MONROVIA- The Government of Liberia, in collaboration with various partners, has launched a five-year National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights intended to improve Liberia’s business climate and promote respect for human rights in the country.
By Francis G. Boayue
The country’s first National Action Plan for Business and Human Rights is being drafted by the Ministries of Justice and Labor, the Independent National Commission on Human Rights, and all stakeholders.
With support from the United Nations Human Rights and Giz, the plan aims to address the challenges faced by businesses in Liberia, while also ensuring that human rights are protected and respected in all business activities.
Liberia has long struggled with a challenging business environment, characterized by high levels of corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of access to finance among others.
These factors have further hindered the growth of businesses in the country and have also deterred foreign investment, leaving thousands of Liberians in search of jobs opportunities.
In addition, human rights violations, such as forced labor and child labor, have been reported in various sectors, further tarnishing Liberia’s reputation as a business-friendly destination.
However, the newly-launched National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights seeks to address these issues by providing a comprehensive framework for promoting responsible business conduct and protecting human rights.
The plan also outlines a series of actions that the government, businesses, and civil society organizations can take to improve the business climate in Liberia and ensure that human rights are respected in all business activities.
Vice President Jeremiah Koung, officially launching the National Action Plan for Business and Human Rights, said the plan signifies a major victory in Liberia’s many years of advocacy for the protection of human rights in the business sector.
He alarmed that over the years, there have been several instances of bad labor practices and abuse of human rights against employees and laborers in the public and private sectors across the country.
This, VP Koung noted that for too long, Liberians have called for the formulation and implementation of policies and laws to regulate widespread human rights abuses by businesses across the country and the launching of the plan signifies a new dawn.
He said, “So, our gathering here is an answer to this call and an expression of our government, headed by President Joseph Boakai’s commitment to promote responsible business practices in all sectors of our society.”
“While it is true that we continue to make the case for more investments in our economy to expand the private sector and create jobs for our citizens, I urge existing and potential investors to put the welfare of our people at the center of their business operations,” Koung added.
According to Vice President Koung, the protection of human rights goes beyond laborers and employees, as it must capture members of the community who bear the greatest burdens and consequences of bad business operations.
Koung maintained, “As we make history today as the 4th country in Africa to adopt such a visionary plan, we do so with an understanding that the wellbeing of our citizens is the only pathway for achieving sustainable development.”
“Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, the adoption of this plan will enhance our Nation’s standing on human rights and guarantee the protection of communities and laborers from the excesses of bad business practices.
“We must urgently implement this plan to ensure the quest for economic development does not continue to undermine human rights. A society which seeks economic growth at the detriment of its citizens will eventually decline,” he added.
Earlier, Justice Minister, Cllr. Oswald Tweh, disclosed that the National Action Plan includes measures to strengthen the rule of law and improve access to justice for victims of human rights abuses.
This includes a dedicated court system to handle cases of human rights violations in the business sector, as well as the provision of legal aid services for victims who may not be able to afford legal representation.
He further that the National Action Plan also includes initiatives to promote transparency and accountability in the business sector as well as help to prevent the use of shell companies for illicit purposes and ensure that businesses are held accountable for their actions.
For his part, Labor Minister, Cllr. Cooper Kruah, through his proxy, narrated that the National Action Plan includes measures to promote responsible investment in Liberia, including the development of guidelines for responsible business conduct and the promotion of sustainable business practices.
This, he added will help to attract foreign investment to Liberia and create a more conducive environment for businesses to thrive and ensure the protection of all employees and business personnel in Liberia.
He praised his colleagues and partners for taking proactive steps to address the challenges faced by businesses in Liberia as well as promote respect for human rights in the country.
Meanwhile, the INCHR Chairperson, Cllr. Dempster Brown, emphasized the importance of creating a business-friendly environment in Liberia, stating that “a strong and vibrant business sector is essential for the economic development of our country.”
He also stressed the need to ensure that businesses operate in a responsible manner and respect the rights of all individuals and added that with a strong commitment to responsible business conduct and human rights, Liberia is poised to become a more attractive destination for businesses and investors looking to make a positive impact.
