African civil society organisations, legal experts, grassroots movements and government representatives will gather in Johannesburg this week for the 8th Session of Africa’s Regional Binding Treaty Indaba, aimed at strengthening the continent’s position in negotiations for a legally binding United Nations treaty on business and human rights.
The two-day gathering, scheduled for 24 and 25 June, is being hosted by the Alternative Information and Development Centre (AIDC), the Centre for Applied Legal Studies (CALS), and Lawyers for Human Rights (LHR).
Held under the theme, “Crises, Capital, and Accountability: Advancing an African Agenda for a Binding Treaty in an Era of Global Conflict,” the Indaba comes as negotiations toward a United Nations Legally Binding Instrument on Business and Human Rights enter their twelfth year.
Organisers say the meeting is taking place at a critical moment, with a revised draft of the proposed treaty expected to be released ahead of the next round of negotiations. They argue that African communities and governments must play a stronger role in shaping international rules aimed at holding transnational corporations accountable for human rights abuses and environmental harm.
The treaty process was established to address longstanding concerns that multinational companies operating across borders can evade accountability when communities are harmed by their activities. Civil society groups have been involved in the negotiations since 2014, advocating for stronger protections for affected communities and improved access to justice for victims of corporate misconduct.
According to the organisers, the Indaba is being held against the backdrop of worsening global conflicts, climate change and environmental degradation. They argue that communities in many parts of the world continue to suffer the consequences of corporate activities while facing significant obstacles in obtaining remedies through existing legal systems.
The issue has become increasingly relevant for Africa as demand for critical minerals grows amid the global transition to cleaner energy technologies. Organisers say the continent’s vast mineral resources have attracted increased international investment, raising concerns about the impact of mining and extraction projects on local communities and the environment.
Participants at the Indaba are expected to discuss a range of issues linked to the proposed treaty, including corporate liability, access to effective remedies for victims, jurisdiction over transnational corporations, and strategies to strengthen African states’ negotiating positions.
The meeting will also examine how African governments should respond to the anticipated new treaty draft and explore ways to develop a coordinated regional roadmap ahead of the 12th session of the UN Open-ended Intergovernmental Working Group, which is scheduled to take place in Geneva in October.
The first day of the conference will focus on discussions among African civil society organisations and grassroots movements. Delegates will seek to identify key treaty provisions and develop advocacy strategies.
On the second day, civil society representatives will engage directly with African government officials in an effort to build consensus and strengthen regional cooperation.
Organisers hope the gathering will result in a unified African approach to the upcoming negotiations, stronger collaboration between governments and civil society, and concrete recommendations to ensure the treaty includes enforceable mechanisms for corporate accountability.
They have called on governments, the media, civil society organisations and affected communities to support efforts toward an international legal framework that prioritises human rights, environmental protection and access to justice over corporate profits, particularly in developing countries across the Global South.
