Human rights and extractive industries in Africa: challenges faced by defenders

Tuesday, 3 November 2015

10.00 – 12.30 am

Kairaba Hotel, Banjul, The Gambia

Human Rights Defenders working to promote corporate respect for human rights and pushing for corporate accountability for human rights violations face severe risks to their safety and challenges in their work. As documented by ISHR’s submissions to the West- and Central Africa regional consultations held by the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights’ Working Group on Extractive Industries, Human Rights and the Environment, HRDs pushing for better respect for human rights in the extractive sector face particular risks.

Held on the occasion of the 57th session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, this event is organised by ISHR in collaboration with the ACHPR Working Group. It will seek to raise awareness on these threats, attacks and challenges faced by HRDs working to promote corporate respect for human rights and accountability for violations. It will also explore the role of States, extractive industries and the ACHPR to expand protection for HRDs and provide a platform for them to raise cases for concern.

Panelists

• Reine Alapini-Gansou, ACHPR Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders
• Erick Kassango, Member of ACHPR WG on Extractive Industries and human rights
• Pafing Guirki, Monitoring committee of the government investement on oil revenue (Chad)
• Nora Garmai Bowier, Sustainable Development Institute (Liberia)
• Jules Mbokani, CREDDHO (Democratic Republic of the Congo)

The panel will be moderated by Michael Ineichen of ISHR. Follow the event on Twitter @ISHRglobal and #NGOForum . Download and share the flyers in English et en Français.

Contact: Rumbidzai Masango, [email protected], Phone: +220 377 86 18 (Gambia), +225 4502 6882 (Côte d'Ivoire)