Business and human rights scholarship: Developing networks and perspectives from the Global South

The Centre for Comparative Law in Africa, University of Cape Town and University of Derby, UK are pleased to be hosting a workshop funded by the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), on Business and Human Rights Scholarship: Developing networks and perspectives from the Global South.

The workshop aims to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and facilitate the exchange of ideas on effective approaches to implementing the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). It will also provide a platform for meaningful engagement between researchers and key stakeholders.

Project investigators: Dr Eghosa O. Ekhator and Dr Oyeniyi Abe

Sign up here!

When: Tuesday, 1 April 2025
Registration: 8:15 to 9:00 SAST
Conference: 9:00 to 16:20 SAST

Where: OR Tambo Moot Court, Kramer Law Building, Middle Campus, University of Cape Town
A live-streaming option is also available for those who prefer to attend remotely - please sign up to receive the link.

Price: No charge

A packed lunch will be provided for in-person attendees - please sign up so we know to expect you.

Download the brochure.

Programme

Download the programme.

8:15	Coffee and registration
9:00	Welcome remarks Prof. Danwood Chirwa, Dean Faculty of Law, UCT
9:15	Opening remarks Prof. Ada Ordor, Director, Center for Comparative Law in Africa, UCT
9:20	Setting the stage: Developing business and human rights scholarship in Africa Prof. Eghosa Ekhator Dr Oyeniyi Abe Research investigators
9:30	PANEL 1: The state’s duty to protect human rights from non-state actor abuses Moderator: Dr Oyeniyi Abe Dr. Denning Metuge, Department of Public Law, UCT State’s responsibility to protect human rights from an environmental law perspective Commissioner Sandra Makoasha, South African Human Rights Commission Digital rights and business: The role of tech companies in human rights. Ms Nebu Phohlela, Head of Legal, PetroSA Human rights and environmental accountability in the extractive sector: Challenges of implementation, capacity, and compliance
10:30	Coffee break
10:50	PANEL 2: Corporate accountability and human rights in Africa: Challenges, strategies, and legal innovations Moderator: Prof. Eghosa Ekhator Dr. Mikovhe Maphiri, Director, Corporate Law and Corporate Governance Unit, Faculty of Law, UCT Internal corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a tool for advancing business and human rights in South Africa Professor Melanie Murcott, UCT Prospects and challenges of corporate accountability and transparency in South Africa's food supply chains Allan Basajjasubi, Senior Programme Officer: Affirming Rights Stream Natural Justice Internationalisation of due diligence requirements for corporate entities
11:50	PANEL 3: Bridging the gap: Emerging trends in BHR Moderator: Prof. Eghosa Ekhator Bhekumuzi Dean Bhebhe, PowerShift Africa Bridging climate, energy, and development: Business and human rights (BHR) in Africa’s just transition Prof. Brighton Mupangavanhu, University of Western Cape International and domestic law dimensions of ESG considerations in corporate decision-making in Africa Paula-Ann Novotny, Partner, Webber Wentzel The legislative and non-legislative mechanisms which are being used to impose BHR obligations on corporate actors
13:00	Lunch
14:00	PANEL 4: Corporate liability, litigation and BHR Moderator: Dr Oyeniyi Abe Danjelle Midgley, Attorney, Centre for Environmental Rights Practical insights and experiences on litigation and advocacy strategies from a South African public interest environmental and climate justice organisation Dr Julieth Gudo, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, CCLA The impact of poor corporate governance in state-owned companies on socio-economic human rights in South Africa Pooja Dela, Partner, Webber Wentzel Perspectives from South Africa: a practical overview to corporate liability through the lens of the South African Constitution and BHR
15:00	Coffee break
15:20	PANEL 5: Closing Future directions for business and human rights in the Global South: Policy, advocacy, and implementation Reimagining business and human rights from the Global South: Theories, frameworks, and emerging trends Discussants: Dr Oyeniyi Abe, Prof. Eghosa Ekhator and Dr Yakubu Nagu (representing the CCLA Team)