Speaking with the voiceless...
“In 2006 the Managing Director of Paladin Energy Ltd John Borshoff
said, "Australia and Canada
have become overly sophisticated ... There's been an
over-compensation in terms of thinking about environmental issues
and social issues”, forcing companies like Paladin into Africa”.
Melbourne Sun Herald, 3rd April, 2006.
Multinational Corporations (MNCs) maintain economic and political
power, which often is used to gain influence but also violate rights
of societies in the third-world countries including Malawi. These
often exploit local labor, violate and undermine local policy and
legal frameworks; use double but exploitative standards across
different countries and their operations disturb livelihoods of
indigenous communities without regard to their civil political and
cultural rights. In the pursuit for profits some MNCs leave local
communities with the burden of social and environmental damage and
wastes.
Western and Chinese companies have ranked Sub-Sahara Africa as a top
destination, arguing that the region is in tandem with good
governance principles. The reality on the ground however is
different; most Sub-Sahara African countries score poorly on the
governance and rule of law index and the enforcement of legal and
policy frameworks is almost non-existent. It is therefore important
that the industry, Government officials and CSOs in the region are
all aware of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights
and the OECD Guidelines on Multi-National
Enterprises.
It’s in that light that CFJ is at the core of debates on Business and Human Rights at a community, national, regional and international level to ensure that FDI furthers the realization of principles of equity, participation, empowerment, non-discrimination, accountability, transparency, rule of law and environmental sustainability
CFJ will work within the framework of the UN’s
Business and Human Right’s to advocate for;
(a) State duty to Protect,
(b) Corporate Responsibility to Respect and
(C) Access to remedy for victims of Corporate
mal-practice.
Create awareness of the UN Guiding principles on Business and
Human Rights at the community,
and nation level and contribute to regional and international
debates;
