Africa-Press – Lesotho. The Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa (IHRDA) has launched a new study assessing how children’s rights are integrated into National Action Plans (NAPs) on Business and Human Rights (BHRs) across the African continent.
In an interview with the agency on Thursday, the IHRDA, Dr. Musa Kika revealed that only five countries, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Liberia, and Ghana have developed NAPs on Business and Human Rights, and even these contain only minimal provisions for child protection. Dr.
Kika explained that the study examines the status of all 55 African states, identifying best practices, major gaps, and offering actionable recommendations for governments and businesses to strengthen protections for children in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the continent’s long-term development blueprint.
He noted that across Africa, the intersection between business operations and children’s welfare has become one of the most pressing human rights concerns.
As African economies grow, driven by extractive industries, infrastructure expansion, technology, and global trade, the lives of millions of children are increasingly shaped by corporate conduct and state regulation.
“Business has immense potential to advance children’s well-being through decent work for caregivers, child-sensitive products and services, strong regulation of child labour, prevention of exploitation, environmentally responsible practices, and meaningful community investments.
Yet, far too often, business activities still expose children to exploitation, hazardous labour, environmental degradation, displacement, and digital harms,” said Dr. Kika. Mr.Joseph Sunday Sinnah, Expert Member of the Working Group on Business and Children’s Rights of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, added that the report comes at a critical moment, as more African countries adopt or revise their NAPs on Business and Human Rights and National Human Rights policies.
He said the study provides an evidence-based analysis that highlights key challenges relating to child rights and business on the continent and evaluates the extent to which children’s rights are being integrated into national frameworks.
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