Human Rights a key fundamental pillar to Rwanda’s private sector development.

The government of Rwanda recognizes that respecting and promoting human rights is not only an international commitment contained in the Constitution and international instruments but also a strategic imperative for the development of private sector and sustainable economic growth in general. 

This was echoed during a dialogue on the National Action Plan for Business and Human Rights that convened government officials, UN senior officials, civil society organizations, development partners, private sector members, human rights experts from different organizations and members from the media.

This dialogue was aimed at advancing multi-stakeholder discussion on steps towards the development, adoption and implementation of a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAP) which is an opportunity for all stakeholders to work together to advocate for the protection and promotion of human rights in business sector. 

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General Dr. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja underscored that the issue of business and human rights is a complex and multifaceted one and requires collaboration and dialogue among stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities it presents within the specific Rwandan context.

“It is an undeniable fact that business has a profound impact on human rights and this has been either positive or negative. For example, on one hand, business’ activities deliver services that improve the living standards of host communities and directly contribute to the realization of the human rights obligations from governments” he said. 

Minister further observed that the impact of bad business practices has been a driving factor in the climate change crisis that has globally a significant negative effect on human rights. 

According to the UN Resident Coordinator Dr. Ozonnia Ojielo, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights provide much needed clarity about the responsibility of businesses in relation to internationally recognised human rights standards. 

He mentioned that the Guiding Principles also elaborate on the existing obligations of States to ensure that business operates without doing harm to people. And, just as importantly, the avenues for remedy that must be available if harm occurs. 

“The real challenge before us is to do all we can to prevent economic exploitation and trade, which should contribute to the prosperity of nations, from becoming illegal and abusive activities to the detriment of the State and its population”. 

He congratulated the Government of Rwanda for embarking on this journey that will ensure that as we attract business and investments to Rwanda, such businesses do not directly or indirectly engage in activities that lead to human rights abuses.

The Chairperson of the National Commission for Human Rights Mrs. Providence Umurungi stressed that the collaborative approach for developing a National Action Plan for Business and Human Rights will ensure that businesses operate within legal frameworks that uphold human rights, preventing and reducing complaints related to human rights abuses. 

Mr. Marc de Santis, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) Regional Director noted that enshrining human rights in the business sector is a crucial aspect of Rwanda's development journey reiterating SDC's support to create an environment where businesses thrive and ensures that human rights are respected and upheld.