The Ministry of Gender Labor and Social Development has called upon business operators and other players to adhere to human rights standards, embrace positive conflict resolution mechanisms, and take steps to close gaps that lead to an increase in cases of violations.
While giving a media brief on the 5th Annual Symposium on Business and Human Rights read at the Uganda Media Centre on November 7, 2023, Shifrah Lukwago, the Commissioner at Uganda Human Rights Commission who represented the Minister for Gender Labor and Social Development said that this year, the theme of engagement is Assessing Uganda’s journey in access to justice for business and human rights.
“The theme was picked purposefully to check our progress in guaranteeing access to justice for those who claim their rights have been violated by businesses,” Lukwago said.
“While we pledge to continue working collectively as government entities to address these challenges, it is the responsibility of the different stakeholders as well to prevent violation of human rights at all levels,” Lukwago added.
To address human rights concerns, in the year 2021, Uganda adopted a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.
The plan is a key tool in guiding State and non-state actors on the requirement that all business operations are to be conducted in line with human rights standards.
To fast-track the implementation of the plan, every year, the Ministry of Gender Labor and Social Development together with partners organizes a symposium on Business and Human Rights
The annual symposium is attended by members from Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Private Sector Players, Civil Society Organizations, Development Partners, and other members of the public.
