of responsible business practices, and holding accountable profiteers from gross human rights violations, we aim to pave the way for a future where every individual and victim enjoys their rights including access justice and remedy and can live free from exploitation.