Ghana has launched a baseline report on the assessment of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).
This follows the conduct of a baseline assessment which identified gaps in Ghana’s implementation of the UN’s Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).
To address the gaps and make further progress on respect for laws on business and human rights, a steering committee is to be established to oversee the development of a National Action Plan (NAP).
The Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Mr. Godfred Yeboah Dame who launched the baseline report said the document would help business operations to be conducted in accordance with human rights standards.
The United Nation Guiding Principle on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) is a non-binding business and human rights regime endorsed by the UN Human Rights Council on the 16th of June 2011 with the aim to advance the prevention and redress of human rights abuses among businesses.
The National Baseline Assessment of Business and Human Rights evaluates the Government of Ghana’s progress in achieving its obligations to respect, protect and fulfil human rights and fundamental freedoms of people in various areas including the acquisition of space for business, how businesses function, and how different groups of people, regardless of gender, religion are treated.
The baseline is to serve as a catalyst for the development of a national action plan on business and human rights in Ghana.
The Commissioner for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Mr. Joseph Whittal said Ghana has made some strides, but there are gaps in the application of the guiding principles.
The report was launched by the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Mr. Godfred Yeboah Dame.
An 18-member steering committee to oversee the development of the national action plan for business and human rights was inaugurated.
The Committee is to be co-chaired by the CHRAJ boss and the Attorney-General.
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